ULTIMATE IN-TOWN LUXURY EV? | 2023 LEXUS RZ 450E REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is presented as a compelling luxury EV for in-town driving, excelling in comfort, quietness, and smooth ride quality, reminiscent of a Lexus LS. The reviewer highlights its spacious interior, particularly impressive headroom and legroom, and a refined cabin experience. However, significant drawbacks emerge concerning its limited real-world range, especially for highway use, with the reviewer achieving only 2.6 miles per kWh at 75 mph in 96-degree heat, falling short of advertised figures. The infotainment software is criticized for its lack of essential EV information like current charge percentage and charging speed, though the head-up display is a positive. The absence of a rear wiper and the small rear digital screen are noted as misses. While excellent for city commuting, the RZ 450e is not recommended for road trips, with Lexus's own 30-day rental program acknowledging this limitation. The reviewer suggests it's best suited for a lease, especially to leverage potential EV tax credits, and advises against purchasing it outright due to rapid technological advancements in the EV space.