2023 Lexus RZ 450e

Lexus’ long-awaited entrance to the electric SUV sphere is here

The Lexus RZ 450e is the first model in the Aichi-based brand’s electric arsenal, with the company aiming to go all-electric by 2035. This comes hot on the heels of its cousin, the recently launched Toyota bZ4X, with which it shares the e-TNGA platform.

Among the tech highlights are the Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, which uses sensors to control front/rear drive apportioning, and a steer-by-wire setup featuring a yoke instead of a traditional steering wheel. The yoke is set to a maximum of 150 degrees, giving the full range of movement in less than 90 degrees in either direction; this means the driver never has to do a hand-over-hand turn.

ETA: Northern hemisphere – Q4; South Africa – not confirmed for the local market at this stage