Lexus RZ electric SUV teased

The Lexus RZ has been teased again, with a full reveal due on April 20. With the electric revolution going on in full swing, you’d think the world’s largest carmaker would be right at the forefront. But curiously, Toyota and Lexus have been late to the electric party, with their first all-electric cars only being revealed this year. The Lexus RZ is based on Toyota’s dedicated EV platform, which is also underpinning Subaru’s first BEV.

The teaser shows the rear of the Lexus RZ, although we have already seen the prototype version before. It follows Lexus’ signature styling quirks, such as the big spindle grille that has been updated with a closed design to reflect Lexus entering the electric age. It gets an update on the sharp headlights and taillights, as well as luxurious interiors and materials. The Lexus RZ sets a template for other Lexus’ that we will see in the future.

From what we know, the Lexus RZ will be available with the dual-motor setup also present in the Toyota bZ4X, although it is likely to produce more than the Toyota’s 215bhp, put down to the ground with all-wheel-drive. The battery, range and pricing will also be more than the bZ4X, considering that the Lexus will be far more luxurious and upmarket. The Subaru Solterra also rides on the same dedicated EV platform that the Toyota and Lexus will use, and is going to underpin further electric Toyota Group vehicles further down the road.

As for rivals, the Lexus RZ will most likely compete with the Germans, such as the Audi e-Tron Sportback, the Mercedes-Benz EQC and the BMW iX, as well as the Jaguar I-Pace and the Volvo XC40 Recharge. It might well become the only luxury Japanese electric SUV in the market until Mazda and Honda reveal their electric SUVs. The Lexus RZ will be revealed in full on April 20, along with pricing, more details about the powertrain and other features.