Lexus mounts electric vehicle assault with RX and RZ

Jun 17, 2023

Lexus’ RX SUV range is the latest to receive an update, marking the fifth generation for the luxury mid-sizer. It's here with two different hybrid powertrains, handsome looks, and a much-improved interior. The RX has traditionally been a strong seller for the luxury Japanese brand, and on the face of it, the newly arrived model looks to continue that tradition.

The RX isn't the only new electrified model at Lexus, though. There's also the RZ line-up, a model we got to sample alongside the RX at Lexus’ national launch for both models. The RZ is particularly notable for two reasons; it's Lexus’ first dedicated electric vehicle, and it's the first of Toyota's e-TNGA EVs to hit New Zealand showrooms ... beating its much awaited Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra e-TNGA siblings to market.

Make me an instant expert: what do I need to know?

As mentioned, two hybrid powertrains make up the range. The RX 350h gets a 2.5-litre electrified four-cylinder paired with a CVT transmission – familiar if you know your Toyota/Lexus engines – while the RX 500h gets a similarly electrified 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic. This is the first time Lexus has combined a turbo and a hybrid system. That does mean no more V6, but the output of the turbo-hybrid handily eclipses the old system.

READ MORE: * Fifth-gen Lexus RX going hybrid-only in New Zealand * Lexus' fifth-generation RX SUV gets a turbo * Second-generation Lexus NX coming here with no combustion-only models

The range starts with the $120,900 350h in Premium trim, which includes Lexus’ new, highly digitised interior with two screens (and no touchpad), a shift-by-wire gear selector, synthetic leather seats, real leather steering wheel, and a plentiful active safety suite.

Stepping up to the RX 350h Limited ($131,900) gets you semi-aniline leather accented seats, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and 21-inch alloys. You can also add the $4000 Enhancement Pack, which includes a digital rear vision mirror, full self-parking and a panoramic roof.

Finally, the $142,900 RX 500h F Sport gets every box ticked as well as that upgraded powertrain. It also gets the new, more responsive Direct4 all-wheel drive system to better direct torque between the wheels, and rear-wheel steering to help manoeuvrability.

Both powertrains can tow 2000kg, and when the Clean Car Discount adjusts at the start of July, the RX350h will remain in the zero band while the 500h will unfortunately be hit with a fee of $1437.50.

Meanwhile, the RZ 450e is the fully electric member of the family. It uses two electric motors, making 230kW combined, in two spec levels. The Core starts off the range at $141,900 while the $151,600 Dynamic ups the ante with UltraSuede detailing, seat ventilation/memory, heated seats in the back, and a ‘Radiant Heater’ that heats the individual occupants more than the cabin to save energy.

Where did you drive it?

A nice wintry cruise from Dunedin to Queenstown, in the 500h first. It really is amazing what difference a transmission can make because, even though a six-speeder is a little antiquated these days, it's so much nicer to use than the CVT. That's even considering Toyota's e-CVT is one of the best out there.

The 500h pulls nicely with good throttle response, with smooth shifts up and down the range. Adding a turbo to the mix is welcome.

It's quiet too, until you get on the gas. There's a presumably fake engine sound here, but it's quite cool. A bit like a V6 if you squint your ears.

While that F Sport suffix hints towards sporty aspirations, it's still a luxury SUV. That means the ride is supple, the steering is slightly on the numb side, and 2.7 tonnes of mass means it's not massively fast – the claimed 0-100kph time is 6.2 seconds.

Moving into the 350h reveals the obvious differences regarding powertrain, but also that the Limited we drive is still a really nice high-end medium SUV.

It might not have the power of the 500, and the CVT still does that droney thing, but the cabin is put together well in Limited trim, it's hushed and smooth on the move and you still get AWD. Familiar is probably the best adjective here – if you’re coming from a smaller hybrid Lexus, the 350h will feel like home.

Finally, we had a brief stint in the RZ 450e. If you’re still wondering when electric vehicles will hit price parity with petrol, it's right here. The RZ starts at $141,900, which is a hair below the RX 500h. Sure it's the more stripped Core model, but still.

As you’d expect from an electric powertrain, it's smooth and punchy off the line. Lexus reckons it’ll hit 100kph in 5.2 seconds. Sports mode adds an interesting sound to acceleration exercises, which you’ll probably do a few times to show off and then leave it in Normal mode for regular driving.

The cabin is more minimal than the RZ but there are definite family traits – the same infotainment screen is here, the same steering wheel (we don't get the yoke style wheel yet) and a very similar driver's display, just tweaked to show things like range and power rather than revs. There's also a rotary dial for selecting gears.

We drove the Dynamic model, which gets larger 20-inch wheels. This translated to a bit more tyre noise than what we’d imagine the 18-inchers on the Core would offer. The claimed range is also lower on the more expensive model at 395km versus 435km, likely owing to the larger wheels and extra kit.

Speaking of, the RZ gets basically every box ticked, which means swanky seats, a grunty audio system, and a panoramic roof that goes opaque at the touch of a button, something we’ve only seen in the more expensive BMW iX before.

What's the pick of the range?

Easy – the RX 500h offers the most for the price, being fully specified with a better powertrain. We really need more time in the RZ to see if it's up to scratch, but if you’re one of the 150 people that’ll get one this year, we don't imagine you’ll be disappointed.

Why would I buy it?

You want a hybrid, luxury mid-size SUV for fairly good money, like that Lexus finally seems to have nailed the spindle grille face, and appreciate the shift away from the CVT (even if you pay more for it).

Why wouldn't I buy it?

You’d prefer a non-hybrid European, still don't like that grille, or want something with more sporting credentials for around the $140k mark.