Lexus Malaysia Introduces All-Electric RZ 450e Luxury
Lexus Malaysia has introduced the all-electric Lexus RZ 450e Luxury as part of the brand’s electrified range. The Lexus RZ is the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle (BEV), designed to deliver zero emissions and a dynamic driving experience within a distinctive, luxury package.
The Lexus RZ 450e is powered by a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides driving range of up to 440 km (WLTP). For AC charging, the maximum power supply is 11 kW using a Type 2 cable, while DC fast charging can reach up to 150 kW with a CCS2 cable. Charging times will vary depending on various factors such as temperature and power supply rating. With AC supply, it can take up to 7 hours from 0% to 100%, while with DC fast-charging (at 150 kW), it will take about 30 minutes to charge from 0% to 80%.
The 96-cell battery is housed as part of the e-TNGA platform under the cabin to keep the SUV’s centre of gravity low. Long-term battery durability was a key consideration for Lexus and it expects the RZ’s battery to retain more than 90% of its capacity within a 10-year timeframe, thanks to a series of measures to safeguard quality and performance, founded on Lexus’ long experience of battery management technologies. Efficient cooling is key to battery performance and durability. A long-life, high-resistance LLC coolant is used for both the lithium-ion battery pack and the BEV system. A Lexus-first, this controls the temperature in a highly efficient system that helps maintain stable battery output even under high loads, such as high-speed cruising or repeated rapid charging.
The RZ’s dual-motor setup produces a total power output of 230 kW (308 hp), with the front motor generating 150 kW (201 hp) and the rear motor 80 kW (107 hp). The RZ 450e is the first model to feature Lexus’ new DIRECT4 intelligent all-wheel drive control system, ensuring precise power distribution between the 2 e-axles and enhancing driving stability. Torque distribution to the wheels is constantly varied, enhancing the precise, linear, natural-feeling responses to driver inputs. When cruising, only the rear motor is used to maximise driving range. All these attributes strengthen the RZ’s core driving characteristics, represented by the “3 Cs” of the Lexus Driving Signature i.e. Confidence, Control, and Comfort.
Built on the newly developed e-TNGA platform, the RZ 450e benefits from optimised mass placement, reduced weight, and increased rigidity. To preserve a low centre of gravity and suppress body roll when cornering, Lexus engineers prioritised reducing the mass of parts located higher in the vehicle. Advanced techniques, including laser peening and laser screw welding, with extensive use of structural adhesive and short-pitch welding, were applied to increase the jointing area and gain higher rigidity. Additionally, high-rigidity foam is used in each corner of the back-door aperture to strengthen an area which is particularly susceptible to deformation. It also in effect reduces noise and vibration. The rear of the vehicle also has a double-annular frame which helps the car settle after cornering or changing lanes. At the front, braces and thicker support pillars for the radiator suppress lateral deformation. Rigidity is further enhanced by suspension tower braces and front and rear performance dampers.
On the 2,850 mm wheelbase sits a body that measures 4,805 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,635 mm tall. The “seamless e-motion” exterior design draws inspiration from the cheetah, with a nose-to-tail stance, low hood line, and muscular wheel arches. The signature Lexus spindle grille has evolved into a BEV ‘spindle body’ to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and create a distinctive, dynamic form.
The interior of the RZ 450e combines Lexus’ renowned craftsmanship with sustainability. The cockpit features the Tazuna concept, focusing on driver-centric controls. The layout of the controls and the 14″ centre multimedia display, 7″ TFT meters, multi-information display and head-up display, require minimum hand and eye movement to reach, operate and read, helping keep the driver’s attention on the road ahead. The layout and shape of the cockpit also guide the driver’s line of vision forwards. The minimalist design is accentuated by shift-by-wire paddle shifters and a dial-type shift knob on the center console. Further, high-quality materials include Sustainable Grayscale Ultrasuede seats made partly from biomaterials and recycled PET. The Tsuyasumi ornamentation on the center console adds a sophisticated touch with its shiny charcoal effect.
Moreover, the digital rear view mirror displays images from the reverse camera on the mirror display so that the rear visibility is never obstructed by the rear headrests or occupants’ heads.
Comfort is further enhanced by the Lexus Climate Concierge and S-Flow Control with nanoe™ X air purification technology, which provides efficient cooling and fresh air throughout the cabin. An ambient lighting system offers 64 customisable colours for an enhanced in-cabin experience, while the multimedia system includes a 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system to elevate cabin entertainment.
The RZ 450e is equipped with the 3rd generation Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) for world-class safety performance. At the core of LSS+ are 5 active safety systems which use a wide-angle camera and radar to scan the road and surroundings ahead of the vehicle. The systems are: Pre-Collision System (PCS); Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC); Lane Keeping System; High Beam Assist; and Road Sign Assist (RSA). The wider detection range of the radar and camera allows a wider range of hazards to be identified. This includes the risk of a head-on collision with traffic coming from the left or right when making a turn at an intersection. The system’s response time is faster, and it is also now able to identify motorcycles, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
Furthermore, to ensure safety while exiting the vehicle, the RZ has Safe Exit Assist (SEA) on each door. Linked to the Blind Spot Monitor, the e-Latch system will prevent the door from being opened if a cyclist or vehicle is detected approaching from behind. Lexus estimates this safeguard can help prevent more than 95% of accidents caused by door opening in hazardous situations.
These features are complemented by the Lexus Teammate Advanced Park system which uses cameras and sensors to assist with seamless parking. There are 4 Parallel View Monitor (PVM) cameras and 12 ultrasonic
sensors to provide visual data for the system to smoothly position the vehicle in parallel and perpendicular
parking spaces. Additionally, the Panoramic View Monitor uses this array of cameras and sensors to give the driver a 360-degree view of the car’s immediate surroundings, with the option of a composite, overhead view (simulated). Cameras in the door mirrors provide a side clearance view to help negotiate narrow lanes and spaces, and there is also an under-floor “see-through” view option, to check the driving surface beneath the car and the position of the wheels.
The Lexus RZ 450e Luxury is available in limited numbers, with prices starting at RM429,888. The vehicle comes with a 5-year / unlimited mileage standard factory warranty and an 8-year / unlimited mileage warranty for the BEV battery, with an option for an additional 2 years of coverage for EV components e.g. battery, inverter, electronic control unit. All the services centres in the Lexus Malaysia network nationwide have technicians trained to maintain BEVs.
The RZ 450e comes with 6 exterior colours choices. The sonic shades of the monotone range (Aether Me., Sonic Copper, Graphite Black GF., Sonic Quartz and Sonic Iridium) use an advanced paint technology in which pigment particles and metal flakes are highly compressed into micro-thin layers, contributing to deeper, more lustrous finish and stronger light and shade contrasts.
Early bookings are encouraged for those seeking to experience this pinnacle of luxury and sustainability.
