New Lexus electric crossover will be called RZ
A Lexus version of the electric Toyota bZ4X
A new model will soon be joining Lexus' already generous lineup of vehicles, and it will be a pure-electric vehicle. The vehicle in question will be called the RZ, and the Japanese luxury brand has just released a teaser of the upcoming EV.
While it may not have an “X” in the name, the RZ is an electric crossover that will adopt a sleek design. The teaser photos don't reveal much, but the video does. Up front, the crossover will adopt the brand's signature spindle grille and L-shaped LED daytime running lights. There's also a pair of large air intakes below the headlights, flanking the grille. Along the side, there's a charging port between the front wheel arch and the door. Meanwhile, the rear of the EV gets full-width taillighst, similar to current Lexus models.
According to the description in the Youtube video, the Lexus RZ will ride on the e-TNGA platform, like the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra. It further states that “it has been designed to deliver an incredible driving experience that will define a new standard for BEV driving combining Lexus level comfort with superior dynamic performance.”
Toyota bZ4X
Interestingly, it seems Lexus made some changes to the exterior, unlike the Toyobaru EV twins. Though it's a bit hard to tell, the side features more sculpting running from the front fenders to the rear doors. However, the similar proportions between the RZ and the bZ4X are unmistakable.
Since the RZ shares the same platform as the bZ4X, the two models may use the same powertrain. At the moment, Toyota offers their EV with two powertrain options – a single motor or a dual motor setup. The top-spec variant produces a total of 215 horsepower from two electric motors, one on each axle, giving it 4WD. Powering it are either a 71.4- or 72.8-kWh battery pack.
Lexus has not set a reveal date for the RZ, but we could expect it to arrive sometime in 2022. The question now is will Lexus Philippines offer the model here?
