Lexus RZ450e

The Lexus RZ 450e Luxury is a five-seat premium electric SUV offered in Malaysia as a single fully imported variant. It uses a dual-motor DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system producing 230 KW or 313 PS, paired with a 71.4-kWh battery offering up to 440 KM of WLTP range.

The RZ 450e was originally launched at RM429,888 on-the-road without insurance. Warranty coverage includes five years with unlimited mileage for the vehicle and eight years with unlimited mileage for the battery and other EV components, with an optional two-year extension previously offered. 

The driver-focused Tazuna dashboard positions the major displays and controls within the driver’s natural line of sight. It combines a 14-inch central touchscreen, seven-inch digital instrument display and a head-up display.

The centre console features Tsuyasumi ornamentation with a glossy charcoal appearance. A rotary shift-by-wire selector, wireless charging pad, storage compartments and physical controls are positioned within easy reach.

A seven-inch TFT digital instrument display presents speed, range, driver-assistance and energy information. A head-up display projects important information closer to the driver’s forward line of vision. 

The seats are upholstered in dark grey and black Ultrasuede. Both front seats receive eight-way powered adjustment, while the driver also gains memory and two-way powered lumbar support. The rear seatbacks fold in a 60:40 split. 

The five-seat cabin benefits from its 2,850-MM wheelbase and dedicated electric platform. Rear occupants receive generous legroom, while the relatively flat floor improves comfort for the centre passenger.

A heated three-spoke steering wheel includes touch-sensitive multifunction controls and powered tilt-and-telescopic adjustment. Steering-wheel paddles allow the driver to adjust regenerative-braking strength. 

Cabin storage includes a front tray, door pockets, an under-console compartment and a centre-console box with a two-way-opening lid. Additional luggage storage is available beneath the boot floor.

Cup holders are provided for both front and rear occupants, including holders within the centre-console and rear armrest areas. 

The dashboard provides three USB-C ports, consisting of two charging ports and one multimedia connection. Two additional USB-C charging ports are fitted at the rear, together with 12-volt sockets and a Qi-compatible wireless charger.

Ultrasuede upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, Tsuyasumi trim and customisable 64-colour ambient lighting create a premium environment. The cabin prioritises craftsmanship and comfort rather than adopting an overly minimalist EV design. 

The powered tailgate opens to 522 litres of luggage capacity with all seats upright. Folding the rear seats increases maximum cargo volume to 1,451 litres.

The RZ 450e measures 4,805 MM long, 1,895 MM wide and 1,635 MM tall, with a 2,850-MM wheelbase. Kerb weight stands at 2,125 KG, while minimum ground clearance is 200 MM.

The front uses Lexus’ spindle-body design, replacing the traditional spindle grille with a smooth, largely enclosed fascia suited to an electric vehicle. Sharp lighting, sculpted bumper sections and a low bonnet give it a distinctive and aerodynamic appearance.

Its sloping roofline flows into dual roof spoilers and a wide rear body. The powered tailgate, sculpted bumper and full-width lighting help create a sporty crossover profile. 

Single-projector Bi-AHS LED headlamps are standard, featuring automatic levelling, adaptive high beams, LED cornering lamps and Lexus-signature L-shaped daytime-running lights.

The LED rear combination lamps use Lexus’ signature L-bar graphic and extend across the tailgate. An LED rear fog lamp is also included.

The exterior mirrors feature powered adjustment, automatic folding, heating, memory, reverse-linked positioning and automatic dimming. Blind-spot-monitoring indicators are integrated into the mirror housings. 

Ventilated disc brakes are fitted at both the front and rear. They are supported by regenerative braking, ABS, Brake Assist and electronic stability-control systems. 

The Malaysian model rides on 20-inch aluminium wheels with black and bright-machined finishes. These are paired with 235/50 R20 tyres at both ends.

Active-safety equipment includes ABS, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, tyre-pressure monitoring, hill-start assistance and secondary-collision braking. Parking Support Brake can also intervene when obstacles are detected at low speeds. 

The RZ 450e is equipped with seven airbags, including front, front-side, curtain and driver and passenger knee airbags. Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters are provided throughout the cabin. 

Five driving modes are available: Normal, Eco, Sport, Range and Custom. These settings adjust accelerator response, climate operation and other vehicle characteristics according to the driver’s preference. 

The 14-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, navigation and dynamic voice recognition. Its large interface provides access to media, vehicle settings, climate controls and charging information.

Lexus Safety System+ includes Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with stop-and-go operation, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist and Lane Change Assist.

Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Assist, a panoramic-view monitor and Lexus Teammate Advanced Park are also fitted.

A 13-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system with a subwoofer is standard. Active Sound Control can generate acceleration-related sounds to provide additional feedback while driving. 

A permanent-magnet synchronous motor at the front produces 150 KW or 204 PS and 266 NM. The rear motor contributes 80 KW or 109 PS and 169 NM, giving a combined system output of 230 KW or 313 PS and 435 NM. 

Each electric motor operates through its own single-speed transaxle. Power delivery is immediate and does not require conventional gear changes.

The DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system continuously varies power distribution between the front and rear axles. This allows the vehicle to prioritise traction, stability or handling depending on driving conditions. 

The RZ 450e accelerates from 0 to 100 KM/H in 5.3 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 160 KM/H. 

A 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 440 KM of WLTP range. The RZ supports 11-KW AC charging, requiring approximately 6.5 hours for a full charge, while 150-KW DC charging can replenish the battery from 0% to 80% in around 30 minutes. 

Convenience equipment includes smart entry with a Lexus card key, push-button start, a powered tailgate with kick sensor, rain-sensing wipers, a digital rear-view mirror and customisable ambient lighting. 

A three-zone automatic climate-control system is fitted with dedicated rear air vents. Lexus Climate Concierge coordinates selected climate functions to maintain a comfortable cabin environment. 

The RZ uses MacPherson-strut front suspension and a double-wishbone rear arrangement. Its dedicated e-TNGA platform places the battery low within the body, improving stability while helping the suspension deliver a composed and comfortable ride. 

Noise-dampening materials and reinforced chassis structures help suppress road and wind noise. Combined with the quiet electric powertrain, the RZ delivers the calm cabin environment expected from a Lexus. 

The Lexus RZ 450e combines smooth dual-motor performance, strong cabin refinement and comprehensive safety equipment in a distinctively styled electric SUV. Its 313-PS DIRECT4 powertrain, comfortable interior and established Lexus ownership support are its strongest qualities.

However, its 440-KM range and 150-KW charging rate are less competitive against several newer premium EVs. Limited local availability and the arrival of a refreshed RZ in overseas markets should also be considered. Nevertheless, it remains suitable for buyers who prioritise refinement, craftsmanship and comfort over maximum range or charging performance.