Toyota and Lexus have been slow playing the introduction of electric vehicles, instead investing in hybrid with plug-in capability to satisfy green consumers.
In fact, the Lexus RZ 300e Luxury model is the company’s first exclusively electric model last year. This year’s effort includes several updates including the option of front-wheel drive.
RZ 300e delivers a solid, satisfying ride with performance characteristics and road trip manners. I had occupants on road trips to the Camano Island Arts Tour and Allyn, for a lengthy golf trip to Lakeland Village near the southern end of the Hood Canal.
Smiles and compliments all around, with occupants impressed with the RZ 300e’s smooth ride, quiet cabin, and powerful acceleration. My only complaint was the car’s limited range, requiring three charges in the span of seven days to keep the RZ on the road.
My tester was the Copper Crest version, with a new penny copper exterior sheen and bi-tone interior, with dual-voltage charging cables for 120V and 240V outlets included as standard. Powered by a 72.8kWh lithium batter and an electric motor, the combo generates 201 total horsepower with a range of around 220 miles.
Exterior highlights include a distinctive roof spoiler to suppress aerodynamic force, low hood design with minimal front grille and illuminated front badge, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a dynamic sky panoramic glass room that changes from opaque to clear with the push of a button.
Lending to the RZ’s drive performance is the front MacPherson strut type suspension and rear trailing arm multi-link configuration with both specifically tuned and located to enhance handling balance, roll posture, and ride comfort. At the rear, frequency reactive dampers are outfitted to the RZ’s suspension, altering the dampening force on the extension stroke in response to road surface frequency input.
The RZ’s cabin is a minimalist, yet airy and maximally appointed luxury environment. RZ’s interior layout benefits from a compact powertrain with a low platform and thoughtful wheel placement. RZ’s low hood allows for better front passenger forward visibility and the available panorama glass roof further lends a sense of wide openness and front-to-rear expansiveness.
Technology and luxury features abound.. My personal favorites were the humungous 14-inch touchscreen with display drive connect, cloud navigation, and intelligent assistant; ultra suede-trimmed, heated and ventilated seats; heated rear seats; wireless Apple CarPlay integration along with wireless Smartphone charging; Mark Levinson surround sound system with 13-speakers; and thematic ambient lighting.
With radiant heaters in place of a traditional glovebox, front passengers can stow their belongings underneath the center console, within the two-way opening console box, in the front tray, or in doors ’storage pockets. Cargo capacity at the rear easily accommodates three golf bags. Below the cargo hold’s deck, additional space is available to stow smaller items as well as the provided dual-voltage charging cable.
Completing the Lexus masterpiece of technology is its Safety System+ 3.0, a safety suite second to none.
The length list is highlighted by a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, risk avoidance emergency steer, left turn oncoming vehicle detection and braking, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, and
proactive driving assist that provides gentle braking or steering support into curves or to maintain distance control with the preceding vehicle.
Base Price: $60,880
Price As Driven: $64,305
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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