ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE LEXUS RZ 300e

The Lexus RZ 300e is built on the same platform as the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra and is the first dedicated BEV vehicle from the company to be sold worldwide. The first prototype of the RZ was shown in 2021 with the first production model shown one year later.

The RZ is a compact, well designed vehicle, it is 4,805mm long, with a 2,850mm wheelbase and short overhangs and the overall height is 1,635mm and the width is 1,895mm. It slots in to the Lexus range between the NX and the RX. Recently, I had the opportunity to put this member of the Lexus family through its paces and like so many other models I have tested from this manufacturer, it was smooth and effortless to drive. I could say it simply glided along and the build quality that has become such a strong feature of Lexus has been carried over to this BEV. No matter how often I comment on models from this renowned Japanese car manufacturer I go back to my first experience, that of the LS 400, a large saloon which brought new levels of comfort to rival the best that the German carmakers could deliver. Thirty five years have passed since the LS400 made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, when it stunned the likes of BMW and Mercedes not just on quality of build but on pricing.

I like the looks of the RZ 300e, (which by the way is two wheel drive); its styling is edgy but in no way over done; in fact styling not too far removed from what has been seen in recent Toyota models. In the development of a new battery electric powertrain, Lexus decided to strike a practical balance between performance and efficiency and its engineers were able to apply multiple technology advantages from its experience of developing successful hybrid electric vehicles over the past two decades. The key to this strategy was adoption of an optimally sized battery that delivers the best balance between driving range, efficiency, cost, and size/packaging. The battery is positioned entirely beneath the cabin floor and forms a structural part of the vehicle’s frame, this adds to the vehicle’s rigidity and its low centre of gravity, while the unit’s slim profile also means there is no intrusion in cabin or load compartment space. The battery is contained in a sealed, reinforced structure to protect it in the event of contact with the road surface or a collision. When it comes to BEV vehicles a major point of concern is range and the official combined cycle driving range for the RZ 300e from full battery to depleted charge is 475-478km (295-297m) with 18 inch wheels and 429-431km (267-268m) with 20 inch wheels. However bear in mind and to reality, range will vary based on individual factors such as driving style and speed, battery state of charge and temperature, use of climate control and type of tyres fitted to the vehicle. Importantly, for drivers whose priority is to maximise the vehicle range, the RZ can be operated in Range mode.

The RZ has four drive modes, in Normal mode, an optimal balance of performance and power consumption is provided to suit a wide range of driving situations while in Eco mode, power is preserved by generating a lesser amount of drive torque in response to accelerator inputs and suppressing the air conditioning; Sport mode there is stronger steering feel and accelerator response is sharpened. Drivers can set their preferred powertrain, chassis and air conditioning modes using a Custom mode, accessed via the multimedia touchscreen. In order to meet the expectations of customers whose first priority is to maximise the real world range of RZ, the car is also equipped with an exclusive already noted Range mode which maximises the driving range by reducing power consumption, restricting power output and vehicle speed and turning the air conditioning off.

Finally returning to comfort, and the cabin delivers an open, spacious and airy feel with a driver-focused cockpit where technology abounds; however clever design has resulted in not been confronted by an array of controls. The RZ 300e is one of a small number of BEVs that I could happily live with. Early next year the RZ will benefit from comprehensive revisions that take the driving experience to a higher level, introducing innovative technologies that deliver more power, enhanced control and deeper driver engagement and rewards and further refinement of the luxurious on-board experience.

Ian Lynas