The 2025 Lexus RZ offers more choice to consumers in the BEV market, adding the entry-level RZ 300e and RZ 450e AWD to its lineup. With this addition, the RZ now offers three grade levels, while still showcasing the minimalist yet refined interior and smooth, quiet ride that has become synonymous with the Lexus brand. The 2025 RZ is built at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan, and goes on sale later this year.

Powered by a 72.8 kWh Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) lithium-ion battery pack and offered in front-wheel drive only, the RZ 300e achieves a total system power rating of 201 hp. The RZ 300e has an EPA-estimated range rating of 266 miles when equipped with 18" wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 137/112/125 (city/highway/combined). With 20" wheels, the EPA-estimated range rating is 224 miles and the EPA-estimated MPGe rating is 114/96/105.

DIRECT4, an all-wheel-drive system first introduced with the 2023 Lexus RX, is used on the RZ 450e and features a rear eAxle coupled to the engine and front motor. The DIRECT4 system uses two high-power, high-torque eAxle units that each drive one set of wheels, one at the front (150 kW) and one at the rear (80 kW). Three-point eAxle motor mounts, each using a lightweight aluminum bracket, are positioned symmetrically on either side to counteract the eAxle’s engine torque.

The DIRECT4 system works to optimise drive force, traction and attitude control (e.g. pitch and roll) based on driving conditions and the load on each wheel. The DIRECT4 torque distribution between the front and rear wheels has a maximum range of 100:0 to 0:100, depending on the driving situation.

The RZ 450e’s 71.4 kWh battery, developed by Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), delivers the results with a total system power rating of 308 horsepower and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.0 seconds. It has an EPA-estimated driving range rating of 220 miles when equipped with 18-inch wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 115/98/107 (city/highway/combined). When using 20-inch wheels, the RZ 450e has an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated range rating of 196 miles.

With its lightweight e-TNGA steel platform, the RZ features optimal mass placement and high body rigidity. The RZ’s body employs high-strength steel panels and an aluminum hood to reduce weight and increase rigidity. The connection between the body and platform is a suite of innovative technologies, including bolt welds and laser shot peening, short-distance spot welds, and high-rigidity expansion joints.

The lightweight platform also offers increased stability and ride comfort by mounting the 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack beneath the vehicle floor, creating a low center of gravity and inertial motion. A urethane sealant helps keep dust and water out of the reinforced battery structure, while efficient water-cooled heating and cooling systems work to keep it at an ideal temperature.

The Lexus RZ comes equipped with a dual-voltage charging cable for 120V and 240V outlets. All models are also equipped with a CCS1 (Combined Charging System (CCS)) outlet for charging at home and on the road. Under ideal conditions, the RZ can be charged from low battery to full in approximately 9.5 hours with a Level 2 charger and from low battery to 80% in approximately 30 to 35 minutes with a DC Fast Charger.

 

Source: prnewswire.com

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