Lexus lowers the price of its RZ electric car and increases its range

Launched in 2022, the electric Lexus RZ is now available in a brand new entry-level version, called the 300e. The latter stands out for its falling price, still starting at 57,500 euros, as well as its autonomy, reaching 478 kilometers.

If some manufacturers are already very advanced in electric cars, such as Volkswagen or Peugeot, others are still a little behind. This is for example the case of Toyota and its cousin Lexus.

A new variation

Is it because the Japanese group hard to believe in this engine, which he considers only barely less polluting than thermal? Without a doubt. But with the arrival of Koji Sato at the head of Toyota, things are slowly changing. And Lexus benefits too, with the two brands sharing most of their technology. This is how the firm lifted the veil in 2022 on its first electric vehicle, the RZ 450e.

But after two years of career, it is time for the electric SUV to expand its range a little, as the manufacturer based in Aichi, Japan, indicates in a press release. This new variant, known as the Lexus RZ 300e, was designed to “ respond even more precisely to the needs of its customers » according to the Japanese firm. By this, we must undoubtedly understand that buyers want cheaper cars, while many of them still find them too expensive.

And precisely, this new version now plays the role of entry-level for the RZ, cousin of the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra. But then, what are we entitled to on this more affordable version? At first glance, the latter does not differ aesthetically from the standard variant. On board, the presentation also remains unchanged, with its 14-inch touch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, associated with a digital instrument cluster and a head-up display.

You will have understood, it is especially under the hood that we find most of the developments, which allow the electric SUV rival of the Peugeot e-3008 and the Tesla Model Y to reduce its base price. For the record, the latter is displayed at 57,500 euros all the samewhich does not allow it to be eligible for the ecological bonus of 4,000 euros.

Generous autonomy

Unlike the RZ 450e which has two motors, one on each axle, the new 300e only has one, located at the front. The latter still claims a power of 204 horsepower for a maximum torque of 266 Nm, which allows the SUV to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. Which is pretty good, while the top speed is limited to 160 km/h. On the other hand, the Lexus press release does not give details on the capacity of the battery.

This is a reminder displayed at 71.4 kWh on the 450e and could be identical on this new version. In any case, the Japanese SUV has a generous range of up to 478 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle with 18-inch rims. In 20 inches, this value drops to 429 kilometers in a single charge. For the moment, the charging time and the power that can be absorbed by the battery have not been communicated by the manufacturer.

Three finishes will be offered, including the entry-level Pack, notably integrating smart parking sensorsthe Smart Entry and Safe Exit Assist systems as well as the Lexus Safety System+. The most expensive version, Executive, adds 20-inch alloy wheels, blackout panoramic roof, heated rear seats and the Mark Levinson premium audio system, among others. The date of the first deliveries has not yet been officially announced by the manufacturer at the moment, but we should know more soon.