KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus Malaysia has introduced a positive charge to the electric vehicle (EV) segment with the all-new, all-electric Lexus RZ 450e Luxury.
The RZ is the brand's first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle (BEV) that delivers zero emission, all-electric driving along with a dynamic driving experience packaged within a distinctive design.
Intertwining sustainability with personalised luxury while leveraging the brand's renowned and well-established craftsmanship, the company believes the new Lexus RZ will raise the bar for the luxury EV segment.
"The RZ 450e Luxury is first and foremost, a Lexus. As such it retains all the fine qualities of performance, technical mastery and attention to detail associated with the brand since 1989,' said Datuk Ravindran K., president of Lexus Malaysia.
"More than just a vehicle, which uses an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine (ICE), the Lexus RZ uses electrification technology as a means to enhance basic vehicle performance and driving pleasure.
"Utilising our long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and forward-thinking design, we have reinvented the electric vehicle, not just in terms of eco-friendliness but more so as a vehicle that epitomises the pinnacle of tailored luxury," he added.
More Than Electric
As the first BEV developed from the start to be fully electric, the Lexus RZ draws on the brand's long experience in electrified mobility.
The new model aligns with the global Lexus electrification journey which is contributing to a carbon-neutral society by aiming to offer 100 per cent BEVs globally by 2035.
With the all-new, all-electric Lexus RZ 450e, the brand has brought to life the Lexus Electrified vision first announced with the LF-30 all-electric concept car first seen at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.
The Lexus Electrified vision targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control, and driver enjoyment through electrification technologies.
Electrifying Design
With the RZ, Lexus has taken the design freedoms offered by BEVs to create a vehicle that looks significantly different from conventional SUVs.
As the brand's first 100 per cent battery electric vehicle, Lexus Malaysia said the model pushes the boundaries of the electrified experience in the luxury SUV segment.
"Representing Lexus' Next Chapter design, the model's powerful character is the direct result of the 'Semaless E-Motor' design concept."
Characterising smooth acceleration provided by electrification, the all-new RZ takes inspiration from the inherent dynamism of the cheetah.
Sporty and athletic, the model's nose-to-tail stance, low hood line along with its dynamic form and muscular wheel arches emphasise optimal airflow management and aerodynamic efficiency.
Up front, even though Lexus' spindle grille is noticeably missing, the RZ is instantly recognisable as a Lexus as the signature feature has been amplified into a BEV spindle body.
Sustainable Elegant Interior
Inside, the all-new RZ evokes Lexus' signature human-centred design and technologies. The cockpit is an evolution of Lexus' Tazuna Concept with driving-related controls concentrated around the steering wheel, enabling the driver to drive freely as intended.
Additionally, the head-up display, meter, and centre display are arranged in a cockpit layout that allows for smooth line of sight.
The model utilises shift-by-wire paddle shifters with a dial type shift knob located on the centre console. This along with the cabin's minimalist design further accentuates space whilst highlighting the Lexus RZ's luxuriously appointed environment.
The centre console is crafted with Tsuyasumi ornamentation offering a shiny charcoal effect and resulting in an aesthetically pleasing subtle shine.
The unique effect is the direct result of overlaying delicate layers through advanced film technology with Takumi craftsmanship. The result is a silky smooth expression of depth within the space that further highlights the RZ's modern image.
Key interior features include Lexus Climate Concierge and S-Flow Control with nanoe X airpurification technology for efficient cooling airflow and fresh air throughout the cabin.
An ambient lighting system offering a spectrum of 64 colours provides customisable illumination as part of the in-cabin experience.
Entertainment comes in the form of a classy and powerful 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system.
Energising Performance
The RZ is the first Lexus model to use the newly-developed e-TNGA platform which allows for efficient packaging of electric drive system, reduced weight (compared to ICE platform), optimised mass placement and better rigidity.
A lithium-ion battery pack with a total capacity of 71.4 kWh powers the vehicle.
The RZ battery pack can be charged with either AC or DC power supply.
For AC charging, the maximum power supply is 11 kW using a Type 1 (J1772) cable. DC charging is done with a CCS2 cable and can be up to 150 kW for fast charging.
On a full-charge, the Lexus RZ 450e offers up to 440km (WLTP).
In terms of performance the Lexus RZ offers a dual motor set-up with the front producing 150 kW and the rear 80 kW for a total power output of 230 kW.
The RZ is the first production model to feature Lexus's new DIRECT4 intelligent all-wheel drive control system, working with the two e-Axles.
Highly Charged Appeal
Like all Lexus vehicles, safety is paramount in the all-new RZ. The model arrives with the third generation Lexus Safety System + (LSS+) offering world-class safety performance.
A full complement of SRS airbags along with the enhanced impact-absorbing quality of the vehicle's frame provides exceptional collision protection.
Making parking a cinch rather than a task, the Lexus RZ comes endowed with the advanced Lexus Teammate Advanced Park system.
By engaging four Parallel View Monitor (PVM) cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, the intuitive system is able to engage automatic manoeuvring of the vehicle into a parking bay seamlessly.