Peter Lyon
July 9, 2024
The Lexus RZ, the company’s first all-electric model in Malaysia, has started accepting orders. Available in just one spec, the RZ450e, this all-electric SUV has a sticker price of RM429,888.
Based on the e-TNGA platform, which also underpins the Subaru Solterra and the Toyota bZ4x, the Lexus RZ450e is available in six different exterior colour options in Malaysia including Aether Metallic, Graphite Black, Sonic Cooper, Sonic Quartz, Sonic Chrome, and Sonic Iridium.
Additionally, the Malaysian-spec RZ450e is equipped with Single Projector Bi-AHS LED headlights, Lexus Signature LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights featuring the Lexus Signature L-bar design on the outside. Additionally, a set of 20-inch alloy wheels in a Black and Bright Machined Finish are installed on the luxury all-electric SUV.
Moving inside, the gray Ultrasuede Leather is the only inside colour option now offered for the Malaysian-spec RZ450e along with a 7-inch digital instrument display, a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system.
The SUV’s dual motor setup pumps out 313 horsepower and 435 Nm with Lexus’ Direct4 all-wheel drive technology sending power to all four wheels. This allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 160 km/h that is electronically limited.
With a single charge, the RZ450e has a range of 440 km (WLTP) thanks to a 71.4 kWh battery pack—although expect under 380km in the real world. In the charging department, the RZ450e in Malaysia can receive AC power at a maximum rate of 11 kW and DC charging at a maximum rate of 150 kW. The former can juice up the battery from zero to full in 6.5 hours, while the latter can top up the battery from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes.
The Lexus Safety System+ ADAS suite fitted to the Malaysian-spec RZ450e employs Lane Keeping System (LKS), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Lane Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Stop & Go Function and Curve Speed Reduction.
For added peace of mind, Lexus Malaysia is including an 8-year/unlimited mileage guarantee on the EV battery, ECU, and inverter of the RZ450e.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
About time we think. The RZ450e first surfaced in Japan and other countries in late-2023 so we can only wonder why it took so long for Lexus’s first-ever EV to land in Malaysia. It may sit on the same platform as its less pricey brother, the controversial Toyota bZ4X (which suffered a recall way back in 2022 after tires fell off the car!), but it does employ an extra motor giving it more herbs and a little more prestige. Range is just satisfactory when you compare to other electric SUV rivals from Audi, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes.
