Lexus RZ 450e, we get on the new electric with steering by wire

Lexus puts on sale the second electric car in its entire history, the new lexus rz. Yes, it is the second after the UX 300e, but the first to use a specific electric vehicle platform. In any case, the experience of the Japanese premium brand and the Toyota manufacturer in electrification is more than contrasted. Lexus has sold more than 2,2 million electrified cars, of which 60.000 units have been registered in Spain.

But leaving all these details aside, it's time to focus on this new Lexus RZ. We have not yet been able to drive it, although we have seen it live in its static presentation, we have climbed inside and we have tried -in standstill- the new Yoke flywheel that is giving so much to talk about. Its price? Since 73.000 €.

e-TNGA platform and 313 hp with all-wheel drive

As we said, it is the first Lexus to use the Japanese manufacturer's specific platform for electric vehicles. But we must not let ourselves be fooled, because although this base is shared with other models, such as the Toyota bZ4x and the Subaru Solterra, only the battery and the structure are identical.

The Lexus RZ has a design Crossovers, but much less focused on going out on unpaved tracks. Despite being a model four-wheel drive electric, as you can see in the images, its free height is very fair and the tires are low profile. The dimensions of this car are 4,8 meters long, 1,89 wide and 1,63 high.

As for the mechanical part, all the RZ will be all-wheel drive. So far, it has been presented Lexus RZ450e, which has a 150 kW front motor and an 80 kW rear motor. joint power is 230 kW, which translates into 313 CV. This allows you to do the 0 to 100 in 5,6 seconds.

Thanks to electronics, it has a adaptive torque split depending on the needs of each moment, sending more energy to the front or rear train depending on the driving conditions.

As we said, the battery it is the same used by the Toyota bZ4x and the Subaru Solterra. Has a 71,4 kWh capacity. The autonomy has not yet been homologated, but a range greater than 400 kilometers, since they estimate a consumption of less than 18 kWh/100 km. It can be recharged with powers of up to 150 kW in direct current and up to 11 kW in alternating current.

The highlight of the Lexus RZ, the new One Motion Grip steering

@actualidadmotor Rotation range of only 150 degrees! ? What do you think? #lexus #lexusrz450e #lexus_lx570 #return to the future ♬ original sound – ActualidadMotor

Probably the most striking point of this new model is its steer-by-wire steering (wired address). It is an optional system that dispenses with the physical steering column, being fully controlled electronically. Lexus calls it a system One motion grip.

This has allowed the Japanese brand to install a small steering wheel, similar to that of an airplane. As can be seen in the images, this “Steering Yoke” is very peculiar because it lacks an upper ring and the lower part is very flat.

They have been able to introduce this design because thanks to the electronic steering control it has a variable ratio, requiring very little travel to turn lock to lock, only 150 degrees from center to end. At low speed the wheels turn a lot with little steering angle, while at high speed the gear ratio is much higher.

Lexus says that it will take very little time for any customer to get used to its design and function, although that remains to be seen when we can test it. What I do think will be difficult for anyone is to drive this vehicle for a while with this system and then drive a car with normal steering.

"With the Steering Yoke, the driver has a clearer view of the instrument cluster and the road ahead. Lexus designers took advantage of this aspect to position the gauges higher and further apart than would have been possible with a conventional steering wheel, thus minimizing the need for the driver to adjust their line of sight."

Good quality, as usual in the brand

We are with a Lexus, so it is essential to review its quality. The chosen materials are very pleasant to the touch and everything is well organized, dropping the basic functions by hand. Honestly, this is much appreciated, also having fantastic touch wheels for climate control or for the gear selector, which goes on the center console.

What has not completely convinced me is that the interior handles to open the doors are too small and do not imply a natural gesture to activate them. You have to make a somewhat forced movement and pull them with just one finger. Honestly, it has not seemed like a good solution to me, although it is probably all getting used to.

I must also stop at the infotainment center display, which is of nothing more and nothing less than 14 inches. It comes with integrated navigation, voice control, specific Lexus applications and all the necessary information for the driver. The resolution at first glance seemed very good.

And very good space, especially for the legs

Regarding space, thanks to its 2,85 meter wheelbase the occupants will be able to feel very comfortable. In the front seats, perhaps the only thing that can shock a little is that the center console is somewhat wide, but it does not become intrusive.

In the rear, legroom is very generous, so much so that we can practically cross our legs without rubbing the toe of the shoe on the front backrest. For the head there is also a lot of distance, although not as remarkable as in length. Of course, as usual in electric cars, the ground is slightly raised and our knees are in a higher position than in a thermal engine car. For its part, the central square can be used by an adult, but it will not be ideal for long journeys with five occupants.

As for cargo capacity, the volume has yet to be confirmed, but Lexus estimates that the trunk will be greater than 550 liters. A pity that in the front part of the car we do not have a second space to, for example, store the recharging cables.

Equipment of the Lexus RZ 450e

The Lexus RZ will be available in three trim levels, which are called Business, Executive and Luxury, being able to add an optional package called One Motion Grip on the top two, which includes the characteristic steering wheel and steering without electronics. Here is the list of equipment.

Business

18-inch wheels
Bi-LED headlights
Dual zone air conditioning
Smart Entry
Electric parking brake
Smart Connect with 14-inch screen
Navigator
Lexus SafetySystem
4 driving modes

Executive (adds to Business)

20-inch wheels
Panoramic ceiling
Tahara upholstery
Electric seats
Radiant heating
360 degree camera
remote parking
Electric tailgate
wireless charger for mobile
acoustic crystals

Luxury (adds to Executive)

Dimmable panoramic roof
matrix headlights
Memory ventilated seats
Customizable ambient lights
220 volt socket
Mark Levinson sound system with 17 speakers
Ultra soft upholstery
heated steering wheel
Head-Up Display

Lexus RZ Prices

The official starting price of the Lexus RZ is 73.000 euros. The first units will be delivered in the last weeks of 2022, although the brand has already opened orders of this model. They believe from Lexus that the sales estimate is between 200 and 400 units per year in Spain, sensing that approximately half have the curious One Motion Grip steering system.