This is the new RZ and I’ve been spending some time with it today in Texas and for logistical reasons we’re going to do things a little more POV than usual with a driving portion at the end so let me know how you feel about the format in the comments
But anyway, the new Lexus RZ, and all I’m going to say is strap in for this one…but not everything is bad so we’re hitting the highlights; the best and the rest, starting with the rest….
Worst of the Lexus RZ:
1 – Range
Unacceptable is the word that springs to mind
Dual motor
71 kWh battery
150 Kw fast charge (slow)
10-80% in 30 min
Range 196 miles – unacceptable
2 – Power
Not competitive
313 hp 320 lbft (low)
0-60 in 4.6 curb weight 4600 lbs
3 – no frunk
This is a dedicated BEV, even the Ioniq5 and EV6 have a little something
Also it’s got a prop rod…wtf is this Lexus
4 – no tow rating
Not that anyone was gunna tow with this thing anyway
Same with bz4x
5 – weird name
RZ= radient zero…whatever that means
6 – no rear wiper
Not on the BZ4X either…
This is a crossover…not a sportback or wagon even
7 – interior things that look nice, but aren’t
Wood center console is plastic
Gauge cluster is full digital…kinda..only changes from red to blue
8 – no glove box
Like the BZ4X
Best of the Lexus RZ:
1 – Looks
It’s not amazing but i think it looks fine
I like the two tone ($1200)
Looks very NX from the front
Spindle shaped grille
Classic running lights
Front logo lights up ($200)
Black wheel arches
Charger on front driver fender
2 inches shorter than RX, 6 in longer than NX
Digi door handles like NX
18 in wheel (220 mi) 20 in wheels (196 mi)
Pano roof
electro shading $500
still a bar across the middle
Dual roof wings
Sharp tapered trunk
Lexus script
Full width tailbar
2 – DIRECT4 AWD
3 – Trunk
Trunk is good sized
deep underfloor
4 – tech stuff
Touch sensitive steering wheel controls
can get the yoke steer by wire later
14 in infotainment
wireless
OTA
dual bluetooth
Climate on screen at all times
HUD
360 camera w/ egg view
Digi rear view mirror
5 – comforts
Heated and cooled seats
Heated steering wheel
6 – Rear seats
Rear seats are good size (bigger than NX and RX)
pretty flat floor
rear climate
rear heated seats
chargers
dual map pockets
recline
7 – The Ride
It’s not exciting or interesting, but it is very Lexus
It’s smooth and easy
4 levels of regeneration w/ paddles
no real 1 pedal drive – I don’t mind
Dial shifter like a nicer version of the BZ4X
Does have drive sound
No wheel spin or drama, it’s just smooth
Adaptive dampers
Ride is nice
Conclusion
So that’s the best and the rest of the new Lexus RZ. To be honest I kind of get the same vibe as I did with the BZ4X in the sense that they just kinda did this because they have to. It’s better in person than it is on paper, but it’s just not really inspiring anywhere. This one might be a pass for me