Electric Lexus RZ confirmed for South Africa – The details

Lexus South Africa today confirmed that in the pursuit of the brand’s Electrified Vision, it will launch the battery-electric RZ 450e in the country in the first quarter of 2024.

The RZ is the second emission-free Lexus to be unveiled following in the footsteps of the UX 300e from 2001, with eight more electric vehicles (EV) from the automaker to be introduced by 2025.

“Globally and by 2030, the brand plans to achieve a full line-up of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in all categories, and by 2035, it aims to sell 100% BEVs globally, contributing to the realisation of a carbon-neutral society,” said the luxury carmaker.

RZ 450e specs

The RZ 450e boasts the brand’s latest-generation electric powertrain consisting of twin “e-Axles” and Direct4 all-wheel drive.

These e-Axles comprise an electric motor, gearing, and Power Control Unit (PCU) that calculates and instantly distributes power to each individual wheel while you’re on the go.

The Direct4 system constantly processes information including vehicle speed, steering angle, and G-forces, too, in order to determine where best to deploy motor torque.

As a result, “the new RZ retains all the signature Lexus elements customers have come to appreciate, but now with zero exhaust emissions,” said the manufacturer.

In South Africa, the RZ will be powered by a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery, with the twin e-Axles deploying 230kW and 435Nm to all four corners.

The cell provides a driving range in excess of 400km, while the respectable output makes the RZ will one of the quickest Lexus nameplates that will be sold in the country, sprinting from a standstill to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds on the way to a top speed of 160km/h.

In markets such as the US, the EV is also sold in Premium and Luxury trim levels with nice-to-haves such as a 14-inch media hub, an intelligent voice assistant, bio-based upholsteries in multiple colour combos, dynamic cruise control, and lane-trace assist fitted to all models.

It must be noted that the South African pricing and specifications for the new RZ 450e must still be announced. Model grades available for sale and the exact local figures “will be shared closer to the launch period,” said Lexus.