Lexus Introduces New 2023 All-Electric RZ 450e - The Range Is What!?

Lexus has just released the new 2023 RZ 450e specifications, and we are very surprised by the EPA-estimated range numbers.

Lexus has just announced the details of its all-new, all-electric version of the bZ4X, called the RZ 450e. The big news is that the top trims will have less than 200 miles of range. From there, the specifications all seem pretty much what one would expect from yet another five-passenger compact/midsized electrified crossover.

2023 Lexus RZ 450e - Range
Lexus says that the range of the Lexus RZ 450e is an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 220 miles when equipped with its standard 18” wheels. Sort of a disappointment, but maybe not a deal-breaker. However, the range drops if you get any packages or trims with the 20-inch wheels. Those versions of the RZ 450e will only have an EPA-estimated MPGe range rating of up to 196 miles. This is a range that anyone cross-shopping the Mustang Mach-E, Genesis GV60, or pretty much any other EV of this size will find to be quite low. The RZ 450e is equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery.

2023 Lexus RZ 450e - Performance
Expect ample torque and a 5-second sprint time from 0-60 MPH in the new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e. That is more than quick enough for any normal daily drive. However, the GV60 has a 0-60 MPH time of just 3.6 seconds.

Here is how Lexus explains its all-wheel drive system: “RZ 450e utilizes DIRECT4, an all-wheel drive system first introduced with the 2023 Lexus RX, which features a rear eAxle coupled with the engine and front motor. RZ’s DIRECT4 system utilizes two high-output, high-torque eAxle units that each drive a wheel set, one in the front (150-kW) and the other at the rear (80-kW). Three-point eAxle motor mounts, each using a lightweight aluminum bracket, are placed symmetrically on each side to counterbalance the eAxle’s torque.”

Pricing of the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e
The Lexus RZ 450e will start at about $62K and rise in price with added features to about $70K.

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e - No Tax Incentives
Since the Lexus RZ 450e will be built in Toyota’a Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan, do not expect the vehicle to come with any federal tax incentives.

Charging the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e
Lexus says that the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e will be capable of charging using a CCS connector at DC Fast chargers and Tesla Magic Docks. It can charge from 0-80% in approximately 30 minutes with a proper DC fast charger. This is among the lowest speeds in the class. Coupled ith the short range, we see the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e as behind the competition in an important way.

2023 Lexus RZ 450e - Yes, It’s a Lexus
All the expected Lexus stuff is included. Yes, the top trim has the Lexus-mandated Mark Levinson Surround Sound system.

John Goreham is an experienced New England Motor Press Association member and expert vehicle tester. John completed an engineering program with a focus on electric vehicles, followed by two decades of work in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain before becoming a news contributor. In addition to his ten years of work at Torque News, John has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. He is known for offering unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. You can follow John on Twitter, and TikTok @ToknCars, and view his credentials at Linkedin