Lexus has announced that its new battery-electric RZ 450e SUV is heading for South Africa and is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2024.
“Following the successful launch of the first Lexus BEV – the UX 300e in late 2021 – the RZ brings Lexus a step closer in its aim of offering a fully electrified range of Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) by 2030,” said Lexus.
“The new RZ retains all the signature Lexus elements customers have come to appreciate, but now with zero exhaust emissions,” added Lexus South Africa.
Lexus has yet to announce the pricing of the new SUV, which is expected to be made closer to its launch date.
Features
For the cabin, various panels have a suede and wood-grain trim, a panoramic sunroof as standard, and ambient lighting is included.
Additionally, the front is equipped with heated seats and a 14-inch entertainment unit, and the driver is assisted by programmes such as:
- A pre-collision system;
- Dynamic radar cruise control;
- Lane departure alert;
- Driver drowsiness monitoring;
- Emergency automatic braking; and
- An autonomous parking agent for parallel, front, and backup parking and exit.
Performance
The RZ is powered by an efficient 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery, which deploys 230kW of power and 435Nm of instant torque to all four wheels and a driving range of over 400km, said Lexus.
The Japanese automaker added that instant torque and all-wheel traction allow the RZ to sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds to a top speed of 160km/h.
According to TopAuto, The battery is expected to retain at least 70% of its maximum charge after ten years. Additionally, if 18-inch wheels are fitted instead of 20-inch ones, the maximum range can be extended by as much as 40km.
Exact local figures will be shared closer to the launch period.
All-new RZ 450e
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