Lexus RZ to debut on April 20 – interior of brand’s first EV shown with steering yoke, driver-centric cockpit

Lexus RZ to debut on April 20 – interior of brand’s first EV shown with steering yoke, driver-centric cockpit

The Lexus RZ, the brand’s first-ever dedicated battery-electric vehicle, will make its global debut on April 20, 2022, the Japanese carmaker announced recently. The electric crossover was previewed by the LF-Z Electrified concept last March before a production version was shown during Toyota’s big electric vehicle showcase near the end of 2021.

To go along with its latest announcement, Lexus also gave us our first look at the RZ’s interior, which bears similarity to said concept. The main attention-grabbing detail is the steering yoke just like what you’ll find in the latest Tesla Model S and Model X – it’s not clear if Lexus will offer a regular steering wheel for customers who prefer something familiar in their hands.

We also find a driver-centric cockpit with a digital instrument cluster as well as a modestly sized touchscreen infotainment system angled towards the driver. The latter integrates the car’s media and climate systems into it, but there are still physical dials to control volume and temperature – two things that most users will fiddle with on their daily commute.

Elsewhere, the engine start button is located close to the high-mounted air vents, while the centre console houses the gear selector, electronic parking brake, traction control button and two cupholders. The RZ also has triple USB-C ports, a wireless phone charger and a head-up display, based on what we can see.

Lexus RZ to debut on April 20 – interior of brand’s first EV shown with steering yoke, driver-centric cockpit

Just like the interior, the exterior of the RZ also stays relatively true to the show car that previewed it. Key design cues include the “spindle body” front end that mimics the grille on Lexus’ petrol-powered models. There are also black panels beneath the sharp headlamps (with boomerang-shaped DRLs), black wheel arch flares, a kinked window line and full-width taillights.

The RZ is reportedly a posher version of the Toyota bZ4X, suggesting it rides on the same e-TNGA platform (Lexus could have its own fancy name for it) that is also shared with the Subaru Solterra. The RZ 450e will be one of the variants available, and it will likely come with two electric motors for all-wheel drive (as hinted by the Direct4 badge).

Expect the RZ 450e to have more power than the bZ4X’s maximum output of 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) as well as a battery larger than 71.4 kWh. The LF-Z Electrified concept packed a 90-kWh battery that is good for a range of up to 600 km, and it’s touted as being rather brisk too: 0-100 km/h in three seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.

GALLERY: Lexus RZ 450e

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • As Toyota/Lexus is moving towards electrification, the gap between these 2 brands is getting narrower. Mid range brands are trying to pack more gadgets and better interior quality into their new EVs, while premium brands are approaching diminishing return.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • But the gap between Toyota & Perodua is widening since they continue refuse to give modern engines with any form of electrification whatsoever not even donating powertrain from 1st gen prius.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • ROTI CANAI on Apr 06, 2022 at 12:28 pm

    id buy the car purely for the steering wheel. super cool.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • bieight8 on Apr 06, 2022 at 3:03 pm

    EV doesn’t need start button and gear selector…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • hazri on Apr 07, 2022 at 8:12 pm

    now you know where that myvi half cut stereng got inspiration from.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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