Lexus RZ Expands Electric Lineup for 2025 With New Entry-Level Grade

The 2025 Lexus RZ brings more options to consumers in the BEV marketplace, adding the entry-level grade to its RZ 300e and RZ 450e AWD lineup. With this addition, the RZ now offers three grades. The 2025 RZ is built at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan, and goes on sale later this year.

Powered by a 72.8kWh Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) lithium-ion battery and offered only with FWD, the RZ 300e realizes a total system horsepower rating of 201. The RZ 300e has an EPA-estimated range rating of 266 miles when equipped with 18" wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 137/112/125 (city/highway/combined). With 20" wheels, the EPA-estimated range rating is 224 miles and EPA-estimated MPGe rating is 114/96/105.

A subframe has been adopted for the FWD model, replacing the rear eAxle of AWD model. This subframe suppresses vibrations and noise, contributing to a smooth and quiet ride.

DIRECT4, an all-wheel drive system first introduced with the 2023 Lexus RX, is utilized in the RZ 450e and features a rear eAxle coupled with the engine and front motor. The 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.

The DIRECT4 system works to optimize drive force, traction, and posture control (e.g., pitch and dive) in accordance with driving conditions and the load carried by each wheel. DIRECT4’s front-to-rear torque distribution has a maximum range of 100:0 to 0:100, depending on the driving situation.

The RZ 450e’s 71.4 kWh battery, developed by Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES), delivers on performance with a total system horsepower rating of 308 and a 0-60 acceleration time of 5.0 seconds. It has an EPA-estimated range rating of 220 miles when equipped with 18" wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 115/98/107 (city/highway/combined). When utilizing 20" wheels, the RZ 450e has an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated range rating of 196 miles.

e-TNGA platform. With its lightweight e-TNGA steel platform, the RZ possesses an optimal placement of mass and high body rigidity. RZ’s body employs high-tensile steel panels and an aluminum hood to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Marrying body and platform is a bevy of innovative technologies, including Laser Screw Welding and Laser Peening, short pitch spot welds, and high rigidity expansion joints.

The lightweight platform also offers enhanced stability and ride comfort by mounting the 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack under the vehicle floor, creating a low center of gravity and inertia movement. A urethane sealant helps to keep dust and water out of the stack’s reinforced structure, while efficient water-cooling and water-heating systems work to maintain an ideal battery temperature.

Also lending to the RZ’s drive performance is the front MacPherson strut type suspension and rear trailing arm multi-link configuration with both specifically tuned and located to enhance handling balance, roll posture, and ride comfort.

At the rear, Frequency Reactive Dampers (FRD) are outfitted to the RZ’s suspension, altering the dampening force on the extension stroke in response to road surface frequency input. The FRD works to provide a high level of handling stability and helps to achieve a comfortable ride. With FRD and e-TNGA, key Lexus Driving Signature traits such as the precise control of sprung weight, along with natural posture changes, a tactile steering feel and the linear responses of steering, braking and acceleration operations are enabled.

Braking and steering. Lexus Driving Signature is also reflected in the new Active Hydraulic Booster-G (AHB-G) braking system that works with RZ’s regenerative motor capability to reduce vehicle speed while helping to improve vehicle posture. With a new Vehicle Stability Control actuator and on-demand pressurizing system using a high-performance pump motor, this braking system provides a natural and responsive brake pedal feel. The front-to-rear brake force distribution is controlled by independent pressure regulation, contributing to a comfortable drive and stable vehicle composure while braking. Furthermore, ergonomic brake pedal pads are used for easy pedal changes and pedal depression.

In addition, the Vehicle Braking Posture Control program adjusts front-to-rear brake force distribution according to a driver’s braking input as well as the suspension’s vertical inputs. This aims to improve handling and body posture while braking and turning.

A standard rack assist-type Electric Power Steering (EPS) system reduces the amount of steering input needed by utilizing a new motor and reduction gear setup that is installed parallel to the steering box. Moreover, a Motor Control Unit (MCU) with an integrated motor and motor current control ECU, reduces the EPS’ size footprint and minimizes operational noise.

The RZ is offered in three grades, including an entry-level grade (RZ 300e, RZ 450e AWD), Premium (RZ 300e Premium, RZ 450e Premium) and Luxury (RZ 300e Luxury, RZ 450e AWD Luxury). The RZ 300e, RZ 450e AWD and Premium grade ride atop 18-inch wheels in a Dark Gray Metallic finish while the Luxury grade is outfitted with 20-inch wheels in a Black and machined finish.

RZ pricing