Lexus is launching its new 100% electric SUV this year, the RZ. A vehicle that symbolizes the current change to electric. This RZ is based on a platform dedicated to this engine. The e-TNGA platform also used by its parent company Toyota bZ4x, launched last year.
A modernized Lexus design
Note that Lexus already had a first 100% electric model, the UX 300e SUV, but it shares a platform with hybrid engines, that is, a base that in principle is not optimized for “zero emissions”.
Thus we discover this RZ, a large SUV 4.80 meters long, which embodies this new wind with a design that takes up the Lexus codes while modernizing them. The lines are even sharper. An atypical and decidedly progressive pencil stroke.
We will quickly go to the electrical part, but in summary Lexus announces a little more than 400 km of autonomy for this 450 version with a 71.4 kWh battery. There are two motors, one at the front at 150 kW, one at the rear at 80 kW for a combined output of 313 horsepower.
Discovery preview of a very original flyer
But beyond the electric, this model is above all very original inside. We find the already traditional duo of screens, for the counters and the touch screen, at the center of the infotainment. But it’s a fairly classic element that offers a profound change: the butterfly wheel.
A split steering wheel, like Tesla’s Yoke, introduced on the Model S and Model X Plaid.
Except that behind this form, there is an address “by wire”, or electronic address. Simply put, there is no longer a mechanical linkage, with a steering column acting on the wheels. Here everything goes through cables and sensors. With redundancy to avoid any loss of communication between the steering wheel and the wheels: Lexus thus evokes an extra weight of 10 kg compared to a conventional steering.
Our test model was actually a prototype, as this option remains in the final stages of development. But already reliable enough to test it safely.
And the result is quite surprising, with a nice improvement in driving comfort. Unlike a conventional steering wheel and steering, it doesn’t take many turns to go from one lock to another (wheels turned all the way to the right to go all the way to the left). Here it is done in just under one full revolution.
Thus, during manoeuvres, large movements of the steering wheel are avoided. When driving, the system takes into account various parameters, such as speed, to adjust the turning radius according to the situation. A conclusive demonstration found in our video test.
See you in 2025
Lexus plans to offer this option from 2025, time to refine its already promising system.
No price has been announced at the moment, but in the meantime this Lexus RZ starts at 75,500 euros in a Luxury finish and 85,000 euros in an Executive finish. It is this more premium trim level that should have the optional butterfly steering wheel.
Source: BFM TV
