The notion of an electric Lexus once held significant appeal, conjuring images of the brand’s renowned reliability and comfort now coupled with cutting-edge EV technology. A decade ago, Lexus seemed to have mastered the formula for automotive success: vehicles that were enjoyable to drive, luxuriously comfortable, competitively priced, and notably more dependable than their rivals in the mid-luxury segment. However, with the electric vehicle revolution in full swing, the arrival of the all-electric Lexus RZ 450e prompts a crucial question: Does it live up to the dream, or has Lexus taken a detour into the ordinary?
Having spent a week behind the wheel of the Lexus RZ 450e Luxury, the experience proved to be…underwhelming. Perhaps expectations were too high, or perhaps Lexus has lost some of its distinctive spark. The RZ 450e enters the market as a compact SUV, arguably the most challenging segment for electric vehicles to truly excel. To truly shine as an EV, a vehicle needs to either embrace grand size, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, or prioritize exhilarating speed and sleek design. The RZ, unfortunately, settles in a rather uninspired middle ground.
Front view of the 2024 Lexus RZ 450E Luxury in Cloudburst Black, showcasing its electric SUV design.
The most immediate concern is the Lexus RZ 450e’s range. On a full charge, the vehicle offers a maximum range of just 196 miles. Real-world highway driving further diminishes this figure, potentially dropping it closer to 180 miles. In today’s rapidly advancing EV landscape, this range is simply insufficient. A 200-mile range barely covers a trip from Austin to Dallas, and a Los Angeles to San Diego journey would be cutting it close. For those in the Northeast, a New York to Boston trip in under seven hours becomes a stressful endeavor, especially considering the often-frustrating experience of finding a reliable and available fast charger outside of the Tesla network. When competing models in the same class boast ranges exceeding 250 miles, the RZ’s limited range becomes a significant drawback in this Lexus Rz Review.
Aesthetically, the Lexus RZ 450e struggles to make a compelling statement. Its design is a blend of boxy rear proportions and a tapered front end, resulting in a somewhat generic and personality-lacking appearance. Lexus and Toyota’s long-standing commitment to fuel-cell technology suggests a potentially lukewarm approach to their electric vehicle lineup. The RZ gives the impression of being a compliance car – hastily developed and designed, and it shows in its overall execution.
Rear exterior design of the Lexus RZ 450e Luxury, highlighting its boxy and tapered shape as mentioned in a Lexus RZ review.
While higher trims of the RZ may offer the opulent and serene interiors Lexus was once celebrated for, the model tested featured a rather ordinary cabin. Mediocre ultrasuede canvas and uninspired dashboard elements dominated the interior ambiance. The panoramic roof and decent sightlines were positive aspects, but in a vehicle aiming for the luxury EV segment, the roof should not be the most memorable feature.
Having extensive recent experience driving electric vehicles, the instant torque and rapid acceleration characteristic of EVs are familiar. The Lexus RZ 450e, while certainly quicker than a conventional gasoline car, lacks the exhilarating burst of speed that defines many EVs. Similar to other aspects of the vehicle, the driving dynamics are smooth and generally pleasant, but ultimately unremarkable. Even as electric vehicles mature, stepping out of a well-engineered EV often leaves a distinct impression of exhilaration and technological advancement. Exiting the RZ, however, primarily evoked a sense of mild disappointment.
Interior view of the Lexus RZ 450e, showing the mediocre ultrasuede canvas and dashboard features criticized in the Lexus RZ review.
The Lexus RZ 450e does incorporate a comprehensive suite of safety features and competent driver-assistance technology, aligning with industry standards. Apple CarPlay integration functioned seamlessly, as expected in modern vehicles. However, the driving experience and, critically, the limited electric range fall significantly short of segment benchmarks.
Lexus has long been recognized for producing reliable vehicles that offer good value within the mid-luxury market. Their vehicles typically exhibit lower maintenance costs compared to many European competitors and maintain their resale value well. However, the long-term value proposition of the RZ 450e remains questionable. While a decade-long ownership experience wasn’t possible for this review, it’s reasonable to predict that an electric SUV struggling to achieve 180 miles of real-world range will be considerably outdated in ten years. The tested version of the RZ 450e carries a price tag of $67,000, with limited optional extras. Even in today’s inflated automotive market, this represents a substantial investment for a vehicle that doesn’t feel particularly aspirational. For future automotive dreams, it seems other brands might take precedence over the Lexus RZ 450e.
Front three-quarter view of the Lexus RZ 450e Premium in Iridium, expressing disappointment in this electric SUV as a Lexus RZ review highlights.
