Just in time to catch those last-minute “December to remember” buyers, Lexus has taken the wraps off the 2024 RZ lineup. The star of the show is the front-wheel drive RZ 300e, a brand-new base model that costs $4,700 less than the existing dual-motor RZ 450e and offers considerably more driving range. More range at a lower price is never a bad thing, but whether this version can woo more buyers remains to be seen.
As first efforts go, the Lexus RZ isn’t bad. As we noted earlier this year on our first drive, it admirably adapts the automaker’s angular style and soothing driving experience into a hassle-free EV package. But it’s still a first try, and as Paul Hollywood might say, it’s a bit underbaked in certain areas. Its biggest demerit is range, and the RZ 450e tops out at 220 miles on a full charge to its 71.4 kWh battery pack. Spec the optional 20-inch wheels and that number drops to 196.
The RZ 300e deletes the rear-axle motor from the all-wheel-drive (AWD) RZ 450e and uses a different, larger 72.8-kWh battery pack made by a different supplier. With the standard 18-inch wheels, it earns an EPA-rated range of a much more respectable 266 miles, but still shy of the new single-motor Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge (293 and 297 miles) and the Genesis GV60 (248 miles, but with dual motors). Fit the 20-inchers and the RZ 300e’s range falls to a much less-noteworthy 224.
Charging times, somewhat limited by the 150-kW maximum fast charging rate, will be the same for both models. Both need 9.5 hours for a full Level 2 (240 volt) home charge and can fast charge from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, which Forbes Wheels has achieved in the real world on the RZ 450e.
While range grows with this single-motor setup, power notably falls. The RZ 300e makes 201 system horsepower and drives only the front wheels, to the RZ 450e’s 308. Lexus buyers generally aren’t fixated on zero-to-60 bragging rights but that’s still a significant drop in oomph. For its price, the GV60 and dual-motor Volvos are likely to be considerably quicker. Even the new single-motor Volvos have 248 hp, a difference drivers can feel.
Still, the RZ 300e should have enough grunt to match or better the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ (188 hp) and EQB 300 (221). Also, being on the small end of the midsize SUV spectrum rather than these compact alternatives, the Lexus is roomier than the GV60 and the Volvos, and less expensive than Genesis’ Electrified GV70.
In place of the rear motor, the RZ 300e gets a special rear subframe which the brand says suppresses vibrations and noise for a smoother and quieter ride. The RZ is already whisper-quiet, so it might be hard to tell the difference.
The RZ 300e will come in the same trims as the 450e, starting with the $55,150 Premium with 18-inch wheels (all prices including destination). Above that are the Premium with 20-inchers ($56,390) and the top-tier Luxury ($60,880, which comes standard with the 20s).
This all makes the RZ 300e a better value overall than the 450e, but the GV60 and the single-motor Volvos are still less expensive to start.
On the plus side, Lexus does bundle in lots of technology, and some of that tech is upgraded for 2024. The driver-assist suite can now detect objects in your lane and gently brake and steer away from them as well as alert you and stop when you may be turning left into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Other changes common to both versions of the RZ include the addition of single and two-tone versions of the pretty Copper Crest color that debuted on last year’s RX, new decorative patterns on the interior door panels and minor interior tweaks.
Lexus says the 2024 RZ will go on sale this month, though it’s unclear if any might reach dealers in the waning days of 2023.