Lexus is going electric and the company has announced the 2023 RZ 450e will start at US$ 59,650. Set to arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year, the entry-level RZ 450e Premium features an edgy front fascia with a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by LED headlights. They’re joined by rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, and a standard panoramic glass roof.  Buyers will also find a hands-free power liftgate and 18-inch wheels with a two-tone finish.While the exterior will likely draw some detractors, the cabin features a minimalist and upscale design. Drivers sit behind a heated steering wheel and find themselves looking at a digital instrument cluster, which is flanked by a 14-inch Lexus Interface system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Putting the screens aside, the crossover has NuLuxe upholstery and eight-way power front seats with heating and ventilation. Other highlights include a wireless smartphone charger, a ten-speaker audio system, an ambient lighting system, and a dual-zone climate control system. Despite its entry-level status, the RZ 450e Premium comes with an impressive amount of standard driver assistance systems including all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and lane tracing assist.  They’re joined by road sign assist, a panoramic view monitor, a blind spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.  The crossover also has digital latches with safe exit assist as well as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and intersection support.

 

Motivation is provided by a 71.4 kWh battery pack, which powers a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing a combined output of 313 hp. This will enable the crossover to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in five seconds flat and travel approximately 354 km on a single charge. The US$ 65,150 RZ 450e Luxury uses the same powertrain, but it has a less impressive estimated range of 315 km. This can likely be chalked up to the larger 20-inch wheels and extra 24.9 kg of weight.

Thankfully, there’s more to the Luxury variant than that as the model has an upgraded interior with Ultrasuede upholstery, Tsuyasumi trim, and a multicolor ambient lighting system. Buyers will also find heated rear seats, a radiant front knee heater, and acoustic glass. The extras don’t end there as the range-topping model comes equipped with a head-up display and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.  Lexus also throws in some other goodies including advanced park assist, traffic jam assist, and digital key technology.

 

We’ll have more to say about the Lexus RZ in the coming weeks but, in the meantime, we’ll point out the aforementioned prices don’t include a US$ 1,150 destination fee.