2023 LEXUS RZ 450E ALL-ELECTRIC THE THUNDERCAT OF EVS

EV Channels Review

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is presented as Lexus's first all-electric offering, built on a shared platform with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, but with added luxury. The reviewer praises its sophisticated design, comfortable and quiet ride, and excellent build quality, noting the premium feel expected of the Lexus brand. However, significant drawbacks are highlighted concerning its charging speed and overall range. The peak DC fast charging rate of 150 kW and a 10-80% charge time of around 35 minutes are considered dated compared to newer EVs. Real-world range is estimated around 220-240 miles on the highway, dropping significantly with climate control use, which the reviewer believes is exaggerated by the car's software. While the reviewer recommends the RZ 450e for its comfort and luxury, particularly for urban commuting, they caution potential buyers about its pricing, especially for the higher trims, and suggest that rivals offer better range and faster charging for a similar or lower cost. The steer-by-wire system, while mentioned by other reviewers as a concern, was not found to be an issue by this reviewer.