Lexus RZ 450e's Low-E Coated Roof Is a Technical Marvel

High Tech

The Lexus RZ 450e is an important product for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it's the brand's very first global all-electric model. But the RZ is also filled with some pretty cool tech worth highlighting, such as its Low-E coated roof, which features high solar control and heat-insulating performance that allows the panoramic roof to provide both an open cabin environment and a comfortable cabin temperature, while the elimination of a sunshade contributes to a lighter body as well.

Photos: Lexus

Superior Product

The RZ's new roof was developed by AGC Inc., a Tokyo-based world-leading manufacturer of glass, chemicals and high-tech materials, and presents a host of benefits when compared to traditional panoramic roofs, which have their obvious downsides.

Photos: Lexus

Temperature Swings

While conventional panoramic roofs let in light and create an open interior space, they are susceptible to solar heat and outside temperature, requiring sunshades to keep the cabin comfortable and preventing occupants from fully enjoying the open feeling due to heat and cold issues.

Photos: Lexus

Addressing the Problem

The special Low-E coating technology developed by AGC recently for automotive glass has cleared the reliability evaluation required for the Lexus brand, which pursues high quality and advanced features. It has also achieved unprecedented solar control and heat-insulation performance, thereby greatly reducing heat in summer and cold in winter, which had been an issue to date. 

Photos: Lexus

Other Benefits

The shade-less configuration also contributes to vehicle weight reduction and head clearance (the distance from the top of the head to the ceiling when seated), which are always things that automakers are looking to optimize, particularly in battery-electric vehicles, which tend to carry around a lot of extra mass.

Photos: Lexus

Luxurious Glass

Finally, a light-control type is also available to instantly control the transmitted light and adjust the light environment inside the cabin, which is a truly next-level luxury feature. It wouldn't be a surprise to see this tech trickle down to additional Lexus models in the future, in fact, as more and more "smart glass" begins appearing in high-end models.

Photos: Lexus

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