Lexus RZ 450e

FIRST DRIVE Premium brand branches out with a rival for the Tesla Model Y

- Sean Carson

WE’VE waited a long time for Lexus to offer a big, bespoke premium EV and we'll have to wait a little longer for the full effect, because the RZ with drive-by-wire steering and a yoke-style steering wheel won’t arrive until next year at the earliest. But the version with conventional steering is here now, so has playing the waiting game worked? How does it compare with rivals such as the BMW iX3 and Tesla Model Y?

Well, the cabin is certainly as premium-feeling and as well built as you’d expect of any Lexus with a 64,500 price tag our car is a base-spec RZ 450e Premium Pack).

Inheriting the infotainment from its NX and RX siblings, the RZ’s tech is strong too. Its 14-inch screen offers bright graphics and lots of features. However, the digital dash could be a little more sophisticated, and you might find the constant binging and bonging from the various systems infuriating.

Once you’ve turned this off, the cabin is so quiet that you'll be incredibly relaxed on the move and the ride matches this. With 18-inch wheels, the RZ’s e-TNGA platform and suspension soak up bumps and control the body over rolling undulations fairly well.