Lexus RZ EV Launched in Thailand – ROI Already Opened in Malaysia

Aside from performance cars, family-sized SUVs, as well as compact EV hatch, this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) also sees some luxury marques debuting or previewing their flagship models to the Thai folks. Yet another EV to be launched in the 44th edition of BIMS is the all-new Lexus RZ.

Set to go against the likes of Mercedes-Benz EQA and BMW iX3, this sporty-looking EV crossover is also the luxury marque’s first-ever bespoke all-electric model, with the Kingdom being the second market in the ASEAN region to officially launch it.

Although there’s already other Lexus EV models like the UX 300e, the RZ stands out as the brand’s flagship EV model, underpinning the same e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) just like its lower market twin, the Toyota bZ4X. Offered in two variants, the Thai-spec RZ harnesses the 450e-spec powertrain, which features the DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive (AWD) dual-motor setup. 

The front motor is rated at 201 HP and 265 NM, while the rear one is rated lower at only 107 HP and 170 NM. Altogether, the RZ 450e is capable of delivering up to 308 HP and 435 NM, which grants it a 0-100 KM/H sprint finish in 5.3 seconds. Its top speed however, is not that impressive, as this EV’s V-max is electronically-restricted at 160 KM/H.

Juicing up this dual-motor setup is a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that provides the RZ with a maximum EV range of 470 KM, based on the NEDC standard. Charging up this rather sizable battery pack via 11 kW AC charging will take around 6.5 hours. Fortunately, the RZ also supports 150 kW DC fast charging that juices up the battery from 0-80% in about 30 minutes.

Visually, the RZ sports the same design language as any other new Lexus models, featuring prominent vertical lines, triangular shapes and sharp angles. At the front, the RZ is primed with LED headlights with auto high-beam function and Lexus L-shaped signature DRL, flanking the grill-less front end.

On the side, the baseline RZ rolls on a set of 18-inch multi-spoke wheels, while the Premium variant is primed with bigger 20-inch chrome wheels. The side windows, as well as the rear windscreen are equipped with acoustic glass for impeccable NVH performance on board. The RZ also sports a rather sporty silhouette, thanks to the low-raked, sloping roofline plus the black trims that further accentuate its ‘sloping-ness’.

At the rear, the RZ comes standard with the marque’s signature L-shaped LED taillights, as well as the small rear spoiler – also finished in black to match the aero kit.

On board, the RZ cabin space oozes luxury, brimmed with modern tech equipment and comfort amenities. Primed on its front dash is a massive 14-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto support. Complementing the media player is the 10-speaker Lexus Premium Audio sound system to keep occupants entertained.

Elsewhere, there’s a multi-colour ambient lighting system and Ultrasuede upholstery, the latter coming with two colour options – Hazel or Grayscale.

Drivers will get a head-up display to complement the already intuitive 8-inch digital instrument cluster, plus a rear-view camera and a slew of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features to help them drive better and safer.

The Lexus RZ is available in six exterior hue options, namely the Sonic Quartz, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Iridium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Copper and Aether Metallic. Price starts at THB 3.87 million (RM501,587) for the baseline Luxury spec, while the range-topping Premium variant will command a heftier price tag of THB 4.19 million (RM543,061).

Now that both Thailand and Singapore already have the taste of the RZ, it is somewhat expected that Malaysia will be the next in line to get it. With Lexus Malaysia already opening registration of interest (ROI) since mid last year, one can expect to see the RZ primed at Lexus showrooms across the country very soon…