Lexus RZ EV SUV Gains New Baseline FWD Variant

The all-new Lexus RZ 300e debuts as the new baseline FWD variant for the Japanese luxury EV SUV.

Lexus has introduced a new baseline variant for its compact EV SUV model, known as the RZ 300e. Unlike its peppier, more expensive stablemate, this baseline EV SUV features a single, front-mounted (FWD) powertrain setup while boasting a larger battery pack that grants it a better maximum EV range.

With one electric motor 'missing' from its rear axle, the RZ 300e’s FWD powertrain setup still boasts a respectable total system output of 201 HP (150 kW) – about 107 HP (80 kW) less than the RZ 450e, which boasts a dual-motor AWD setup. While Lexus has not revealed any performance figures for the 300e, they will surely be eclipsed by its bigger sibling’s 0-100 KM/H sprint finish of 5.0 seconds.

While the RZ 300e might lose in a drag race against the 450e, the baseline variant excels in the long run, as it gets a bigger 72.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack compared to its stablemate’s 71.4-kWh unit. As a result, the RZ 300e has a better maximum EV range of 428 KM (EPA) than the RZ 450e’s 354 KM estimated EPA range.

However, those who fancy the larger 20-inch wheels over the standard 18-inch ones will suffer a loss in range, with the RZ 300e rolling on the latter boasting a reduced EV range of 360 KM (EPA).

Aside from the powertrain, the RZ 300e also comes with a different rear subframe from its bigger sibling. Thanks to its unique design that helps suppress more noise and vibrations, Lexus claims this unit garners the 300e model a more quiet and smoother ride.

On the visual front, both RZs look painstakingly similar, with the notable difference being the 300e badge the baseline variant carries, as well as the new Copper Crest exterior hue option derived from the next-gen RX SUV. Elsewhere, the RZ 300e comes with either the standard 18-inch wheels with five-spoked design or a bigger 20-inch multi-spoke wheel, which is also offered to the 450e model.

As for its cabin, the supposed baseline spec of the RZ boasts pretty decent equipment inside. Key highlights include the NuLuxe upholstery coming in several colours, the 14-inch central infotainment display, as well as a whole suite of ADAS features such as All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and many more.

Now available on sale in both the Japanese and US markets, the all-new Lexus RZ 300e starts at $55,150 (RM256,475) for the Premium FWD variant with the 18-inch wheel option, while the Luxury FWD variant commands a heftier $60,880 (RM283,122) asking price. For now, Lexus has yet to reveal plans to introduce this new baseline variant into other international markets, though we can expect it to hit some European markets like the UK and so on.

Lexus RZ 450e launched in Thailand earlier this year

As for our ASEAN regional markets, Lexus has already launched the top-billed RZ 450e to the Thai market earlier this year, but it remains unclear whether our northern neighbouring kingdom will also get the 300e model. Lexus Malaysia, on the other hand, has already opened the registration of interest (ROI) for the RZ, though no indications of its launch were given by the firm for now…