LEXUS RZ450E 2023 REVIEW: LEATHER-FREE EV HANDLES WELL, BUT DOES IT HAVE ENOUGH RANGE?

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The Lexus RZ450e Sports Luxury is a compelling, albeit expensive, entry into the premium EV SUV market. The reviewer highlights its exceptional quietness, refinement, and smooth, balanced handling, attributing its agility to a relatively low weight for an EV. The interior, particularly in the Sports Luxury trim, is praised for its ultra-suede materials, high-quality feel, and thoughtful features like the electrochromic roof and physical climate controls. However, the vehicle is not without its drawbacks. The real-world energy consumption (24.5 kWh/100km tested) significantly exceeds the WLTP claim (19 kWh/100km), casting doubt on achieving the advertised 400km range, especially on highways. The reviewer also notes the absence of a frunk, the slightly fiddly steering wheel swipe controls, and the lack of one-pedal driving as minor negatives. The most significant hurdle appears to be the price, with the Sports Luxury model costing $135,000 before on-roads, making it considerably more expensive than key rivals like the Tesla Model Y Performance and BMW iX3.