Lexus RZ, a test drive of the electric SUV that drives with a joystick and manual transmission
After three years, which were spent in obscurity, Lexus's first fully electric model is being refreshed and embarking on a new life. The RZ SUV thus enters its second generation with a very subtle aesthetic update, but adopts new technologies and joins forces. Starting early next year, it will no longer be offered in a single model but in three variants, each featuring new technologies designed to optimize efficiency, dynamism, and drivability, yet each one is very different from the other.
The new-generation RZ range consists of the single-engine, front-wheel drive 350e Executive with 224 horsepower and a range of 570 kilometers, the twin-engine 500e AWD Luxury with 381 horsepower that can travel up to 500 kilometers before needing to plug into the mains, and the twin-engine 550e F-Sport with all-wheel drive with 408 horsepower, which promises a range of up to 450 kilometers. The latter stands out both aesthetically and because it offers an eight-speed virtual manual transmission and steer-by-wire as standard. This is a steering system with no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, transmitting commands to them via electrical signals and placing a Formula 1-style steering wheel in front of the driver. This steering system will also be available as an option for the mid-range trim. In fact, the 550e is the RZ with the greatest number of new features, as those mentioned above are complemented by those also present on the other two. Indeed, it too is powered by a new 77 kWh battery, equipped with a 22 kW on-board charger and pre-conditioning that uses up to 150 kW of direct current to restore charge from 10 to 80% in half an hour. Furthermore, unlike its siblings, it adopts a series of structural stiffeners, boasts a suspension specifically calibrated to reconcile comfort with assertive handling, and uses ad hoc settings for both the dynamics electronics and the all-wheel drive to smooth out cornering.
Photo gallery 4 photos
The top-of-the-range RZ is recognisable by its outfit with distinctive styling features. In particular, the specially designed bumpers with integrated air intakes in the front bumper, the air vents that direct airflow to the sides, the spoiler under the rear window, the rear diffuser, the 20" wheels, and some unique color schemes. Inside, the only exclusive feature offered by the 550e F-Sport is the butterfly steering wheel, as the update to this model has not changed the conventional interior decor, simply introducing new upholstery and new color combinations that, combined with the brightness provided by the new panoramic sunroof, which allows for adjustable darkening levels, make the environment more welcoming. Digitalization continues to be present in the small 7" cockpit, which the shape of the new steering wheel ensures is always clearly visible, on the 10" head-up display, and on the 14" infotainment screen, which now integrates navigation with route planning to optimize fuel consumption and locate charging points along the way. Rationally, there are many physical switches scattered around the dashboard and the center console, including the one to engage the virtual gearbox which is managed with the paddles which, thus, abandon the function of setting the energy recovery levels when slowing down.
Capable of reaching 180 km/h and 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, the F-Sport transmits its personality from the driver's seat with the aeronautical-style control stick that replaces the steering wheel, inspired by the fact that steering at any speed requires only a few degrees of rotation and the button on the center console to engage the virtual gearbox. In practical terms, steer-by-wire requires getting used to to be able to use it correctly and advantageously for handling because between one end of the travel and the next the steering wheel rotation reaches 200°. In practice, half that of conventional steering. Therefore, at any speed as well as during maneuvers and in any type of curve, it requires much less movement than conventional steering.
For its part, the gearbox emulates the operation of a manual, allowing you to exploit the linear performance of the twin-engine powertrain in a fun way, albeit accompanied by an artificial soundtrack. Dynamically, this RZ prioritizes comfort over precision, as the electronic suspension remains soft even in the Sport car configuration.
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