The second electric car from Toyota’s luxury off-shoot Lexus will come to Australia in 2023, joining the UX300e small SUV as the Japanese car-maker’s plug-in line-up.
The 2023 Lexus RZ450e electric SUV is due to arrive in Australian showrooms next year, Japanese luxury car-maker Lexus has confirmed, joining its Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra twins.
As previously reported, the RZ450e will be the second Lexus electric car to go on sale, following the smaller UX300e which launched locally in late 2021.
Powered by a 71.4kWh battery, Lexus claims the RZ450e can achieve a driving range of 450km on a single charge – about 10km less than all-wheel drive variants of the Toyota BZ4X with a similar battery.
The all-wheel drive Lexus RZ450e is driven by two electric motors, with the front unit developing up to 150kW while the rear produces 80kW, bringing its combined power up to 230kW – 50kW more than the Toyota BZ4X.
The Lexus RZ450e measures 4805mm long, 1895mm wide, 1635mm tall and rides on a 2850mm wheelbase – making it shorter and lower than the petrol-powered RX, but with a longer distance between the front and rear axles.
Interior images have displayed the RZ450e’s Formula One-style ‘yoke’ steering wheel – optional on the Toyota BZ4X – as well as its digital instrument display, incorporated inside the dashboard.
Lexus Australia has said it will announce local pricing and specifications closer to the model’s arrival in showrooms next year.
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