The All-Electric Lexus RZ 450e Debuts In Singapore, Still Has A Normal Steering Wheel For Now

Lexus has revealed its first electric vehicle built on a dedicated BEV platform - the RZ 450e. Imagine a Lexus RX electrified and you wouldn’t be too far off in imagining what the RZ is, but because it’s a pure BEV platform you get clever packaging. There’s a very decently sized boot and capacious rear seats with a flat floor.

The 14-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard and is similar to what we’ve seen in the latest NX we’ve reviewed, but it is the cool panoramic glass roof that really makes the cabin feel airy and well-lit. In line with current trends, suede door trims and seat upholstery are made with 30 per cent bio-based sustainable materials. The leather on the steering wheel feels like a comforting pillow, too (we kid you not).

Speaking of steering, the headline feature of the RZ is its Steer-by-Wire system. Basically, the car’s steering wheel is not connected mechanically to the wheels at all, but is electronically controlled. However, this feature is only ‘available in the near future’ for cars bound for Singapore. That’s why we make do with a standard steering wheel (and standard electric steering) as opposed to the eye-catching yoke.

Dual motors are managed by DIRECT4 all-wheel drive torque control and deliver 308 hp and 435 Nm, allowing the car to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. There’s a claimed range of around 440 km, which is useful.

Innovations applied to the RZ include Frequency Reactive Dampers, which alters the damping force on the extension stroke in response to the road surface, and all-new Braking Posture Control which enables coordinated front and rear regenerative braking through independent front and rear hydraulic control. Lexus learnt from its hybrids that this improves regeneration efficiency and braking feel.

Lexus has pulled the stops for Singapore RZ owners, who will enjoy an eight-year warranty which includes the car’s EV battery, a five-year Lexus Electrification package that covers a variety of essential servicing items, and up to one year of free Shell Recharge credits.

The RZ 450e retails for $402,800 with COE.

Photos by Darren Leong

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