Lexus needs to "Pursue Perfection" a bit more before EV buyers can "Experience Amazing"
Lexus had a revolutionary first decade of existence from its debut LS400 sedan that put the luxury automotive world on notice to the RX300 which created the luxury crossover segment. In recent years, however, the brand has been playing catch-up with Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. Given their lauded hybrid systems, it is a bit ironic that Toyota has been so late to the EV game. With the new RZ, Lexus is one of the last brands to launch an EV model.
The RZ’s is intended to keep loyal RX owners behind the wheel of a Lexus and not to jump ship should they want to go electric. Similarly styled and sized to the RX, and already in the same showroom – this shouldn’t be too hard of a feat. The RZ was the first Lexus I drove at Pebble Beach and found it to be a pleasant if not memorable experience - not that Lexus is typically targeted towards driver engagement.
With the massive touchscreen that integrates knobs into the interface, Lexus manages to exhibit a modern design while being user-friendly. It’s a nice balance versus having no buttons and forcing total dependency on the screen – an issue that has plagued other EVs and can distract drivers. This setup is also a welcomed improvement over the maligned Lexus remote touchpad of recent years.
With the massive touchscreen that integrates knobs into the interface, Lexus manages to exhibit a modern design while being user-friendly. It’s a nice balance versus having no buttons and forcing total dependency on the screen – an issue that has plagued other EVs and can distract drivers. This setup is also a welcomed improvement over the maligned Lexus remote touchpad of recent years.
Overall, there’s no “Wow Factor” to the interior (or exterior for that matter). While my tester didn’t come with the optional gimmicky steer-by-wire yoke, but rather a conventional steering wheel, I did get a chance to see the yoke in person at the LA Auto Show last year. This feature was not available at launch, but it does certainly add something distinguishable to an otherwise forgettable interior.
One of my complaints about modern Lexus models is that they just don’t seem that luxurious anymore – perhaps it’s the dark, almost always black interior of the test cars, the lack of wood or any trim to warm up the design. Or perhaps, Toyota has made enough strides in the upper end of its own models that the differentiation is harder to notice. Either way, Lexus doesn’t have the premium feel of its competitors. In the past, automakers would try to make their interiors “more Lexus-like” and those days are long gone.
After using the build tool on the Lexus website, the RZ is priced competitively. Even in the top Luxury trim level with options, it comes in at $66,250. Combine this with the Lexus dealership experience and network that its Genesis and Tesla competitors can’t match, and the RZ seems well positioned. . . Until you consider the Hyundai Ioniq5 and Kia EV6 which have received unanimous praise. These offerings are smaller but also priced lower (before markups) and are better looking inside out.
So far, these negatives are more detractors, now we get to the disqualifier: The terrible driving range of 196 to 220 miles. It’s not surprising, given that the RZ shares the e-TNGA platform with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra which also have the same issue. Range anxiety is a big reason why buyers stick with the ICE models they’re used to and for those that do consider an EV, a longer range is at the top of the “must-have” list. Many competitors offer 250 to 330 miles of range.
Making matters worse, the RZ only has a 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger which also makes it take longer to charge than its competitors - only further adding to its list of limitations.
With the original RX, Lexus redefined what an SUV could be in functionality, capability, and design. It’s a shame that the brand not only arrived late to the EV party but with a vehicle that was essentially disqualified on arrival.
Are low range and long charging times what we should expect from future Toyota/Lexus EVs?
This appears to be the case for now, but the future isn’t all bleak.
Toyota put hybrids on the map to begin with and made plugins (PHEV) more accessible to consumers. Toyota still commands a near-term leg-up on these innovations and is smart to continue to incorporate hybrid and plug-in availability across its lineup to reach customers who are curious about electrification but are hesitant about fully committing.
But for now, Toyota and Lexus are the brands you choose for hybridized powertrains and not for EVs, which is why buyers might stick with an RX Hybrid versus going with the RZ EV. While the RZ is styled better than its Subaru and Toyota platform mates, the new RX is cleaner looking than the outgoing generation, but also better looking than the RZ.
Lexus has a faithful base of owners, many of whom have driven the brand for decades and are an older clientele than those typically considering Tesla or the Korean brands.
Overall, the RZ doesn’t move Lexus or the EV segment forward and will be the ultimate test of Lexus owner loyalty.
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