Previewed: Lexus RZ450e @ Toyota ‘Beyond Zero’ – Dual-motor, 71.4 kWh Battery, Up To 440 KM Range

A surprise addition at UMWT's 'Beyond Zero' was the early preview of the upcoming Lexus RZ 450e luxury EV compact crossover SUV.

At the ‘Beyond Zero’ expo currently held by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) at Technology Park Malaysia, the firm’s Lexus Malaysia arm sprang us a surprise with an early preview of the new Lexus RZ 450e.

This will mark UMWTs L-badged luxury arm’s first entry into the local EV space, which is set to happen soon. Prior to this preview, Lexus Malaysia had already opened Registration Of Interest (ROI) for the model following its market launch in neighbouring Thailand.

Despite sharing the same bones as the Toyota bZ4X that’s also set to enter our market soon, this Lexus offshoot aptly boasts a sportier and more up-market design, with a plush innards and higher-end powertrain specification to match as well.

The RZ on show at 'Beyond Zero' appears similar to the 'Premium' guise that's now on sale in neighbourign Thailand.

Regarding the latter, the Lexus RZ 450e previewed at ‘Beyond Zero’ packs a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup as opposed to its Toyota twin’s front-mounted single e-motor and front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup.

Combined, peak output figures read at 313 PS (230 kW) and 435 NM. In turn, said figures enables this luxurious twin of the Toyota bZ4X to despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 5.3 seconds whilst enroute towards an electronically-capped 160 KM/H V-max.

Underneath, the RZ 450e packs a dual-motor, AWD setup juiced by a 71.4 kWh battery that accepts 150 kW DC fast-charging input to allow 0-80% re-charges in 30 minutes.

Said dual motors are juiced by the same 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack as primed in the bZ4X, and Lexus touts this model in having a claimed maximum range of up to 440 KM with each full charge.

As for charging, the Lexuz RZ 450e accepts AC inputs up to 11 kW, which promises full re-charges in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, it also accepts DC fast-charging inputs as high as 150 KW, and Lexus claims 0-80% re-charges are achieved in just 30 minutes via this method.

As for rolling stock, the Lexus RZ 450e on show at 'Beyond Zero' is brimmed with 20-inch multi-spoke wheels - a relative signature of Toyota's L-badged luxury marque.

Visually, the RZ 450e sports stylish 20-inch alloy wheels, trick all-LED headlights flanking the massive yet distinct Lexus grille design (albeit closed off), LED taillights, and relatively sporty touches as evident through its dual-edge rear spoiler mounted atop of its tailgate.

On board, key equipment include dual digital displays comprised of a 14.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument display, followed by the presence of a wireless charging pad, USB-C charging outlets, as well as plush Ultrasuede upholstery in the seats and doors.

On board, it's the typical Lexus affair featuring plush Ultrasuede upholstery, digital displays, and a host of upmarket creature comforts and amenities.

Notably, the RZ 450e is also primed with the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) active safety suite that adds a bevy of advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features. The latter fact sees adaptive cruise control, assisted parking, panoramic view parking monitor, pre-collision warning and mitigation, lane-tracing and -change, assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, are all accounted for here.

Having spoken with insider sources at Lexus Malaysia present at ‘Beyond Zero’, they’ve hinted to us that the RZ 450e will be introduced this year shortly after its Toyota twin debuts in the market. They were coy about dates, but we suspect could happen in the second quarter (Q2).

Also on display and available for short test-drives at 'Beyond Zero' is the Toyota bZ4X - the Lexus RZ 450e's 'lesser' twin.

As for the Toyota bZ4X, UMWT took the opportunity to preview this upcoming EV crossover once again at 'Beyond Zero' alongside its Lexus twin featured. As previously noted by an insider source prior, the bZ4X is expected to launch very soon – first quarter (Q1) was hinted.

If you’re keen to take an early look at both the bZ4X and its RZ 450e twin for yourself, you can do so during the ‘Beyond Zero’ expo by pre-registering yourself online. Details for which are in available in our pre-event report, which you can check out by clicking these blue words…