How Much is a Fully Loaded Lexus RZ 450e EV?
Lexus has started rolling out production models of its new RZ 450e electric SUV, and interested drivers can expect to start seeing the EV on the road soon. It’s the first fully electric vehicle in the Lexus lineup – an essential step for Toyota’s luxury branch. There’s a lot to unpack. Let’s start with Lexus RZ 450e pricing — where it starts, available options, and how much a fully loaded Lexus EV costs.
Here are the trim levels for the new Lexus electric SUV
According to Kelley Blue Book, Lexus offers two trim levels for the 2023 RX 450e.
- RX 450e Premium starting at $59,650
- RZ 450e Luxury starting at $65,150
These trim levels are merely starting points for pricing. Start tacking on options in the Lexus RX 450e online configurator, and you can easily find yourself at over $72,000 for a fully loaded Luxury trim.
How much you’ll actually pay for a Lexus RZ 450e depends on the enforcement of the federal government’s EV tax credits. If the new rules accommodate the 2023 RZ 450e, buyers could knock off as much as $7,500.
What’s important to know about the Lexus RZ 450e?
The new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e joins an ever-expanding field of luxury electric SUVs. As the first fully electric model from Lexus, it has a chance as the brand’s proof of concept for complete electrification. Here are a few characteristics of importance.
The Lexus EV shares a platform with Toyota and Subaru
Lexus created the SUV on the same platform designed in a partnership between Toyota and Subaru for each brand’s first respective EV models. The Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra began sales last year but ran into production problems and recalls involving loose hub bolts and wheels that could detach.
Lexus EV offers more than 200 miles of range
Battery range continues to dominate conversations around electric SUVs. In this case, the Lexus RZ 450e range offers only a middling performance. According to Kelley Blue Book, its 220-mile range lags behind competitors like the Audi E-Tron, Tesla Model Y, Volvo C40 Recharge, and others.
Two electric motors provide standard all-wheel drive while offering 308 combined horsepower and 320 pound-feet of combined torque.
The Lexus electric crossover offers a yoke option as a steering wheel alternative
Tesla made waves when it debuted a yoke-style steering wheel in its Model S. Now, Lexus has hopped on the yoke-steering bandwagon.
While a conventional steering wheel is standard for the SUV, the optional yoke can serve as a unique conversation piece. The verdict on the yoke’s functionality is still up in the air – but it’s sure to grab people’s attention.
Is the Lexus EV available to buy?
Lexus is accepting orders for its new electric SUV at this time. It’s yet to be seen whether the luxury model will achieve better production and delivery numbers than its Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra peers. Both of those models have run into trouble with Subaru delaying Solterra deliveries in 2022.
