Lexus confirms the unveiling of a new EV online on 20 April 2022. Along with that, we also get two new teaser images. The company has already shown the prototype earlier, and we also know the model’s name – RZ. Earlier this year, Lexus released official photos of the prototype car. The model will come in as the RZ 450e, and it will be the only available version. The Lexus RZ will share its chassis and platform with the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra.
The new images offer a look at the front and the cockpit of the vehicle. The RZ will use a further evolved version of the Lexus spindle grille. The EV model does not need openings on the grille and hence will use a closed-off grille design. There is, however, an inlet in the lower half and vertical slots on the sides of the grille, which could be used to cool the brakes. The teaser image of the cockpit reveals a yoke-type steering wheel, similar to the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. The cockpit image also shows Lexus’ all-new infotainment screen, first seen on the new NX.
Lexus will rely on the available powertrain options in the Toyota and Subaru with some upgrades. The Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra EVs come with two powertrain options. The first one is a single motor producing 150 kW (201 HP) with a 71.4 kWh battery. The second is a dual motor with two 80 kW (107 HP), making 160 kW (215 HP). It gets a 72.8 kWh battery pack. Each at the front and rear, the two motors make it an AWD model.
Lexus in India is steadily expanding its line-up, so we can expect the new RZ to arrive in the future. When the Lexus RZ comes, it will compete with the other pure electric SUVs from the German and British brands, namely – Audi e-Tron and e-Tron Sportback and the Jaguar i-Pace. The Lexus RZ will most likely be positioned above the Hybrid models in the company’s line-up.
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