As the first Lexus model based on the Pure Electric Platform (e-TNGA), the RZ has been in the spotlight since it was exposed. Just now, Lexus held a press conference for the model online, and the new car did not disclose the price and did not announce the exact launch date.
Many people will compare the Lexus RZ with the Toyota bZ4X, because the two cars are from the same platform, whether the RZ is just a bZ4X rebranded model. But in fact, Lexus and Toyota were born on a unified platform of many models, such as the Asian Dragon and ES, RAV4 and NX, etc., but in fact, different brands, different positioning under the two products or released a lot of differences, from the terminal performance, Lexus owners do not care about this.
Judging from some important information points at the press conference, the Lexus RZ retains many of the characteristics of the concept car, whether from the design, ergonomics or steering wheel, the RZ is a very distinct turning point for Lexus.
For example, in terms of appearance, although the Lexus RZ still retains the family design of this generation of spindle front face, the entire grille position has been completely closed, the design of led headlights is still so sharp, aggressive, and the aura of the entire front face is very in place, which is also the most emphasized part of Lexus' new generation design language.
In terms of interior, the overall layout is centered on the driver, from the dashboard, air conditioning outlet to the center console and other positions, using a multi-faceted board to emphasize the technical atmosphere of the interior, especially the unconventional steering wheel, which is a bit like the shape of an Formula 1 race car, and a bit of spaceship-like technology.
Such a steering wheel design, I guess, will bring a polarizing view to the Lexus RZ, some young people who are willing to try it boldly will certainly think that such a design is more in line with the tech label of a pure electric model, and another relatively conservative pragmatist will definitely mention the safety of steering at large angles, but this mainly considers the setting of the steering gear ratio, if it has an excellent adjustable steering ratio, then the driver can completely not hand over the replacement hand.
In terms of three electricity, the Lexus RZ uses a 71.4-degree battery pack, which is combined with a P4 motor to form an electric four-wheel drive structure. According to the official explanation of Lexus, the distribution ratio of this set of electronic dynamic four-wheel drive systems named DIRECT4 is between 0:100 and 100:0. Acceleration and handling stability are improved, taking into account an excellent level of energy efficiency. When starting the vehicle and accelerating in a straight line, the front and rear wheel drive force distribution ratio of the system is about 60:40 and 40:60, which can effectively reduce the pitch of the vehicle and bring a more direct sense of acceleration. Based on important information such as cornering speed and steering angle, the system can optimize the distribution of driving force according to changes in driving conditions to achieve superior handling stability.
Overall, compared to the Lexus UX300 currently on sale, RZ is the first car to really open the electrification of Lexus, for those who began to try to consider additional purchases, for consumers who buy trams, if they do not like the new forces in the concept of car-making avant-garde, but also hope that there are some relatively niche, luxurious electric products on the market, RZ is a good choice.
Therefore, the competitors of Lexus RZ should not be ideal, Weilai, Gaohe and other brands, but more pure electric products under traditional luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz EQ series and Audi e-tron series. Specific to what is new about the Lexus RZ to use, let's share it with you later when we get the test drive.