Lexus RZ

The Lexus RZ is an upcoming battery electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV from Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. It is the first dedicated battery electric vehicle of the Lexus marque that will be sold worldwide and it uses the same e-TNGA platform shared with the Toyota bZ4X/Subaru Solterra.[1]

Lexus RZ
Overview
ManufacturerLexus (Toyota)
Production2022 (to commence)
Model years2023 (North America)
AssemblyJapan: Toyota, Aichi (Motomachi plant)
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size luxury crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutDual-motor, all-wheel-drive (Direct4)
Platforme-TNGA
RelatedToyota bZ4X
Powertrain
Electric motor
Power output230 kW (308 hp; 313 PS)
TransmissioneAxle
Battery71.4 kWh lithium-ion
Range
  • 450 km (280 mi) (approximate cruising range, WLTC)
  • 360 km (225 mi) (approximate cruising range, EPA)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length4,805 mm (189.2 in)
Width1,895 mm (74.6 in)
Height1,635 mm (64.4 in)

History

Lexus introduced the UX300e battery-electric SUV in 2019 for the Chinese market; it is similar to the UX250h parallel hybrid, but the gasoline motor was removed and a larger 53 kW-hr battery pack was installed beneath the floor.[2] In August 2020, Lexus trademarked the name RZ450e. The RZ will be the first Lexus battery-electric vehicle sold worldwide.[3]

Lexus LF-Z concept (2022)

The RZ was previewed in a concept form as the LF-Z Electrified in March 2021,[4] and a prototype model was exhibited in December 2021. It will go on sale in November 2022 for North America[5] as the 2023 model year, initially in RZ 450e grade.[6] The final exterior design was unveiled during a Toyota press event held in April 2022 to announce its future plans for rolling out battery-electric models.[7]

It will be equipped with a fully variable "Direct4" all-wheel drive system and steer-by-wire technology.[8]

LF-Z

The LF-Z has the "Direct4" all-wheel drive which allows torque to be vectored individually to each wheel using two traction motors. It carries a 90 kW-hr lithium-ion battery and has an estimated range of 600 km (370 mi) on the WLTP cycle used in Europe.[9]

Design

Powertrains

The front motor of the RZ450e is taken from the front-wheel drive version of the bZ4X, while the rear motor is taken from the all-wheel drive version of the same car, making it quicker than the bZ4X/Solterra.[10]

Model Chassis code Electric motor Transmission Power Torque
RZ 450e 1×1XM (front) eAxle 150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS) 265 N⋅m (195 lb⋅ft)
1×1YM (rear) 80 kW (107 hp; 109 PS) 170 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft)

The storage battery is identical to the e-TNGA platform twins bZ4X/Solterra, with a capacity of 71.4 kW-hr. The RZ450e has an estimated range of 200 to 225 mi (322 to 362 km) under the United States (EPA) driving cycle, depending on wheel size. The maximum charging rate is 150 kW. Four levels of regenerative braking are available; the lowest level eliminates regeneration entirely and relies on the mechanical (hydraulic) brake system; according to RZ450e chief engineer Takashi Watanabe, this was done to provide a more conventional braking feel.[10] At maximum regeneration, the deceleration rate is 0.15 g0 (1.5 m/s2).[5]

Steer-by-wire

The steer-by-wire system, which Lexus have branded One Motion Grip for some markets, comes with a steering yoke and removes the physical connection between the yoke and the steering rack. The position of the yoke is used to drive a motor attached to the steering rack, while a second motor provides feedback to the yoke itself. The effort required to turn the yoke varies in response to driving conditions. Regardless of the situation, the total rotational range of motion is 300 degrees, which removes any need to perform a hand-over-hand movement for which a conventional steering wheel may be more suitable. In a hands-on test, Motor Trend called the yoke "little more than a novelty" but declared the "steering system that minimizes movement by instantly and intuitively adjusting to ever-changing conditions ... [is] a brilliant bit of engineering that could well change driving for the better".[11]

References
  1. Bruce, Chris (2021-12-14). "Lexus RZ 450e Design Unveiled As The Posh Toyota bZ4X Alternative". Motor1.com. Retrieved 2021-12-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. Loh, Edward (2019-11-22). "Review: The Electric Lexus UX SUV Isn't Coming to the U.S., But Maybe It Should". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  3. "Lexus's Electric bZ4X Will Be Called the RZ 450e". Motor Trend. 2021-12-14. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  4. "Lexus Accelerates Its Electrified Future with LF-Z Electrified Concept Debut | Lexus | Global Newsroom". Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website. 2021-03-30. Retrieved 2021-12-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. Cole, Craig (2022-05-02). "2023 Lexus RZ 450e First Drive Review: Clever Features, Embarrassing Range". Roadshow. CNET. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  6. Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (2021-12-14). "Preview: 2023 Lexus RZ crossover is brand's first dedicated EV". Motor Authority. Retrieved 2021-12-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. Cortina, Miguel (2022-04-18). "2023 Lexus RZ: What to Expect from the Upcoming Luxury EV". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  8. Page, Felix (2021-12-14). "New 2022 Lexus RZ shown ahead of imminent official reveal". Autocar. Retrieved 2021-12-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. Gold, Aaron (2021-03-30). "You're Living in 2021, the New Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept Is Living in 2025". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  10. Gold, Aaron (2022-05-02). "2023 Lexus RZ450e Prototype Drive: A Spin in Lexus' First Electric Vehicle". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
  11. Gold, Aaron (2022-05-02). "2023 Lexus RZ Steer-by-Wire Steering Yoke Review: This Yoke Is No Joke". Motor Trend. Retrieved 2022-05-04.
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