All-Electric Lexus RZ 450e Launches in Singapore

Lexus has finally unveiled their all-electric RZ 450e for the Singapore market this week.

Held at Alice@Mediapolis last Thursday, the launch event marked the arrival of the Japanese luxury carmaker's first ever 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV), and the beginning of the brand's "Lexus Electrified" era.

The RZ 450e utilises the BEV-specific eTNGA platform, which is also shared with its Toyota-badged bZ4X electric crossover cousin. If our impressions of the chassis are anything to go by, the RZ should provide an equally – if not more – rewarding driving experience.

Gracing the front fascia of the RZ is the new BEV Spindle Body, which focuses on aerodynamic efficiencies, along with optimised proportions and style. It replaces the long-standing spindle grille design that was first seen on the LF-Gh concept in 2011.

This is the first Lexus model to wear the brand's evolved design language, and will establish a new visual direction for their EV offerings down the road. The car is available in six futuristic exterior colours and three dual tone colours, including metallic textures like Sonic Copper.

It comes with Lexus' advanced DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system, which monitors and controls the amount of drive torque and braking force that's being delivered between and across the car's two axles constantly. Working in tandem with DIRECT4's torque control is the carmaker's e-Axles system, comprising of dual motor units located at the front and rear. 

With both state-of-the-art technologies at full power, overall handling stability is improved and power consumption is optimised. According to Lexus, the RZ 450e is capable of launching to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 5.3 seconds. And with both AC and DC Charging are available, the RZ can charge from 10% to 80% via fast charging in just half an hour.

The RZ 450e's Steer-by-Wire system, a Lexus-first which will be available in the near future, provides the driver with advanced and precise steering control of the vehicle via advanced electronics, thus eliminating the use of any mechanical linkages. 

With the level of precision provided by the system, hand-over-hand operation is also no longer required, which means even greater agility around intersections, U-turns, and winding roads.

One of the RZ's unique features, the yoke steering wheel, will eventually be made available for customers, although no specific dates have been disclosed.

The RZ is also equipped with improved Frequency Reactive Dampers, which are frequency-sensitive absorbers that changes the dampening force on the extension stroke in response to road surface frequency input, therefore giving the Lexus plenty of handling stability without sacrificing ride comfort.

Brake Posture Control also comes as standard. This pressurisation unit allows coordinated front and rear regenerative braking via independent front and rear hydraulic control, which helps with the brake feel while improving regenerative energy to increase overall range.

Stepping inside the cabin, the RZ 450e is adorned with suede door trims and premium seat upholstery, the latter of which is made with 30% bio-based sustainable materials. Lexus has utilised their Tazuna concept to craft the cabin, which means that the RZ's interior space is airy and welcoming to its passengers, while providing intuitive controls oriented specially around the driver.

Apart from a 10-inch head-up display and an even more massive 14-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto support, occupants can look forward to a rich audio experience via a Mark Levinson premium surround sound system.

The panoramic glass roof also includes a party piece called Dynamic Sky, which allows the glass to turn from transparent to opaque with the flick of a switch. This enables natural lighting to still flow into the cabin, while still keeping the passengers shaded.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 will also come with the RZ 450e, providing all occupants with complete peace of mind. The safety suite includes world-class advanced safety technologies such as Pre-Collision Safety, which now boasts a wider detection range, a faster response time, and can now identify motorcycles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Other safety assists include Emergency Driving Stop System, which decelerates the vehicle and stops within the current lane to help avoid or reduce the impact of a collision when a driver is deemed unable to continue driving the vehicle.

According to Jasmmine Wong, CEO of Inchcape Greater China and Singapore, "We are thrilled to kick off a new chapter and reimagine electrified driving by introducing Lexus' first pure Battery Electric Vehicle to Singapore. Expect a dynamic and even more intuitive driving experience with the RZ 450e which will quench drivers’ desire for driving satisfaction and luxurious comfort. Lexus will broaden its ‘Lexus Electrified’ portfolio to 1 exceed the needs and expectations of a more diverse set of luxury consumers."

To celebrate the launch of Lexus' first pure BEV, Borneo Motors Singapore and Shell Eastern Petroleum are collaborating to offer new RZ owners in Singapore up to one-year free Shell Recharge credits: 3,300 kWh for non-landed property owners and 600kWh for landed property owners. 

On top of that, new RZ owners are offered the best-in-class eight-year warranty for Bumper to Bumper including EV battery. There is also a five-year ‘Lexus Electrification’ package customised for EV owners only, it covers a wide range of essential servicing replacement items such as brake pad, tyre and wiper repair.

Pricing details of the RZ 450e for the Singapore market have not been revealed at the time of publication.

Photo Credit: Muhammad Mu'tasim (@mutasimdrives)

Read More: mReview: 2022 Lexus NX350h - A Whole New Luxury Hybridised eXperience

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