Lexus RZ Gets Even Cheaper Thanks to New Configuration

Ongoing Effort

The Lexus RZ debuted as a strategically important vehicle for the luxury brand, which previously planned on going all-electric in the coming years, given the fact that it is the first mass-produced EV in that lineup. However, a sharp decline in demand for EVs in general, coupled with some rather unimpressive range and power figures from the RZ have made it a hard sell, though recent deals make it far more attractive to consumers. Now, Lexus has debuted an even cheaper configuration of the RZ as it works to ramp up sales of that model. 

Photos: Lexus

New Model

In fact, the RZ has gained two new configurations, both of them in two-wheel-drive guise, which slot in as the new entry-level versions of the EV crossover - the RZ 300e Premium and Luxury. This is notable not only in terms of pricing, but also, as the regular 450e utilizes the brand's Direct4 all-wheel-drive system.

Photos: Lexus

Power and Range

The two-wheel-drive RZ 300e offers up 266 miles of range, which is a pretty notable increase over the all-wheel-drive model's 220-mile rating. It uses the same 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery as the regular model, but in this guise, feeds just one electric motor that's located in the front and generates 203 horsepower and 196 pound-feet of torque. 

Photos: Lexus

Leisurely Performance

Lexus says that the RZ 300e will do 0-62 in a leisurely 8 seconds flat, which won't exactly light anyone's hair on fire, but the point of this new model is to offer customers a luxurious alternative compared to its more mainstream rivals. It's also quite a bit cheaper than the 450e, to boot. 

Photos: Lexus

Notable Difference

In fact, the RZ 300e starts out at $55,150 without destination charges, compared to $59,850 for the RZ 450e Premium - a notable difference of $4,700. For those who don't live in the snow belt and would prefer to have significantly more range at a lower price, it's essentially a no-brainer.

Photos: Lexus

Big Improvement

Whether or not this update makes the RZ more compelling to shoppers remains to be seen, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. If nothing else, as technology improves in the coming years, EVs figure to get cheaper, offer more range, and faster charging times, but for now, Lexus is simply working to get to that point. 

Photos: Lexus

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