It was A healing novelty for Lexus, Toyota’s premium brand. Him the first 100% electric SUV : RZ. Sharing a platform and components with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, the RZ is its luxury counterpart and more upscale. The brand has always stood out a range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. To better fight with German manufacturers, the kings of the premium class in Europe. It will be added to the electric lineup of the UX small crossover, the only electric model currently available from Lexus. It was developed primarily for a heat engine. And in fact, it presents technologies and much less autonomy. Japanese brand continue its electrificationwith his NX and RX SUVs which are now available in a plug-in hybrid version.

Lexus’ first true electric SUV

The RZ is a large SUV, a competitor to the Nissan Ariya (and its Toyota and Subaru twins, of course). It has a rather soft and smooth design. He arms himself two electric motors, one for each axis. Which are developing 313 horsepower, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Especially from the point of view of innovation, it is worth bypassing. He carries a electronic steering by wire (Steer-by-wire) instead of a classic rack. This makes driving even more precise and safe. The shape of its steering wheel is also sensational. As on the Tesla, it is a Semi-flywheel of the “clamp” type, available as an option! Let’s note other points of interest, its panoramic roof, which can be tinted superficially with the help of electronic modules. This is a model dynamic and technologicaloriented more towards comfort than pure sportiness…

A very personalized RZ

But that’s the bad knowledge of Lexus, which just introduced a the concept was named RZ Sport ! Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, it is a demonstration of what the brand personalization department can do it. Offer your customers accessories, colors and materials that match their wishes. Compared to the production version, it has wider wings, a double rear wing, as well as a specific radiator grille and hood. The same observation is made at the level of the skirts and diffuser, which differ from the base RZ. Lexus lowered the ground clearance by 35 mmto make it more aerodynamic.

An interesting style study with which the brand tries to demonstrate its ability to offer “sporty electric models”. Even if it is limited to only one copy, it can introduce a wide personalization service for brand customers. An interesting angle from Lexus, for increase the unit price of your models.