New Lexus RZ 450e to Be Revealed on April 20!
The ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision is the offering of only BEV models in Europe, North America, and China by 2030. The RZ 450e is the first step.
The Lexus RZ 450e was first teased back in December. Details of this historically important Lexus model have remained scarce. But we do now know when it will be revealed. Set your alarm now for April 20 at 6 AM ET. That is when the first vehicle in the ‘Lexus Electrified’ portfolio will be revealed to the world and much more information will become available. Until that time we can continue to speculate about the specifications. However, beyond just the reveal date we did learn something else about the Lexus RZ 450e today. It looks like it will feature a yoke-style steering wheel similar to what is found in the Tesla Model S Plaid.
Also dropped today was the first interior shot of the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e. It showed not just the steering yoke but also the dashboard design and gauge layout. Based on the photo it looks quite compact and with that yoke it looks very much like a fighter jet. It appears to be quite driver focused. But going back to that yoke for a moment. It seems to have more functions on the yoke than you get on the Tesla. It looks like might even include a mini-Lexus touchpad right near the driver’s right thumb.
RZ 450e Significance
The RZ 450e represents a lot more than just a new Lexus model. This vehicle is setting the stage for the entire company moving forward. It is the first-ever fully electric Lexus. We know it will feature the e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, DIRECT4, steer-by-wire, and other technologies that will set this model apart. This is a watershed moment for the Lexus brand. Perhaps the most significant launch since the LS 400. And despite it being powered by electric, it will have the Lexus build quality and reliability we have come to expect. It will also retain the familiar Lexus design cues such as the spindle grille. Even though there is no need for a grille on the front of an all-electric vehicle.
Toyota bZ4X Relation
The Toyota bZ4X concept will ride on the same platform as the Lexus. However, the Lexus version is expected to deliver a lot more power. The Toyota is expected to produce 215 horsepower and 248 pound-foot of torque. Adequate for sure but not power numbers that would justify a yoke steering wheel, so we hope for much more stout performance from the Lexus. We are more confident in the fact that the Lexus will be more luxurious than the Toyota. The Lexus RZ 450e shares an overall shape with the bZ4X. But the sheet metal on the Lexus is unique. The vehicles will be cousins for sure, however, Lexus will have enough features to differentiate and justify the higher asking price. Pricing has not been announced yet for the Lexus, but it is speculated to be in the $50,000 range when it goes on sale.
RZ 450e Updates
Club Lexus will be sharing any and all news as soon as it breaks. If you want to sign up for updates directly from Lexus, you can do so by clicking here. Many questions will be answered in just a couple weeks. ‘Lexus Electrified’ is almost here and the RZ 450e will be leading the charge.
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