Lexus Reserve Program: Buy a Lexus RZ 450e, and Get Another Lexus Free for 30 Days
Got range anxiety about buying a new EV? The Lexus Reserve program is included with every RZ 45oe purchase and provides 30 days of Lexus vehicle rentals in the first three years.
Last week, ClubLexus traveled to Encinitas, California to attend the US media launch of the Lexus RZ 450e. Make sure to click that link to read about all the specs and features (and check back with us on March 13 for our driving impressions). But, while we were at the event, we learned about a program Lexus calls the Lexus Reserve program.
Included with the purchase or lease of a new RZ 45oe, the Lexus Reserve program provides 30 days of complimentary Lexus vehicle rentals. You will have three years in which to use your allotted 30 days. The goal here is first to alleviate range anxiety for first-time BEV customers who want to do more long-distance driving. And given that the RZ 450e only offers 196 miles (for any models with 20″ wheels) to 220 miles (for models with 18″ wheels), this seems like a smart idea.
Need to drive from New York to Florida for a little family vacation? Snag an RX 350 for the drive. That will get you about 400 miles on a tank and you can refuel in less than 5 minutes to continue the journey. And you are not putting any wear and tear on your own vehicle. Not a bad deal.
And, of course, the upside here — for you and Lexus — is that you’ll get to have long-term test drives of a host of Lexus vehicles that you might also want to purchase.
Lexus Reserve Details
The program is dealer-based and you can drive your free rental anywhere in the United States or Canada. There are no mileage restrictions. You simply have to return the vehicle to the same dealership you picked it up from. However, you are not allowed to drive the rental into Mexico. You are also not allowed to take your rented Lexus off-road. Lexus will be notified if you breach these rules and additional charges may be incurred.
There is no mention at this time as to what models are available to rent. Although it is safe to assume that they will be roughly equal in value to the RZ 450e. You are probably not going to score an LC 500 Convertible for a trip to the beach, but who knows, maybe you’ll luck out.
EV Transition
This seems like a brilliant step for Lexus. A lot of automakers seem to downplay the range fears that people have with EVs. But that fear is real and not unfounded. If you are driving 500 or more miles finding a gas station along the way for a quick fill-up is simple. Finding a place to charge is not as easy and will take significantly longer. Realizing that fact Lexus stepped up with a real solution that should make the transition to EVs easier for some people. It removes another barrier. In addition, dealers are getting special training on EVs and there will be a dedicated customer service line for questions about electric vehicles.
RZ 450e
The RZ 450e is available in Premium and Luxury trim levels. The starting MRSP is $59,650. The dual-motor setup will get the RZ 450e to 60 mph in about 5.0 seconds. The RZ comes loaded with a suite of driver-assistance features as standard. It is a fine first all-electric effort for Lexus. But if the thought of buying one has you concerned about how you will take your annual family road trip the Lexus Reserve program should put your mind at ease.
Photographs by Michael S. Palmer
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