Lexus has announced pricing for its first electric car for the US, 2023RZ450e luxury electric crossover, just before it hits dealerships later this month.
The RZ 450e comes in two different trim levels, Premium and Luxury, both of which are only offered in four-wheel drive form. In Premium form, the RZ 450e, as its name suggests, costs $60,800, including a $1,150 destination fee. It’s with 18-inch wheels; adding 20-inch wheels increases the price by $1,240. The RZ 450e Luxury version is priced at $66,300.
While hardly a bargain, this EV sits at a hefty price tag in a burgeoning field of luxury-brand EV crossovers best described as compact by US standards.
For example, the Audi Q4 E-Tron starts at $50,995 in base form, goes all the way up to $64,095 in Prestige E-Tron Q4 50 form. Genesis GV60 starting at $59,985 for Advanced, with the top GV60 Performance instances priced at $68,985. And Volvo C40 2023 starts at $56,395, with the top trim Ultimate bundle version going all the way up to around $62,500.
The RZ is also priced the same as the Tesla Model Y. Right now — and we must stress that, in the times Tesla prices fluctuate—The Model Y long-range dual-motor starts at $56,380, with Performance at $59,380.
Lexus RZ450e 2023
Lexus RZ450e 2023
Lexus RZ450e 2023
Standard features on the RZ include dual-zone climate control with smoke sensor, synthetic leather upholstery, power front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof and doors after electric adjustment with rock sensor activation. Infotainment details include a wireless smartphone charger, 10-speaker audio, five USB-C ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the ability to stream wifi through AT&T with built-in Apple Music and Amazon Music compatibility.
On the Premium model, the $200 Cold Weather package adds a headlight washer and windshield wipers, while for another $175 you can get a radiant knee warmer front. The $1,425 Technology Package adds a 10-inch head-up display, advanced parking functions, and a digital keyless entry system that allows owners to simply use their smartphone (if they have a Remote Connect subscription, available for a three-year trial).
Lexus RZ450e 2023
The Luxury model steps onto the Dynamic Sky roof ($550 option) and offers 20-inch dark metal alloys as a free option. It adds an electrically adjustable steering column, key card entry,
Across the lineup, Lexus also points to RZ’s 3.0 suite of active safety technologies, which adds adaptive cruise control at all speeds, automatic emergency braking at all speeds, and multiple warning systems. alert and intelligently avoid other accidents.
Personalization options on the RZ include a digital rearview mirror, illuminated front badging and 20-inch alloy wheels. And there is a long list of accessories for goods and looks. Add a bunch of those and you’ll top $70,000.
Lexus RZ450e 2023
RZ has a close relationship with TOYOTA BZ4Xand it is developed on the same e-TNGA platform shared with Subaru Solterra.
While the future may bring different types of electric vehicles for Toyota and Lexus, with Toyota focusing more on price and efficiency and Lexus aiming for range and high performance, that’s not true here. The Toyota BZ4X achieved 228 miles in the dual-engine version and 252 miles in the single-engine version.
Lexus has yet to finalize exact specs for the US market, but it is expected to come with a 71.4 kWh battery pack and two-motor four-wheel drive, for a total system output of 313 horse power. Lexus says the built-in 7kw charger will be fully charged in 9.5 hours just like the BZ4X, and DC fast charging will take the battery pack from 0% to 80% in 30 minutes.
Lexus hasn’t confirmed final range and efficiency figures either, but it says the base version with 18-inch tires will be rated for up to 220 miles.
Lexus RZ450e 2023
And there’s one more item that hasn’t been mentioned in the Lexus U.S. build tool or feature list: driving yoke. Previewed to us last year as part of a fine-tuned, wired-driven setup — and finally still on its way to the U.S. at final inspection — this system is a mixed bag but much better than Tesla’s flawed system. After Tesla Awkward boots of a yoke In the Model S and Model X, perhaps Lexus is making sure its own technology works easily.
