Lexus RZ 2024 Review

The D-segment electric vehicle market is welcoming more options, and consumers are no longer solely focused on range numbers but are shifting toward a balanced demand for "luxury quality + practical performance". Against this backdrop, the 2024 Lexus RZ 450e Luxury, as the flagship SUV of the brand's pure electric series, has become a consideration for many family users due to Lexus' consistent exquisite craftsmanship and Toyota's reliable electric powertrain system. In this test drive, we mainly verified whether its range performance and driving comfort matched the price of RM 429,880 and assessed the practicality of space as a family car.

In terms of exterior design, Lexus' iconic Spindle Grille appears in a "closed + textured panel" form characteristic of pure electric vehicles, surrounded by sharp LED headlights. The L-shaped daytime running light accents enhance the front-end recognition. The sides feature smooth lines, with a coupe-like design extending from the A-pillar to the rear, maintaining the SUV silhouette while reducing wind resistance. The 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 235/50 R20 tires perfectly uphold the body proportions visually. At the rear, the through-type LED taillight acts as the finishing touch, forming a complete light band when lit. The diffuser trim below adds to the sporty feel. The overall design incorporates Lexus' family genes while adhering to the minimalist aesthetic of electric vehicles.

Sitting inside, the interior materials and craftsmanship continue the brand's luxurious feel: the dashboard is covered in soft leather, while the armrests on the door panels feature stitching details, complemented by matte metal trims, offering a tactile and visual finesse. The 14-inch floating central touchscreen serves as the core of the interior, with a clear interface layout and support for touch and voice controls, delivering a smooth system response. Some physical buttons are retained below for easily operating the air conditioning and volume while driving. Configuration-wise, the standard features include a 3-zone automatic climate control system, heated/ventilated front seats, and a Mark Levinson 13-speaker sound system. The sound system, in particular, performs impressively in vocal and classical music playback with its high resolution.

The spatial arrangement has been optimized for family needs: the 2850mm wheelbase provides significant advantages, with rear legroom exceeding two fist-widths. For a 175cm passenger sitting inside, there is ample clearance between their knees and the back of the front seat. Headspace is slightly compromised due to the coupe-style design but still provides about a fist-width, avoiding a cramped feeling. The trunk's standard capacity is average, but the rear seats can be folded down proportionally, expanding the maximum capacity to 1451L, which is more than sufficient to fit a stroller and two 28-inch suitcases. Storage details are also thoughtfully designed: there is a hidden storage compartment below the center console, door pockets can accommodate large bottles, and the depth of the front center armrest compartment is adequate for a laptop.

In terms of performance, the front and rear dual permanent magnet synchronous motors deliver a combined output of 313PS horsepower and 230kW power, with an official 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.3 seconds. During actual driving, in normal mode, the start is smooth, and the power output is linear the moment you press the accelerator, avoiding the "sudden burst" feeling often found in electric vehicles. When switched to sport mode, the power response becomes noticeably quicker. During overtaking, pressing the accelerator further allows for a rapid increase in speed, and the acceleration from 100-140km/h on the highway is strong as well.

The handling and chassis tuning lean towards comfort while retaining a certain level of resilience. The front MacPherson + rear double-wishbone independent suspension filters out most vibrations when dealing with urban road speed bumps and minor jolts, keeping the body stable without excessive movement; during cornering, the suspension provides sufficient support with body roll being kept within a reasonable range. Coupled with the electric four-wheel drive system’s distribution, the vehicle's tracking is excellent. The steering feel is moderate, with minimal dead zone, and you can clearly feel the road feedback while driving. Overall, it doesn't feel as heavy and cumbersome as a 2.6-ton SUV.

Range and charging tests are key highlights: equipped with a 71.4kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, the official range is 440km. In our mixed-route test (city 30% + highway 70%), with the air conditioning set to 24℃ and driving mode in normal, the final range achievement rate was about 85% — the actual distance traveled was 374km, with a remaining battery display of 10%, and a power consumption of approximately 18.5kWh/100km. For fast charging, using a 150kW charger, it took only 35 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%. For slow charging, it takes 6.5 hours to fully charge, which meets the standards of mainstream electric vehicles.

The attention to detail in driving and riding comfort is worth mentioning: at high speeds, wind and tire noise are well controlled, and at 120km/h, conversations inside the car do not require raising voices. The seat padding is moderately soft and firm, with adequate lumbar support, ensuring that long-distance driving does not feel tiring. The energy recovery system has three adjustable levels, with the highest level of drag feeling not being very noticeable. Releasing the pedal feels more like the coasting experience of a fuel car, making it easier to adapt to.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2024 Lexus RZ 450e Luxury lie in its "luxurious feel + balanced performance": Compared with the similarly priced Tesla Model Y Performance (around RM450,000), it offers more refined interior craftsmanship and more comprehensive features; compared with the Volvo XC40 Recharge (around RM390,000), it has more space and longer range. It is suitable for families with a budget of RM400,000–450,000, focusing on brand value, comfort, and reliability — especially for consumers who need to balance daily commuting and weekend family outings.

As the flagship SUV in Lexus's electric series, the RZ 450e Luxury does not pursue extreme performance or range but finds a balance among luxury, practicality, and reliability. If you are looking for an electric SUV that is "low-key yet refined," it is a worthy option to consider.