LEXUS RZ450E - HOW LEXUS MADE THE BZ4X WORSE

EV Channels Review

The Lexus RZ450e, built on the same e-TNGA platform as the Toyota bZ4X, is critically reviewed as a disappointing luxury EV. Despite its premium aspirations, the vehicle suffers from a poorly implemented all-wheel-drive system with a disproportionately large front motor, leading to front-wheel-drive-like handling and disconcerting understeer followed by abrupt tuck-in. The steering feedback is described as vague, akin to a 'pool noodle,' and the ride quality is marred by excessive road noise, likely exacerbated by the 20-inch wheels. Interior features, while attempting luxury, feel dated and some, like the electronic door poppers, are deemed impractical and prone to failure. The most significant failing is the abysmal real-world range; the RZ450e struggles to achieve even 1.8 miles per kilowatt-hour in cool, wet conditions, falling far short of its official 198-mile estimate and significantly underperforming its Toyota counterpart. The presenters conclude that at its $68,000 price point, the RZ450e offers poor value and lacks coherency, making it an easy car to dislike and difficult to recommend over competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Kia EV6.