Lexus RZ 450e, we got on the new electric with steering by cable

Lexus has launched its second all-electric car, the new Lexus RZ . Yes, it's the second after the UX 300e, but the first to use a dedicated electric vehicle platform . In any case, the experience of the Japanese premium brand and Toyota in electrification is more than proven. Lexus has sold over 2,2 million electric cars, 60.000 of which have been registered in Spain.

But putting all these details aside, it's time to focus on this new Lexus RZ. We haven't been able to drive it yet, although we did see it live at its static presentation, get inside, and test—while stationary—the new Yoke steering wheel that's generating so much buzz. Its price? Starting at €73.000.

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

As we mentioned, this is the first Lexus to use the Japanese manufacturer's dedicated electric vehicle platform. But don't be fooled, because although this platform 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 crossover design , but it's by no means geared towards off-roading. Despite being an electric, all-wheel-drive model , as you can see in the images, its ground clearance is quite low and the tires are low-profile. The dimensions of this car are 4,8 meters long, 1,89 meters wide, and 1,63 meters high.

As for the mechanical aspects, all RZ models will be all-wheel drive. So far, the Lexus RZ 450e has been unveiled , featuring a 150 kW front motor and an 80 kW rear motor. This results in a combined output of 230 kW, equivalent to 313 hp . This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,6 seconds.

Thanks to the electronics, it has an adaptive torque distribution based on the needs of each moment, sending more power to the front or rear axle depending on the driving conditions.

As we mentioned, the battery is the same one used in the Toyota bZ4x and the Subaru Solterra. It has a capacity of 71,4 kWh . The range hasn't been officially certified yet, but it's expected to exceed 400 kilometers , as they estimate consumption of less than 18 kWh/100 km. It can be recharged at up to 150 kW DC and up to 11 kW AC.

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

Perhaps the most striking feature of this new model is its steer-by-wire system . It's an optional system that eliminates the physical steering column, being controlled entirely electronically. Lexus calls it the One Motion Grip system.

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 quite unusual because it lacks a top rim and is very flat on the underside.

They were able to introduce this design because, thanks to the electronic steering control, it features variable steering ratio, requiring very little travel to turn from lock to lock—only 150 degrees from the center to the extreme . At low speeds, the wheels turn a lot with little steering input, while at high speeds the steering ratio is much higher.

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

“ With the Steering Yoke, the driver has a clearer view of the instrument panel and the road ahead. Lexus designers took advantage of this to position the gauges higher and further away 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're dealing with a Lexus, so it's essential to review its quality. The materials chosen are very pleasant to the touch, and everything is well laid out , with the basic functions within easy reach. Frankly, this is greatly appreciated, especially considering the fantastic feel of the rotary dials for the climate control and the gear selector, which is located on the center console.

What I'm not entirely convinced about is that the interior door handles are too small and don't require a natural movement to operate. You have to make a somewhat forced motion and pull them with just one finger. Frankly, I don't think it's a good solution, although it's probably just a matter of getting used to it.

I must also mention the central infotainment screen , which is a whopping 14 inches . It comes with integrated navigation, voice control, Lexus-specific apps, and all the necessary information for the driver. The resolution seems excellent at first glance.

And very good space, especially for the legs

Regarding space, thanks to its 2,85-meter wheelbase, occupants will feel very comfortable. In the front seats, perhaps the only thing that might be slightly jarring is that the center console is a bit wide, but it's not intrusive.

In the back, legroom is very generous; you can practically cross your legs without your shoes touching the front seatbacks. Headroom is also ample, though not as remarkable as the legroom. Of course, as is typical in electric cars, the floor is slightly raised, placing your knees higher than in a conventional car. The middle seat can be used by an adult, but it won't be ideal for long journeys with five occupants.

As for cargo capacity, the volume hasn't been confirmed yet, but Lexus estimates the trunk will be over 550 liters . It's a shame there isn't a second storage space in the front of the car, for example, to store charging cables.

Equipment of the Lexus RZ 450e

The Lexus RZ will be available in three trim levels: Business, Executive, and Luxury . The two higher trims can be equipped with an optional One Motion Grip package, which includes the signature steering wheel and non-electronic power steering. The equipment list is below.

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 for the Lexus RZ is €73.000 . The first units will be delivered in the final weeks of 2022, although the brand has already opened orders for this model. Lexus estimates sales of between 200 and 400 units per year in Spain, anticipating that approximately half will feature the unique One Motion Grip steering system.