Lexus has joined the league of automotive companies to unveil full-electric cars. The company has unveiled the all-new electric 2023 Lexus RZ 450e which is the company’s first global Battery EV (BEV). The event officially ushered the company into the next generation of cars. We will be reviewing the full specifications, release date, MSRP, and price of the 2023 Lexus RX 450e in Nigeria.
The all-new RZ marks Lexus’ transition into a BEV-centered brand, and it embodies the unique Lexus vehicle design and driving experience made available through advanced, electrified technology. Lexus adopted the TNGA platform but this time around they modified it to suit the electric drivetrain. The all-new RZ features DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system, a new steering control as well as an available steer by Wire system to enable vehicle control.
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The exterior design
Lexus replaced the identifiable spindle grille is replaced by a BEV spindle body. The new front bumper design focuses on aerodynamic efficiencies, optimized proportions, and style, versus serving the cooling and exhaust needs of an internal combustion engine. This styling evolution ushers in a new Lexus aesthetic and establishes a new design direction for BEV offerings,
The DIRECT4
The driving force of the four wheels with high precision is continuously controlled by DIRECT4 and the newly developed high-output electronic axle (eAxle) motor. It works according to the ground contact load of the vehicle regardless of road surface and driving conditions to achieve an exhilarating driving experience in line with the driver’s intention.
It controls wheel vehicle speed, acceleration, and steering angle sensor information to control front-to-rear drive force ratio distribution between 100:0 and 0:100. This brings about an improved start-up acceleration, handling stability, and low power consumption. The DIRECT4 makes use of an approximate front-to-rear drive force ratio distribution between 60:40 and 40:60 to minimize vehicle pitch during launch and straight-line acceleration.
The eAxle
To fully integrate the motor, transaxle, and inverter within a compact unit to benefit cruise range, spacious interior as well as and excellent design, the eAxle was developed. On the front eAxle, Lexus packaged a short front/rear system layout, while the rear eAxle features a low-profile layout contributing to increased interior and cargo space. The use of a high-efficiency inverter having an element in the rear contributes to an increase in cruise range.
A new regenerative braking system has been developed to provide seamless, direct, and controlled braking under the direction of the Lexus Driving Signature. The regenerative braking system improves regenerative efficiency to increase cruise range while enhancing brake feel.
Available steer by wire with innovative steering control
The latest Lexus-first steer by wire system enables the electronic exchange of steering and road surface information between the advanced steering control and tires via electrical signals, not mechanical linkages. The new system is one of its kind. The system will be available in the U.S at a future date.
The new steering angle is set at approximately 150 degrees, thereby reducing the driver’s workload and eliminating the need for hand-over-hand operation at intersections, U-turns, parking, winding roads, and other driving situations.
Aside from providing smooth handling, the new system also brought about larger cockpit space.
A quiet interior
Since there will be no more sound owing to the fact that we are now using electric motors over combustion engines, Lexus engineers created expressive in-cabin sounds to convey the exhilaration of driving. The engineers matched sound frequencies to the vehicle’s speed and sound levels during dynamic actions such as acceleration.
The entire perimeter is sealed to eliminate noise caused by turbulent airflow. The front/ rear seat acoustic glass and a new weatherstripping cross-section create a quiet, conversation-friendly space even when driving at high speed.
A new BEV system
The all-new Lexus RZ features exclusive, high-capacity batteries and silicon carbide power semiconductor elements in the inverter, as well as the incorporation of low-loss technology cultivated in the development of HEVs.
This contributes to extending the single-charge cruise range of the vehicle. The current U.S manufacturer-estimated range is up to 225*3 miles with 18-inch tires.
2023 Lexus RZ aerodynamics
The all-new RZ’s spindle-shaped design generates a distinctive roof spoiler to suppress aerodynamic force acting on the body in a crosswind. This ensures a more stable driving feel. The center of the roof is shaped to allow airflow smoothly from the sloped rear glass surface to the rear of the vehicle. At the end of the trunk, the ducktail shape reduces aerodynamic drag by balancing the aft airflow.
The interior
The flowing shape from the doors integrates with the low positioned instrument panel. The door trim and console passing between the driver and passenger’s seat creates a clean, wide-open feel. In addition, the ultra-suede door trim ornamentation, seats, and upper wood-grain console create a refined omotenashim or anticipatory hospitality, space.
Extra space is available at the rear, thanks to the long wheelbase. A sense of warmth is brought about by two types of seat materials which include Ultrasuede, an upholstery material that pursues a sense of warm refinement using 30%-bio-based sustainable materials. The front cockpit, based on the tuzuna concept, advances Lexus’ human-centered philosophy.
Interior color options
Three interior options are available, they include Orage, Palomino, and Dapple Gray/Black. In addition, the world’s first Shadowy illumination changes the shade of light projected onto the door trim ornament when the doors are opened and closed, adding new flair to the interior space.
Safety technologies in the 2023 Lexus RZ
The all-new 2023 Lexus RX is debuting with the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 set of driving aids. The system includes Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Emergency Driving Stop System as standard.
LSS+ 3.0 on the 2023 RZ includes some additional features offered with the available driver monitor system.
- Pre-Collision System [PCS]: The driver monitor system checks the driver’s condition, and if it is determined that the driver is distracted or drowsy, judged by how often the driver looks away from the road, the system will provide an earlier timing alert and braking to help avoid a collision and/or possible damage.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control [DRCC] (with full-speed follow function): While enabled, the driver monitor system will check to see if the driver is attentive, and will judge the distance from the preceding vehicle, adjusting based on the distance (time) setting (four levels available) and automatically brake when too close.
- Lane Departure Alert [LDA]: When the driver monitor system is engaged, the system will detect the driver’s level of alertness, and, if it determines the driver is inattentive, the system activates either the alert or the steering assist at an earlier time than usual.
- Emergency Driving Stop System [EDSS]: When Lane Trace Assist (LTA) is activated, if the driver monitor system determines that the driver becomes unable to continue driving the vehicle, the system will decelerate the vehicle and stop within the current lane to help avoid a collision or reduce the impact of a collision. To do this, the system first warns the surroundings by flashing the hazard lamps while gently decelerating the vehicle until the vehicle comes to a full stop.
Available advanced Park with remote function expands support for parallel parking. In addition to conventional back-up parking, forward-facing parking is now supported, enabling forward-facing/back-up exit.
Additional driver and passenger comforts include radiant heaters1 to comfortably warm the passenger’s knees while working with the air conditioner to provide a warm temperature at a reduced rate of battery consumption.
Both driver and passengers can enjoy the wide-open space created by the panoramic roof which is equipped with a Lexus-first, available dimming function, which instantly reduces the amount of light entering the cabin area.
Entertainment and infotainment system
Standard on the 2023Lexus RZ is the North-American –developed Lexus Interface multimedia system recently launched on the NX and LX. The system is accessible via voice commands and a 14-inch touchscreen.
Release of the 2023 Lexus RZ450e
The all-new 2023 Lexus RZ450e will go on sale towards the end of 2022.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the 2023 Lexus RZ450
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the 2023 Lexus RZ450eRanges between $59,650 and $65,150. The Premium AWD grade with 18-inch wheels costs $59,650, the Premium AWD grade with 20-inch wheels costs $60,890 and the Luxury AWD drive which is the highest grade in the lineup costs $65,150.
Price of 2023 Lexus RZ450e in Nigeria
The price of the 2023 Lexus RZ450e in Nigeria will range between 70,000,000 to 90,000,000 Naira.
Quick facts about the 2023 Lexus RZ450e
| Make | Lexus |
| Model | RZ450e |
| Model year | 2023 |
| Overall length | 4,805 mm (189 inches) |
| Overall width | 1,895 mm (74.6 inches) |
| Overall height | 1,635 mm (64.4 inches) |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm (1,12.2 inches) |
| Tire size | 18/20 inches |
| Cruise range | Up to 225 miles |
| Battery capacity | 71.4kWh |
| Power output | Front: 150 kW Rear: 80 kW |
| MSRP | $59,650 – $65,150 |
| Price in Nigeria | 70,000,000 – 90,000,000 Naira |
| Release date | End of 2022 |
