Lexus RZ first drive | a practical and luxurious electric car

Lexus is throwing its hat into the ring and hoping to tempt company car user-choosers in the market for a premium electric saloon/SUV/crossover-type car with its latest RZ model.

Sharing the new e-TNGA platform with Toyota’s bZ4x, the RZ steps up the focus on luxury, handling and performance as it enters battle with the likes of Audi’s Q4 e-tron, the BMW i4 and Polestar 2.

The stretched-out, raised up, hatchback body gives the RZ a blend of practicality and sportiness. And, while the link to its sister car is apparent, there are significant styling differences inside and out that give it a unique identity.

The interior is spacious and clad with high-quality materials. This combines with a sporty driving position, achieved by placing the driver lower in the car behind a tall dashboard. We were particularly impressed with the 14-inch central infotainment screen, which delivers crisp high-resolution graphics and is easy to use.

Less impressive is the digital instrument cluster, which appears to have been lifted from a generation before. It’s cluttered and less visually appealing than the central screen. We’d have preferred to see a more blended approach to the digital experience.

Powering the RZ is a pair of electric motors connected to a 71.4kWh battery. It’s the same powertrain as the bZ4x, but Lexus has boosted power to 313PS to deliver more potent performance.

The RZ is naturally responsive, its throttle tuned to deliver the torque without overwhelming its tyres. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes just 5.6 seconds, while top speed is a less impressive, but nonetheless sufficient, 99mph.

Lexus claims a maximum range of around 250 miles is possible and says models equipped with 18-inch wheels are capable of up to 280 miles.

During our testing we found the RZ to deliver a mixed result. Our first drive, setting off cold, saw just 2.3mi/kWh achieved – giving a total range of just 160 miles. When we drove the same car again, later in the day, when temperatures had warmed up and the car was ‘conditioned’ we managed to achieve the 3.7mi/kWh Lexus claims.

The RZ is equipped with an 11kW on-board charger, enabling a recharge in around 6.5 hours when using a sufficient charger. When connected to a public rapid charger (max 150kW), the battery can be topped up from 10%-80% in half an hour.

Efforts by Lexus engineers to boost refinement are apparent when on the move where the RZ remains both comfortable and quiet at pretty much all speeds. Combined with supportive and comfortable seats and an impressive stereo system, the car’s suitability for long-distance travel is high.

For keener drivers, the RZ’s low centre of gravity, punchy acceleration and well-calibrated suspension delivers an engaging drive. It’s not quite at i4 level, but feels more honed than a Q4 or Mercedes EQC.

In 2025, Lexus plans to introduce its new One Motion Grip steering system to the RZ, which uses a yoke-style steering device that is fully drive-by-wire. It enables the steering ratio to be altered drastically, dependent on speed, so full-lock manoeuvres can be achieved by turning the yoke just a quarter turn. At higher speeds the steering is more natural in feel.

As an engineering feat, the One Motion Grip is impressive. However, in practice, and based on a prototype drive, we were left questioning the benefit of the system to a driver.

While it makes manoeuvring at low speed a tad easier, it’s tricky to adapt to the keener ratios and makes low speed driving twitchy. Equally, the ergonomics of the yoke are vastly different to the norm. We’d prefer a standard steering set-up.

Lexus has priced the RZ at the top end of the executive car market, at £62,600. This pushes it beyond the realms of a driver who’d typically be looking for a premium saloon or crossover and closer to luxury models like the Audi Q8 e-tron.

It most closely mirrors the Jaguar I-Pace, although that offers more power and a longer range. While in practice, the RZ feels more like it should sit alongside the Polestar 2, although that can be had for £10,000 less.

The Lexus RZ is a well-equipped, stylish and refined electric car that is good to drive and practical for family use. It should be capable of around 200 miles per charge in real-world use, on par with rivals but not especially impressive.

Its only real downfall is the price point, which places it somewhere outside of the traditional segments and makes it difficult to justify when compared with some of its peers.

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