Lexus RZ Revealed As The Brand's First-Ever EV In America

Inside, the cabin has been designed to minimize driver distraction and sees the door cards flow into the low instrument panel. Interestingly, the yoke steering wheel that we were expecting has been left out of the equation, at least for the American market and for the time being. As for materials, two types are used on the seats, including Ultrasuede which uses 30% bio-based sustainable materials. A 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display will be provided and will be accessible via voice control, although we're glad to see that some physical knobs remain too. Steering wheel controls will be able to adjust this system with drivers able to control navigation, audio, and drive mode selection. These switches on the wheel are synchronized with the available head-up display system to further encourage drivers to focus on the road ahead and the overall cabin layout is intended to minimize driver eye movement, thus reducing fatigue and distraction, increasing safety.

Three interior color schemes are offered including Orage (French for 'storm'), 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."

Other highlights include the availability of a panoramic glass roof, which is dimmable for the first time in a Lexus, and Lexus Safety Suite 3.0 with its Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, and Lane Departure Alert. To maximize comfort, another Lexus first is the inclusion of a radiant heater that minimizes strain on the battery. Other notable mentions include a specific in-cabin sound and the reduction of unwanted noise through new acoustic glass, a new weatherstripping cross-section, and the fact that the underfloor battery acts as a sound barrier.

Speaking of insulation, an optional steer-by-wire system reduces effort when making turns and is said to be capable of "blocking out unnecessary vibrations from the tires and brakes, only relaying vital information such as road information to the driver." Hmmm. We'll have to try this one out for ourselves before we praise it in any way.

Still, with MacPherson strut suspension in front, a trailing arm double-wishbone setup at the rear, and the first Lexus Frequency Reactive Dampers that enhance handling and comfort, Lexus is adamant that the RZ will provide "precise control of sprung weight, along with natural posture changes, a tactile steering feel, and the linear responses of steering, braking, and acceleration."

As for performance, Lexus has revealed little except to say that this will launch as the RZ 450e in the US. Based on Toyota's e-TNGA platform, as seen on the Toyota bZ4X, the dual-motor setup produces the equivalent of 201 horsepower (150 kilowatts) at the front axle and 107 hp (80 kW) on the rear. Lexus did not disclose what the combined outputs are, but seeing as these are the same motors from the bZ4X in a different configuration, it stands to reason a total figure of 308 hp is in the cards. With a 71.4kWh battery, Lexus says to expect up to 225 miles of range with 18-inch tires. We'll know more ahead of the RZ's on-sale date, which is expected to be some time "towards the end of 2022."