Lexus Debuts FWD, Longer Range RZ 300e Along with 2024 RZ 450e Pricing

The new RZ 300e will come with front-wheel drive, greater range, and a lower price than the RZ 450e.

Earlier this year Lexus made news by selling their first all-electric vehicle, the RZ 450e crossover. For 2024 Lexus is expanding the RZ range to include a new front-wheel drive RZ 300e model. The rest of the 2024 RZ lineup also sees a couple of small changes. Lexus has also released prices for the 2024 RZ models. Like everything else in the world, the prices did go up, but thankfully not by very much. And for those on a budget, you will want to take a closer look at the new RZ 300e that slots below the 450e.

All Lexus RZ models will be built at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan. The new 2024 models will be available to order this month. The model year 2024 configurator is not yet online. However, now that pricing has been released, we suspect that it will be up and running very soon. For now, let’s focus on what we know will be changing in 2024. Starting with the new RZ 300e.

RZ 300e

The RZ 450e comes in all-wheel drive only. The new RZ 300e will be front-wheel drive only. A subframe has been adopted for the FWD model, replacing the rear eAxle of AWD model. The advantage of this is not just a lower price, but increased range as well. The RZ 300e equipped with 18-inch wheels has an EPA-estimated range of 266 miles. The equivalent RZ 450e has a rating of 220 miles. With 20-inch wheels the range on the 450e is reduced to 196 miles, whereas the 300e with 20-inch wheels gets a 224-mile range estimate. Of course, the 300e is not as powerful as the 450e. The 450e uses dual motors. The one upfront makes 201 horsepower and the one in the back is good for 107 horsepower. The 300e only gets the front motor, so overall horsepower is 201 compared to 308 for the 450e.

From a performance perspective, expect similar numbers to a front-wheel drive Toyota bZ4X which uses the same battery and electric motor as the 300e. We predict a 0 to 60 mph time of about six and a half seconds. Which is plenty quick for daily commuting.

2024 RZ Changes

Besides the new RZ 300e model there are a couple of other small changes for 2024 across the RZ line. Copper Crest is added as an available exterior color option in mono- and two-tone. It is a $595 or $1,295 upcharge with the two-tone option being the more expensive of the two. All RZ models will get a dual-voltage charging cable for 120V and 240V outlets as standard.

RZ Pricing

Pricing for the 2024 RZ models is listed below. All prices include a $1,150 delivery, processing and handling fee.

With a starting price of $55,150 the new RZ 300e is $4,700 less expensive than the least expensive RZ 450e model. Prices for the 2024 RZ 450e models increased over the 2023 model year by $200 for the Premium models and $430 for the Luxury model.

Images: Lexus

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.