In the gorgeous metropolis of Aix-en-Provence within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur area of Southern France, Lexus, the luxurious model of the mighty Toyota Motor Corporation, assembled worldwide media to unveil the all-new electrical crossover Lexus RZ 450e. The RZ 450e is a landmark mannequin for the model, as it’s the first Lexus to be designed from the outset as a battery-electric automobile.
Why Aix-en-Provence? Perhaps as a result of the exceptional historical past of town runs parallel to the exceptional rise of the Lexus model. Aix-en-Provence was the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. During our time there, we had been handled to a strolling tour of elements of town the place Cezanne’s childhood residence, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio Atelier Cezanne are positioned. The beautiful white sandstone cliffs of Mount Sainte-Victoire overlooking town had been frequent topics of Cezanne’s works.
The Lexus story, whereas not historic, could be very spectacular as nicely. In 1990, Lexus entered a luxurious market within the U.S. dominated by Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, and BMW. Lexus hit the bottom working with fashions that provided luxe interiors, respectable styling, and most significantly, ultra-reliable drivetrains. Lexus is now a most popular luxurious model, with very excessive resale values.
The RZ is the newest electrified automobile within the Lexus lineup, which incorporates seven hybrid and plug-in hybrid automobiles. The portfolio enlargement strikes Lexus towards one other important aim: the belief of a sustainable international society. Lexus intends to contribute to a carbon-neutral society by aiming to supply 100% BEVs globally by 2035.
The assertion “aiming to offer 100% BEVs by 2035” makes a complete lot of sense as “aiming” is the important thing operative phrase. Frankly, if by 2035 the infrastructure and demand for EVs is solely not there amongst shoppers in massive numbers, Lexus and Toyota have an “out,” as their hybrid automobiles provide excellent gasoline economic system, and have lessened influence on the pure sources wanted to make a battery electrical automobile. For instance, Toyota can construct 90 Prius Hybrids with the nickel, copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese, and graphite wanted to make a full-electric automobile battery-pack for one full-electric automobile. Toyota additionally affords one other “green” car the hydrogen-powered Mirai.
True Lexus?
So what’s the RZ all about? It is a real Lexus in each sense of the phrase. Lexus is now recognized, along with stellar reliability, for its excessive know-how. With the RZ 450e, all of it begins with the brand new e-TNGA automobile platform.
The light-weight platform employs high-tensile metal panels and an aluminum hood to cut back weight and improve rigidity. To be a part of the physique and platform, modern applied sciences, together with laser screw welding and laser peening, short-pitch spot welds, and high-rigidity enlargement joints are employed.
The light-weight platform affords enhanced stability and experience consolation by mounting the battery pack underneath the automobile ground, making a low middle of gravity which interprets into higher dealing with.
RZ 450e Road Manners
RZ 450e highway manners are spectacular, however some will scoff on the mid-pack EPA estimated vary numbers. The 71.4 kWh 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack delivers 308 horsepower and a 0-60 acceleration time of 5.0 seconds. It has an EPA-estimated vary ranking of as much as 220 miles when outfitted with 18” wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe ranking of 115/98/107 (metropolis/freeway/mixed). With the 20” wheels on premium trim ranges, the RZ has an EPA-estimated MPGe of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated vary of as much as 196 miles.
The RZ 450e makes use of DIRECT4, an all-wheel drive system first launched with the 2023 Lexus RX, which encompasses a rear eAxle coupled with the engine and entrance motor. RZ’s DIRECT4 system makes use of two high-output, high-torque eAxle items that every drive a wheelset, one within the entrance (150-kW) and the opposite on the rear (80-kW).
On the roads of Southern France, we discovered the general dealing with and experience high quality to be excellent. Lexus will provide a steer-by-wire system on the RZ, and we had been lucky to check that system again to again with customary electrical rack and pinion steering. The steer-by-wire system makes use of an aircraft-style yoke steering system that Lexus calls “One Motion Grip,” and lock-to-lock steering might be completed with a 180-degree flip of the yoke. It takes a short while to get used to the system, as small inputs imply loads of front-wheel journey, however as soon as acclimated, it’s spectacular and a characteristic I’d go for.
RZ 450e Styling
The new RZ 450e is in a phrase, attractive. Lexus’ identifiable spindle grille is changed by the Lexus spindle physique, as launched with the 2023 Lexus RX, showcasing a particular roof spoiler to suppress aerodynamic power. The roof, trunk and undercover are formed to cut back aerodynamic drag and permit air to circulation easily throughout the automobile.
Having no engine to chill leads to a low hood design and minimal entrance grille opening. The grille makes use of a grille shutter to enhance aerodynamic effectivity. When cooling air is just not required, the grille shutter is closed to cut back air resistance.
An obtainable illuminated entrance “L” emblem signifies charging standing and homes a millimeter wave radar sensor for dynamic cruise management. The Lexus brand resides on the horizontal rear mixture lamps. The lowered middle portion of the purple lens accentuates the emblem kind and emphasizes a pointy look.
RZ 450e Interior
The RZ 450e inside is predicated on the idea of Tazuna, or a horse’s rein. It encompasses a driver-focused inside format impressed by the communicative relationship between horse and rider. Key Tazuna components embrace steering wheel-mounted switches, an optimally positioned instrument panel for an improved subject of view, and an obtainable 10-inch head-up show.
My favourite inside characteristic is the spectacular Dynamic Sky panoramic glass sunroof. The non-obligatory roof is a will need to have, because it eliminates the standard rolling sunshade in favor of a smart-function low-e coating that suppresses radiant warmth on sizzling summer season days. If it’s an excessive amount of mild or warmth coming in, a dimming perform which immediately reduces the quantity of sunshine coming into the inside.
Another tremendous cool inside characteristic is the radiant heaters for the motive force and entrance passenger. Located beneath the steering column and dashboard, the system makes use of 8% much less vitality than typical local weather management methods.
Of course, the remainder of the inside is full-luxe in typical Lexus vogue. And with out the noise of an inner combustion engine and additional efforts to fight cabin noise by Lexus designers and engineers, the inside is serene. Lexus adopted the Japanese idea of Oto-Kukan (sound house) when fine-tuning inside sound and noise ranges. Noise abatement options embrace a slimmer A-pillar cross-section to cut back wind noise; a steady hood seal rubber that reduces wind entry and turbulence; sound-dampening carpets, glass, and foam; and Active Sound Control that directs EV system sound frequencies into the cabin to cancel out undesirable outdoors noises.
Mark Levinson premium audio, a 14-inch high-definition touchscreen with cloud navigation, digital key, distant join and distant charging, and a number of other security and repair join options are customary or obtainable gear. Five USB ports and wi-fi charging up entrance present myriad choices to maintain your Android or Apple merchandise absolutely charged.
The RZ has three inside coloration choices: Thunderstorm and Macadamia, Palomino, and Dapple Gray. Ambient illumination compliments the inside with a thematic multi-color choice customary on the Luxury grade that offers customers a selection of fifty colours and 14 themes. An all-new and customary Shadow Illumination creates an ornamental sample on the door trim.
Premium grade interiors have NuLuxe trim, whereas Ultrasuede trim, an upholstery materials comprised of bio-based sustainable supplies, is customary on Luxury grade. In addition, Luxury grade additionally has obtainable all-new “Tsuyasumi” movie, which brings a shiny charcoal impact to the middle console. The movie overlays layers of particular person veins and a pure cinder-like black coloration to create the ultimate extremely textured, trendy expression.
RZ 450e Safety
Lexus has been a world chief in security, and the brand new RZ 450e retains that essential issue a serious precedence with the usual Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. The system contains:
- Pre-Collison System with Pedestrian Detection
- Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist
- Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection and Braking
- All Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Trace Assist
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Proactive Driving Assist
Additionally, anticipated security objects like a number of airbags, digital stability management, and anti-lock brakes are customary gear. The e-Latch digital door launch system with Safe Exit Assist helps forestall accidents attributable to opening a door into the trail of approaching automobiles or cyclists. Great characteristic!
RZ 450e Charging
The RZ comes with a Level 1 vehicle-charging cable for 120v retailers, and collaborating Lexus sellers provide an choice to buy a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger on the dealership or straight from ChargePoint on-line. With the ChargePoint charger, anticipate as much as 25 miles of vary per hour. Under splendid circumstances, the RZ can cost from 0-100% in roughly 9.5 hours with a Level 2 charger and from 0-80% in roughly half-hour with a DC quick charger.
RZ 450e homeowners and lessees have entry to a concierge visitor expertise with a devoted workforce obtainable by way of telephone to reply BEV questions.
RZ 450e homeowners are additionally enrolled within the all-new Lexus Reserve program, which supplies an unique complimentary rental service to anybody who purchases/leases the 2023 mannequin. The dealer-based Lexus Reserve program awards friends with 30 complimentary reserve days for use over the course of three years from the date of buy/lease.
RZ 450e Pricing
The 2023 RZ is obtainable in three trims:
- Premium with 18-inch wheels – $59,650
- Premium with 20-inch wheels – $60,890
- Luxury – $65,150
Delivery, Processing, and Handling charges whole $1,150.
The all-new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e represents the “Next Chapter” of electrified for the model. Based on the excellence the brand new RZ affords, the way forward for the Next Chapter is brilliant.
Marseille, France
After departing stunning Aix-en-Provence, we traveled to Marseille.
Marseille is a port metropolis in southern France, and has been a crossroads of immigration and commerce since its founding by the Greeks circa 600 B.C. At its coronary heart is the Vieux-Port (Old Port), the place fishmongers promote their catch alongside the boat-lined quay. It’s a terrific strolling metropolis with myriad landmarks, nice eating places, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
We stayed on the ultra-luxe Intercontinental Hotel, with beautiful views of this stunning metropolis.
