At first glance

From the moment you walk up to the Lexus RZ 450e, it’s clear that Lexus is taking its first all-electric SUV seriously. The exterior styling is sharp, clean, and more sculptural than many electric SUVs in its class. The familiar Lexus spindle grille is still present (albeit reinterpreted for EV use), but the overall look is more assertive, with crisp lines, taut surfaces and a confident stance. It's still undoubtedly a Lexus, but one that's stepped into the electric era rather than simply repurposed from a petrol/hybrid blueprint.

That said, the car is large. With a length of roughly 4,805 mm, it carries a strong road presence and demands awareness when manoeuvring in tighter spaces. The width and height add to that “imposing luxury” feel, so while the design works in a driveway or main road, it may feel less nimble in narrow parking spots.

Does it still look like a Lexus?

Yes, and that’s a key strength. The Lexus identity is clearly preserved, the headlamp signature, the proportions, the detailing all remind you that this is a Lexus, not just another battery-car wearing the badge. The RZ 450e shares its platform with the Toyota bZ4X but has clearly elevated the look and feel in comparison.

So, while beneath the surface it may be largely the same, the Lexus has succeeded in differentiating through materials, finish and styling. If you’re comparing it to the more modest Toyota sibling, the RZ clearly positions itself as the up-market alternative.

What are the powertrain options?

The RZ 450e features dual electric motors (one on the front axle, one on the rear) giving all-wheel drive capability. Broadly speaking, you’re looking at around 309bhp and about 321 lb-ft of torque, depending on market spec. The battery is a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion pack, shared with its siblings on the e-TNGA platform.

While other Lexus EVs might eventually offer different variants (including front-wheel drive only versions elsewhere), in September 2023 the RZ is regarded as the full AWD Lexus EV. In essence, you get the premium Lexus treatment plus the traction and performance benefits of dual motors.

How fast does it charge and what kind of range can I expect?

Charging speeds are competitive rather than groundbreaking, but perfectly usable for day-to-day EV life. On a rapid DC charger, the RZ 450e can top up from low to around 80% in just over half an hour, though in cooler weather or repeated rapid sessions it can take a little longer. At home on a 7kW wall box, you’re looking at an overnight refill from empty.

Range is more variable. Lexus’s official figures are optimistic, and in the real world you’re likely to see something closer to mid-100s rather than the headline claims, especially if you spend time on the motorway or lean on its performance. Driven gently around town and A-roads, it’s possible to eke out decent efficiency, but more spirited driving or cold weather will bring that estimate down fairly quickly.

So, how does it drive?

Out on the road, the Lexus RZ 450e leans into refinement rather than outright sportiness. The dual-motor AWD setup provides secure traction and a confident surge of power, delivered in a clean, measured way that suits its luxury brief. 

Around town, the light steering makes it easy to place, and the softly damped suspension helps smooth out most low-speed imperfections. It doesn’t entirely eliminate sharper bumps, but it keeps them well under control and maintains a relaxed, settled feel. The cabin stays calm, and the driving position gives a good sense of visibility and control, even if some of the control layout takes getting used to.

Switch into Sport mode and the RZ shows a livelier side. The throttle response sharpens noticeably, and the acceleration is surprisingly brisk for a car of this size. Push harder on a twisting road and it remains neat and predictable, with more grip than you expect and steering that’s light but still communicative enough to give confidence. There is some vibration over rougher surfaces and a hint of wallow if you really lean on it through faster bends, but it never feels unruly or out of its depth.

Tell me about the interior, space, tech and practicality

Step inside and you’re greeted with a cabin that lives up to the Lexus brand promise of quality. Materials are generally excellent, with premium touches in the upholstery, seat design and trim surfaces. The seating is also comfortable, headroom is generous and rear passengers benefit from good leg-room and an acceptable amount of headroom, despite the sloping roofline. Although, the floor is relatively high so thigh support may be less than in some rivals. The boot is well sized too, approximately 522 litres with the rear seats up and expanding further when they’re folded down.

Tech-wise, the RZ is equipped with a large infotainment screen (14-inch in many trims), digital driver instrumentation and an extensive menu of driver assist systems. However, the user-interface is less intuitive than you might expect at this price point. Some controls are buried within menus rather than on physical buttons, and the steering column doesn’t offer a huge amount of adjustment.

Visibility from the rear is somewhat hindered by the thick rear pillars and sloping roofline, and the car is large enough to make tight-space parking less relaxed than smaller models.

Overall though, for five occupants the practicality is very good for the class, and the premium feel reinforces its “up-market EV” position.

Should you buy one?

If you’re in the market for a luxury electric SUV and you value refinement, brand prestige, comfortable daily driving and an all-wheel-drive layout then the Lexus RZ 450e is a strong contender. At launch in the UK the starting price was in the region of £64,500 for the entry model of the 450e specification, climbing to around £74,000 for the top-trim Takumi.

There are however compelling rivals to consider. The Tesla Model Y offers strong range and a more mature charging network, the Audi Q4 e‑tron delivers premium finish with slightly stronger charging/efficiency credentials, the Genesis GV60 brings an intriguing luxury twist, and even the Toyota bZ4X is a sensible alternative if you want shared architecture but are willing to compromise on badge or refinement for cost savings.

The RZ 450e is well worth considering, provided its particular strengths match what you’re looking for in an electric SUV. If you value Lexus build quality, the reassurance of all-wheel-drive electric traction and a cabin that feels more luxurious than the class average, it’s an appealing proposition. Those chasing the longest range, fastest charging speeds or the lowest running costs will find rivals that go further in those areas. Its real-world efficiency isn’t class-leading, so if you regularly cover long, uninterrupted motorway miles, it’s worth planning around your charging options.

Key Specs

Lexus RZ 450e Premium

Price: £64,500
Top Speed: 99 mph
0-62 mph: 5.3 seconds
Power: 313 bhp / 230 kW
Torque: 321 lb-ft
Battery Capacity: 71.4 kWh
Driving Range (WLTP): 252–272 miles (depending on wheel size)
Energy Consumption: 3.7 miles/kWh (18″) / 3.4 miles/kWh (20″)
AC Charging: 7 kW (single-phase) / 11 kW (three-phase)
DC Charging: Up to 150 kW
Insurance Group: 44E
Manufacturer’s Warranty: 3 years (up to 60,000 miles), extendable to 10 years / 100,000 miles
Battery Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles