Lexus announces the RZ, its first purpose-built EV

The RZ is Lexus' second entry into the EV market and the first designed from the ground-up as an electric vehicle. The RZ will show off a new four-wheel drive system called DIRECT4 with a 71.4kWh battery and a claimed range of around 280 miles. The company says that it will allow the car to distribute force to each wheel according to its needs. Lexus says that DIRECT4 will offer excellent driving performance with a stronger human-machine connection.

There is a lot of mention of omotenashi, the Japanese concept of overwhelming your guests with hospitality, given this is Toyota's luxury brand. Lexus says that owners can expect lots of interior space and plenty of comfort, both for the driver and their passengers. Rear passengers will get decent legroom, and a dimming panoramic roof will make those seats feel a little more spacious, compared to most Lexus SUVs.

The steering yoke is the only thing anyone will want to focus on, because you can't drive a futuristic EV with something as old-fashioned as a wheel. The default version comes with a wheel.

The RZ isn't the first Lexus to make a battery electric vehicle, and the EV version of the 300e was praised by critics. The Lexus build quality and luxury on offer might have been appreciated, but with a range under 200 miles, cramped rear space and poor charging, its shine was dimmed. The RZ is based on the same e-TNGA EV platform as Toyota's bZ4X and the Solterra. We expect the RZ to be a better version of the bZ4X, with better interior options and a longer range.