Lexus is expanding its all-electric RZ luxury SUV range with the introduction of the front-wheel drive RZ 300e. Joining the all-wheel drive RZ 450e in the range, the RZ 300e offers the same premium equipment specifications together with an extended driving range of up to 297 miles (WLTP data for new entry-level Urban grade).
The Lexus RZ 300e shares several key elements with its all-wheel drive RZ 450e sibling, including its 71.4kW/h lithium-ion battery and 150kW (201bhp) front electric motor with 266Nm of maximum torque.
Structurally, the new model adopts a rear subframe in place of the e-Axle unit featured in the all-wheel drive version. But this simplified drivetrain allows the RZ 300e to deliver an increased official driving range of up to 297 miles (WLTP combined cycle with 18-inch wheels) while dispatching the 0-62mph sprint in eight seconds. By comparison, the all-wheel drive RZ 450e offers a WLTP range of up to 272 miles and a 5.3 second 0-62mph time.
In other respects, the two RZ versions are alike, displaying uniquely Lexus Takumi craftsmanship luxury, a fully digital cockpit and the latest safety and multimedia technologies with third-generation Lexus Safety System+ features and Lexus Link Pro multimedia system.
Urban: the new entry-level equipment grade for the Lexus RZ 300e
The grade structure follows the same pattern as the RZ 450e and includes offering 18-inch wheels on Urban, Premium and Premium Plus versions to maximise the potential driving range.
Standard features of the Urban model include 18-inch alloy wheels, single LED headlights with Automatic High Beam, smart entry and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with front and rear parking sensors. The cabin is equipped with dual-zone air conditioning with Nanoe-X air quality system, a heated steering wheel and a wireless smartphone charger. The Lexus Link Pro multimedia system includes a 14-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker audio system, with smartphone integration via both Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired). The Lexus Link app provides access to connected services, while four USB-C ports are provided for device charging. In addition to the extensive protection provided by Lexus Safety System+ the Urban model comes with a Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Assist with e-Latch electronic door release.
The Premium model introduces heated, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way lumbar support on the driver’s seat, upholstered in Tahara synthetic leather. The power back door has a kick sensor for hands-free operation and there is also rear privacy glass and a panoramic roof. The options are 20-inch wheels and a bi-tone paint finish.
The Premium Plus specification includes a Panoramic View Monitor, ventilated front seats, front radiant heaters, a memory setting for the driver’s seat and a head-up display. Options are as for the Premium grade model.
At the top of the range, the Takumi model’s cabin features Ultrasuede upholstery, 64-colour ambient lighting, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system and a dimmable panoramic roof. External features include 20-inch alloy wheels, single-LED headlights with Adaptive High-beam System, LED front fog and cornering lights and gloss black wheel arches. Ride stability and comfort are supported by the addition of front and rear performance dampers and a rear performance rod.
All information was correct at the time of publishing.
