2023 Lexus RZ450e electric SUV confirmed for Australia

This luxury brand has taken a new direction in its battle with the established German players. But is the new softroader worth the wait?

Lexus’ long awaited new electric car is finally headed Down Under.

The stylish RZ450e electric SUV will make its debut at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival before landing in local showrooms in the middle of 2023.

It will be the second electric vehicle in the brand’s local line-up, joining the UX300e compact SUV.

Lexus has confirmed its first dedicated electric vehicle, the RZ 450e, will arrive next year.

Lexus Australia boss, John Pappas, says interest in the RZ has been growing since the car’s

global reveal back in April.

“The RZ expands our portfolio of electrified vehicles, moving Lexus ever closer to our ultimate goal of a sustainable society,” he says.

It’ll be powered by two electric motors and have a driving range of about 450km.

The RZ is the first Lexus to be built on Toyota’s dedicated electric vehicle platform.

This electric vehicle-only platform means the car is designed from the ground up to be an EV unlike the current UX300e that shoehorns an electric motor and batteries into a conventional petrol-powered car.

The ground-up design translates to a more spacious cabin as all the batteries are placed under the floor and there is no mechanical link from front to back wheels.

The removal of the engine also means Lexus can push the wheels further forward and back allowing for more legroom.

It combines stylish coupe design with an SUV body.

It’s about the same size as the current Lexus NX mid-size SUV but features coupe-styling with a raked roofline.

The RZ will be powered by two electric motors – one on each axle providing all-wheel drive grip. Lexus says the two motors will combine for about 230kW.

The motor is fed by a 71.4kWh battery that’s good for a driving range of about 450km on a single charge.

Lexus claims a 0-100km/h time of a little more than 5.2 seconds.

The RZ will be packed with all the latest active safety tech and high-quality materials will be used throughout including a new faux suede material made out of sustainable materials.

Lexus will provide local specification closer to its launch date but US versions come with a giant 14-inch central touchscreen that is compatible with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and paired with a wireless device charger.

Heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and auto tailgate are also included on the US model.