SUPER-NATURAL STEERING

Lexus RZ breaks one of the oldest molds in motoring history

- Pawan Dhingara

More than any other Lexus, the new RZ packs the most novel features of the lot. And we’re not just referring to the fact that it is Lexus’s first fully electric SUV, which correctly so is quite a big and bold statement in the market.

The Lexus RZ is built on an entirely new electrical platform. It’s been intentionally designed around the batteries so it is less compromised than other Lexus models which were adapted later on in life. Fewer compromises mean improvements in weight management, range and interior packaging. 

The battery itself is a 71.4kWh unit which is smaller than you’ll find in a Jaguar I-Pace and BMW iX. Nevertheless it pushes out 201bhp to the front axle and 108bhp to the rear axle, and the all-wheel drive system helps it reach 60mph in 5.3 seconds. So it’ll keep an Audi S3 honest between robots, which once again highlights just how ridiculously fast even the most unassuming of family-orientated EVs have become. Range is pretty decent too – expect around 250 miles on a charge as equally important is a charging speed of 80% in 30 minutes thanks to the 11kW on-board charger.