Lexus RZ 500e electric SUV takes fight to BMW and Audi

Most potential buyers will inevitably compare it to the newly launched BMW iX3 Neue Klasse, the Audi A6 e-tron and the Mercedes EQE.

I recently road tested the Lexus RZ 350e, which looks identical but is two-wheel drive, has less performance but better range. So I guess the key question is does the extra premium for the RZ500e over the RZ350e make sense and how does it stack up against its rivals from Germany?

First Impressions

My press car was finished in metallic silver (Sonic Platinum), which really suited the car as it highlighted the attractive black gloss trim on the bodywork around the wheel arches and at the front and rear. The steeply raked windscreen, sweeping roofline with twin discreet rear spoilers and the two-tone alloy wheels do give it an appealing style.

The only thing that bothered me somewhat is that the overall profile and indeed much of the body shape looks very much like the Toyota BZ with which it shares much of its underpinnings. I think at this price Lexus should have gone to greater lengths to differentiate it from its Toyota sibling.

What is it like inside?

The light tan ‘Hazel” interior colour of my test car may not appeal to everyone, but I thought it looked superb. There is lots of suede-like material and a judicious use of light coloured faux leather in the cabin, all of which combine to instantly create a truly premium, luxurious impression.

I instantly took to the lovely design of the dashboard, in particular the way Lexus has arranged the central touchscreen. Unlike many manufacturers who add it in almost as an afterthought, Lexus has designed the central touchscreen to be an integral part of the dashboard.

There is the “Hey Lexus” voice activation, which will allow you to access most main functions without having to prod the touchscreen. A wireless phone charging pad sits below the screen, and the centre console lid is cleverly hinged on both sides, allowing either the driver or front seat passenger to open it with ease. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

There is generally decent storage space in the cabin, but strangely no glovebox and that lower shelf below the centre console is too hidden and awkward to use, really.

The driving position is pretty much perfect, giving a commanding view of the road ahead, but rearward visibility is not so good. The HUD is excellent and configurable to give the data you prefer to see there.

There is, of course, also the Lexus Panoramic View Monitor, which gives a 360 view of the car, so that does offset the slightly compromised rearward vision. The rear view mirror doubles as a rear view camera (you can select it to work as a mirror or camera), but it is one feature that I could do without. The image in the mirror is far better than that of the rearview camera. The front seats are electrically adjustable with memory function, and they are heated and cooled, which is rather nice.

Jumping into the rear, there is plenty of leg and headroom, and again a feeling of quality about the car. The rear seats are also heated; there are two useful USC ports and even a 1500W 3-pin socket to allow you to use items from your home that maybe have a 3-pin plug. Handy! The dual panel panoramic roof lets in a nice amount of light too, making the cabin feel bright and airy. I particularly like the fact that it is photochromic.

At the touch of a button it goes opaque, and every time you exit the car it goes opaque to keep sunlight out of the cabin. You do feel Lexus really has put a lot of thought into this car.

What is under the bonnet?

The RZ500e is powered by a 77kWh battery and two electric motors, one on each axle, making it all wheel drive. Lexus call it “ DIRECT4”.

Max power is some 380 bhp with some 537 Nm of torque. The performance is pretty rapid. It accelerates relentlessly, pinning you to the back of your seat. Lexus claims a 0 to 100km/h time of 4.6 seconds, and though I did not time it I can confirm it feels that quick. There is also a discreet but audible motor hum piped through the speakers upon acceleration. It actually sounds quite good, and I am not a fan of fake noises. But this one works.

So it lacks for nothing in the get-up-and-go department but unfortunately there is a price to pay!

Interestingly, all this performance is derived from the same 77kWh battery that sits in the RZ350e, but the RZ500e simply draws more power from it to drive two electric motors. The price? Well, energy consumption and range is the answer.

For example, the claimed range of the RZ350e is 560km I returned a test average of 397km. The claimed range of the RZ500e is 457km and I returned just 356km. On most trips it consumed 20.7kW per 100km, and that was driving with restraint. This then is the biggest drawback of the RZ500e over its two-wheel-drive stablemate. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The Lexus also cannot rival the real-world range of the new BMW iX3 (about 650 km) or the Audi A6 e-tron (600km or so). Even the Mercedes EQE beats it on range as it will achieve about 500km or so on one charge. It also lags on charging speeds at just 150kW DC. That means its rivals can recover substantially more range in the same amount of time thanks to their 800-volt architecture.

So how does it drive?

Beautifully! This car is all about comfort and refinement, and in that it delivers. However, it also manages to be a very pleasant car to drive as it rides and handles very well indeed.

I really liked the control yoke and the steer-by-wire system. The steering is perfectly weighted with good feel and that steer by wire system allows for a variable ratio which means that when manoeuvring in tight spaces, a small turn of the yoke gives a large movement or turn of the car. Sure it takes a little bit of getting used to but I loved it and well done to Lexus for having a ago with some new technology.

Hugh’s Verdict.

Ultimately, if a real-world range of well over 400km is a priority I’d have to say look elsewhere. Indeed, the considerably cheaper RZ350e may suffice. However, range or lack of it is not the full story here. The Lexus RZ500e stands out from its premium German rivals for offering a truly luxurious, extremely well-appointed, beautifully engineered car.

The RZ500e also comes with a class-leading 10-year or 1,000,000 kms warranty on the battery. That will no doubt win customers over its rivals too. Can I recommend the Lexus RZ500e?

Absolutely! It’s not perfect, but it is brilliant.​

Price €80,500.

Pros:

• Truly luxurious & high tech.
• Looks and feels top class.
• Terrific performance & traction.

Cons:

• Range lags behind its rivals.
• It is quite pricey.
• Charging speed lags some premium rivals.

Checkout www.whichnewcar.ie for more honest verdicts on new cars by Hugh.