Lexus RZ450e 2023 review: leather-free EV handles well, but does it have enough range?

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  • Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
  • Full review of the 2023 Lexus RZ450e AWD Sports Luxury on Australian roads, including efficiency as tested, ride quality, handling, non-leather interior and inclusions.
    Time codes:
    0:00 - What is the Lexus RZ?
    0:30 - Luxury & Sports Luxury grades
    0:48 - Pricing & rivals
    1:22 - In this video
    1:43 - Styling
    2:42 - Under the bonnet
    2:55 - E-Latch door handles
    3:16 - Rear end
    3:44 - 522L of boot space
    4:24 - Non-leather interior
    4:43 - Ultra-suede seats
    5:13 - Material quality
    5:30 - Roof translucency
    5:45 - Heated & cooled seats
    6:03 - Touchscreen & tech
    6:40 - Physical climate controls
    6:55 - Storage
    7:20 - Steering wheel vs yoke
    7:48 - Blue interior colour
    8:10 - Back seat space
    9:05 - Smooth to drive
    9:40 - Quietness & refinement
    10:25 - Ride quality
    10:50 - Relatively lightweight
    11:15 - Handling & steering
    12:21 - Dual-motor powertrain
    12:40 - Power & torque
    13:00 - AWD system
    14:00 - Throttle response
    14:45 - Acceleration
    15:25 - Regen & braking
    15:50 - No one pedal driving
    16:15 - Free charging
    16:50 - Encore Platinum club
    17:55 - Battery size
    18:20 - Range & efficiency claim
    19:15 - Range as tested
    19:50 - Charging time
    20:20 - Which model is best?
    21:00 - Is this car good value?
    21:20 - Verdict
    As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 61

  • @A48L16S091366
    @A48L16S091366 10 місяців тому +3

    This is an excellent EV for me. It is used for in-town trips - to the grocery store, doctor visits etc. Recharged at Level 2 in the comfort of my own garage. We have an LX for any long excursions we may need to make. I buy Lexus because their dealership service is head and shoulders better than any other make in my location. And always a free loaner available.

  • @tonyhove981
    @tonyhove981 Рік тому +22

    I'm starting to think Toyota really doesn't want to offer electric vehicles given their pricing strategy.

    • @craigrussell1101
      @craigrussell1101 Рік тому +5

      I think they actually are more pragmatic; the problem with EVs is lack of a charging infrastructure which is dependent on the electric grid which needs vast investment in nuclear power to even begin to be practical. Same problems exist in other countries, especially the US. Witness charging rationing this past year in California during the summer months. An alarming statistic is the amount of EV owners who are getting rid of their vehicles and returning to ICE. I also think the Japanese manufacturers favor fuel cells an alternative fuel ICE.

    • @hughventer2934
      @hughventer2934 Рік тому

      They believe that electric operated vehicles aren’t the solution to solving issues with the climate. That’s why they’re invested in offering hydrogen vehicles as the amount of pollution creating EVs and the batteries (nickel mining as an example) isn’t enough to offset the pollution made bye ICE cars.

    • @dimsoneill
      @dimsoneill Рік тому

      Yeah, Nah... that pricing is a load of hairy bollacks. A bit like the 25-35 years it would take to get even SNRs up and running and the couple lack of community support for a reactor anywhere near them. We have no shortage of generation potential wth renewables, we just need and efficent way to store and release it for use. Australia should of had an ARC Centre of Excellence in Energy storage set up 15 years ago with the best and brightest attracted here to build a world leading renewables and associcated tech industry, as we all saw this coming. Instead, most of our leading scientists were scalped to China, and of course a whored-off LNP to the Oil and Gas Lobby actively stifled research and investment. F'ing Scummo and his lump of coal.

    • @tonyhove981
      @tonyhove981 Рік тому +4

      @@craigrussell1101 if that were true the Tesla Model Y would have not achieved being the best selling vehicle globally 1st Qtr 2023.

    • @craigrussell1101
      @craigrussell1101 Рік тому +2

      @@tonyhove981 The question is do owners come back and buy a second EV. The issue still remains for the majority of the buying public; power/charging infrastructure. If everyone were to switch to EVs the country would come to a standstill. Even Elon Musk said the country’s power grid could not support everyone switching to EVs without a massive investment in nuclear power generation and distribution. The other issue is the high cost of purchasing an EV, which should come down over time but who knows. My bet is alternative fuels as some of the European car companies are increasingly entertaining, will be a better accepted solution. Who knows, maybe a combination of many new technologies will be the way forward. I am not an EV hater, in fact, I marvel at the technology. I just don’t see them being practical charging wise for for high density urban areas. Been a lot of political talk about building our charging infrastructure but I haven’t seen much real world progress. I suspect that goes beck to my original premise; lack of power generation capacity.

  • @josiealdo2610
    @josiealdo2610 Рік тому +9

    may as well buy a taycan at this point lol

  • @himeshk8667
    @himeshk8667 Рік тому +12

    Current Lexus owner and one who always talks them up in front of my euro mad friends. But this is ridiculous. I can’t see how Lexus reliability should be a full 40-60k premium more than a Tesla Model Y. Honestly, I’d take my chances with reliability in a Model Y.

    • @TheLfp09
      @TheLfp09 Рік тому

      Just to add to this…Tesla are very reliable and non of that service premium. For $145k just get a Model Y anda backup Model 3. They both do 400km+, have superior software, a reliable charging network and can get a yoke installed for $500 odd if you fancy it :)

    • @avdp9095
      @avdp9095 Рік тому

      Honestly how on earth can you compare a Lexus with a Tesla, the Tesla is a good EV but worst build car ever, very bad service as well. We have several Toyota's and Tesla's in our company fleet of cars. The Tesla's are awful, just awful build, fit and finish and service, range far less. But Tesla has become sort of EV cultus, scary.

    • @avdp9095
      @avdp9095 Рік тому +1

      ​@@TheLfp09lol, Tesla's reliable???? We have several Tesla's in our company, paint issues, dents in body, awful build quality interior and worst possible service, range is 400km up to 420, 100km more than the RZ. But who drives more than 320km daily....nobody, ridiculous.

    • @himeshk8667
      @himeshk8667 Рік тому

      @@avdp9095 my question was if Lexus reliability is worth the premium of an extra 40+k.
      If it’s a yes for you, then great, more power to you my friend.
      In my case, I can’t justify that extra for nicer panel gaps and a classier dealer experience. I’ll take the current Tesla build quality and save the difference.

    • @avdp9095
      @avdp9095 Рік тому

      @@himeshk8667 it is more than that.
      Our two Tesla 3... .
      One 2021, one 2022.
      Paint quality, awful. Dents in carbody, when delivered..., water in headlights. Interior, many minor quality issues with upholstery.
      Awful, hard, suspension, for adults very uncomfortable sit position on rear seating, due to very low seats.
      In the lease the difference, monthly costs, between a Tesla and Lexus are not that big. So yes, Lexus anytime...or an Etron, pr an Eqs.

  • @larryjenkinson5525
    @larryjenkinson5525 Рік тому +8

    🇦🇺 Rather have a GV60 for the price!

  • @MarksElectricLife
    @MarksElectricLife Рік тому +4

    $135K for a pimped BZ4X with 400km range (300 real world) and no one pedal option? They can install that roof on my Tesla. I’ll pay them $10K and pocket the difference. Well at least the wheels stayed on I guess ! 😂😂

    • @chat2stephen
      @chat2stephen Рік тому

      I read somewhere it's around 280-300km real world range provided you keep heating/cooling to a minimum, and turn off the headlights 😂

  • @alexi21san
    @alexi21san Рік тому +4

    Top spec is 150k on the Australian website.Sounds like they want to sell as few a possible.

  • @Mark-de4hj
    @Mark-de4hj 2 місяці тому

    Great more comprehensive review than others on here. Great looking SUV and the only EV I would put my money into at this point. The conditioning of the battery will stand up much better in this in 5-10 years and the ride quality is better in this than most.

  • @TheLfp09
    @TheLfp09 Рік тому +6

    Just watched this…and my takeaway was a lot of the word ‘Luxury’ was used to try and justify the high price tag. Range is laughable for that price tag. Not sure why Japanese manufacturers are that far behind. Too many better options coming out to market and with the shared Bz4 platform…there will be issues. Also…yoke will be extra and only out in 12-18months…really?

  • @joshung007
    @joshung007 Рік тому +2

    With such high pricing they're gonna be hard to spot on the roads lol. Toyota really wants you to get in the queue for a RAV4, me thinks.

  • @arnegerhardsen3755
    @arnegerhardsen3755 4 місяці тому

    Thanks for your good review. As known Toyota an Lexus have made brakes with regen on the regulear brakes on their hybrid cars for years, which gives smooth and comfortable braking. In Norway we can have both the Execurive and the Luxury with 18" or 20" wheels while the lowest premium grade only comes with 18". People has different preferences, but the 18" has 40 km longer WLTP range to 440 km, gives a smoother drive and is cheaper to use with less tire wear and electric consumption. For our use we might have longer trips than the normal range a couple of times a year, and then we will always like to take a brake after max 3 1/2 hour driving anyway, and after the upgrade the charging is ready before we have eaten our meal. Like other people we are pleased with a car where the environment is not burdened with a bigger battery than needed, prefer the shorter brake distance and better comfort a lighter car gives. After I was disabled I normally has been completely exhausted after smaller car-trips. We ordered an RZ after a long test drive where we found a smooth drive which makes it possible for me to join my wife to visit family.

  • @victordo9408
    @victordo9408 Рік тому +2

    Looks like a Haval H6 GT!

  • @MatthewBayard
    @MatthewBayard Рік тому +1

    Can you stop saying an Ev owner needs an ICE car too? 400 kms of range is enough to roadtrip in Au. Not that many people drive from Perth to the Eastern States.

  • @davidarter6271
    @davidarter6271 Рік тому

    I will happily stick with my much loved LS430 Thankyou.

  • @johnclapperton5556
    @johnclapperton5556 Рік тому +1

    Its not just the range but the time needed to recharge. Here in Ontario ( Canada ) people drive to the cottage at near this vehicles max range and face a long recharge before the vehicle is usable again. With gas a five minute fill up and you can run in to town for a case of beer.

    • @MatthewBayard
      @MatthewBayard Рік тому

      I face a lone recharge in my short range Ev here in Au. Luckily it's overnight so it never bothers me.

  • @thesamuelnam
    @thesamuelnam Рік тому +2

    Stopped watching when I heard 400km of range lol

  • @shubhamgoswami5221
    @shubhamgoswami5221 Рік тому +11

    146k drive away for this is loot. I would rather buy the new cayenne

  • @HaruHaruman
    @HaruHaruman Рік тому +7

    Japanese cars in general seem to be falling behind the time. Outdated interior, old tech and just blend, boring designs. Don't really see why you would go for the Japanese brands now as there are just so many good substitutes and better alternatives out there.

  • @ProductofNZ
    @ProductofNZ Рік тому +1

    It's clear the Japanese brands have been a bit lethargic when it comes to EV production models. The Mazda MX-30, Honda E, Toyota bZ4X, Subaru Solterra. Nothing ground-breaking and lots of criticism on range of these. I'm sure the Japanese brands will etch out a decent share of the market eventually but it seems they're still trying to hold on to the ICE for a bit longer than most.

  • @coldude2559
    @coldude2559 Рік тому +2

    Over a 120k!!! Ouch!! That's a pass for me.....

  • @chat2stephen
    @chat2stephen Рік тому

    Another Neg is that the RZ does not support 400/800 Volt DC fast charging.

  • @MatthewBayard
    @MatthewBayard Рік тому

    Can you charge the car to 100% for daily use?

  • @elrebelde4610
    @elrebelde4610 Рік тому +3

    Geez .... that price tag, for basically ,, upgraded ,,Toyota BZRx..... how about ev6? Or even wait and get ev9 😊 I wonder how many will sell in 🇦🇺

  • @andrewborchardt3325
    @andrewborchardt3325 Рік тому

    I get that range isn’t everything, but what is important in an EV is efficiency, and this test car’s energy usage 30% greater than claimed WLTP was not a good look.
    Speaking of not a good look, the “Lexus Ultrasuede” just gives me 1988 Cressida vibes - hopefully it looks better in person. I’m all for moving away from dead cow seats, but the Volvo wool blend looks much better (“premium”) to my eyes, at least going from the pictures.
    My main problem with Lexus (and Toyota in general) has been the supply chain issues. I can’t speak about other manufacturers, but my personal experience with Lexus was not great, with overpromising and marked underdelivering. Their communication was poor, and when they did communicate it felt like I was being lied to about a delivery date. Not being able to actually deliver a car (their core reason for being) makes Toyota/Lexus appear incompetent.
    Lexus makes excellent cars (eventually) but my gut feel is they’re even better at schmoozing motoring journalists with expensive junkets. I liked this review, Iain went some way to getting across the lack of value, however the review still felt too restrained on this subject. This car is too expensive for what it delivers, and will not be a success at its current price.

  • @yjs
    @yjs Рік тому +2

    As a Lexus fan, it's said for me to say that this car is epic fail. Look around on UA-cam - American reviews are exposing the crappy range of this car, especially in colder climates. Just get a Model Y LR or P and be done with it. If you must have a Lexus, a RX, LX or upcoming GX are much better options.
    Why the hell are Lexus starting to use piano black in their interiors???!!

  • @aron1179
    @aron1179 Рік тому +10

    Nah this Lexus isnt worth $100,000. Lexus has downgraded a lot throughout the years with gloss black interior, generic design and cheap platic wheel arches. We currently have a 2016 Lexus RC 350 F Sport Coupe, looks expensive from inside and out, no gloss black plastic and an interior that only Lexus does. Now they all look the same and cheap for an expensive price

    • @dantebg100
      @dantebg100 Рік тому +2

      100 000$ for this 😂😂 this must be a joke 😅 in Europe you can get a top mercedes for less money

    • @dantebg100
      @dantebg100 Рік тому +1

      Porsche Cayenne is cheaper 😭😭 how can you buy this Chinese Toyota over Porsche? 😅😮😮

  • @avdp9095
    @avdp9095 Рік тому +1

    Ofcourse this car has enough range, tested in the Netherlands, 320km, easily. Wo drives more than 300km daily???? This car has 15 years warranty on batteries, is ultra silent, very fast and well build, given small battery pack a good Bev, it will have some software updates as well like the bz4x, so better range and faster charging.

    • @chasingcars
      @chasingcars  Рік тому

      Yes, but this isn’t the Netherlands, it’s Australia

  • @SuperAlmighty
    @SuperAlmighty Рік тому +1

    There are better choices at this price.

  • @giggygiggy1393
    @giggygiggy1393 Рік тому

    Dat price !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @oggyoggy1299
    @oggyoggy1299 Рік тому +1

    $145k? I’ll take an EV6 and a motorbike and another motorbike thanks.

  • @sternwho3932
    @sternwho3932 Рік тому +1

    So much money for so little range

  • @falchoon
    @falchoon Рік тому +1

    I'd definitely put it on the short list at $90k.

  • @Pedroaghyu
    @Pedroaghyu Рік тому

    Can someone talk about the cost of replacing the battery, 123000 to buy and then I heard around 30000 to replace batteries in 8 years

  • @mheeler
    @mheeler Рік тому +5

    I thought the lack of a glovebox was going to be raised. But it wasn’t.
    That interior will not age well. Or the platform. Resale suicide.

    • @chasingcars
      @chasingcars  Рік тому +1

      It absolutely was raised in the video

  • @waynehobbs5175
    @waynehobbs5175 Рік тому +2

    Stupidly expensive. Lexus are lawn bowler cars so range doesn't matter. Nobody would cross compare a Tesla Y performance or Kia EV6 GT against a Lexus.
    Pay the extra and get a Genesis at least you won't be deemed 80 years old.
    No glovebox or frunk? What a poor EV platform.

  • @Ianmundo
    @Ianmundo Рік тому

    small battery, low range, eye-watering high price, no one-pedal drive, no deal.

  • @gregj7916
    @gregj7916 Рік тому

    Fair bit of staff churn at chasing cars au

    • @chasingcars
      @chasingcars  Рік тому

      Iain’s presented videos for us for like five years

  • @chrisdardis4794
    @chrisdardis4794 Рік тому

    My 2c - This car and the platform are terrible. It is built for the "What about nuclear and hydrogen" crew..

  • @nickmagriplis2016
    @nickmagriplis2016 Рік тому

    The price is big joke

  • @paranormalchef5211
    @paranormalchef5211 Рік тому

    That dashboard looks odd lol. Ugly.