The Lexus RZ has touched down on South African shores. Here’s pricing and specs for the first all-electric Lexus available in Mzansi.
At launch, the Lexus RZ is available in three flavours: RZ 500e EX and RZ 500e SE, and RZ 550e F Sport. The former two models’ dual electric-motor powertrain produces 280 kW and 537 N.m of torque, which allows for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds. The RZ 500e models are equipped with a 74.6 kWh lithium-ion battery — good for claimed operating ranges of 500 km and 456 km in the EX and SE, respectively.
While the combined twisting force developed by the RZ 550e F Sport’s twin e-motor drivetrain matches that of its RZ 500e siblings, this model gains a boost in power, with 300 kW delivered to the road via all four corners. According to the Japanese automaker, this figure allows the RZ 550e F Sport to complete the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds. The RZ 550e F Sport also gains a larger battery pack — 76.9 kWh, which provides a claimed operating range of 450 km.
All models top out at 180 km/h and deliver power to the road via the firm’s DIRECT4 intelligent all-wheel drive system.
How much does the Lexus RZ cost in South Africa?
The local RZ model line-up is priced from R1 649 400 for the RZ 500e EX to R1 938 600 for the RZ 550e F Sport. Positioned between the former and latter, the RZ 500e SE is priced from R1 823 800. The RZ 600e F Sport Performance will join the range at a later stage. As standard, pricing includes a seven-year/105 000 km maintenance plan and a vehicle warranty of the same duration and distance. An eight-year/160 000 km battery warranty is also included with the package.
- Lexus RZ 500e EX — R1 649 400
- Lexus RZ 500e SE — R1 823 800
- Lexus RZ 550e F Sport — R1 938 600
- Lexus RZ 600e F Sport Performance — TBC