Borneo Motors Singapore, Lexus’ authorised car distributor and leading automotive specialist in Singapore, launches the all-new RZ 450e, Lexus’ first 100 percent Battery EV (BEV). This marks a new era for the ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision and moves Lexus towards another essential goal – the realisation of a sustainable global society.
The RZ retains all of the exquisite qualities of performance and craftsmanship that are distinctive to Lexus. Leveraging their wealth of vehicle electrification experience, Lexus engineers have designed the RZ with the aim of creating a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch, and is exhilarating to drive.
With this new model, you can enjoy the benefits of a BEV, complete with luxury, comfort and craftsmanship that comes with a Lexus car.
Evolution of the Lexus Driving Signature
The RZ utilises a high-efficiency charging system that has a compact, lightweight onboard charger. Both AC and DC Charging are available and the system allows for 10 to 80 per cent fast charging within just half an hour.
The utilisation of a BEV specific platform (eTNGA), as well as a lightweight and highly rigid body, has also enhanced the fundamental performance of the vehicle by achieving optimal weight distribution through ideal placement of the battery and motor.
The battery of the all-new RZ is situated under the vehicle floor, creating a low centre of gravity to offer stability. The Lexus Driving Signature is a uniquely Lexus driving experience that aims to achieve predictable, linear response according to the driver’s intentions.
Avant-garde technology such as the DIRECT4, an all-wheel drive (AWD) system that achieves quick and linear responses according to the driver’s input, and the Steer-by-Wire system bring the Lexus Driving Signature to an even higher level.
The RZ also marks the first application of Lexus’ new e-Axles, the dual motor units used front and rear that work in conjunction with new DIRECT4 all-wheel electronic drive torque control. This contributes to better handling stability and an optimised power consumption for improved range and a dynamic drive, with a brisk acceleration of only 5.3 seconds (0-100km/h).
The Lexus-first Steer-by-Wire system, on the other hand, strengthens your connection to the all-new RZ. It enables the electronic exchange of steering and road surface information between the advanced steering control and tires via electrical signals, not mechanical linkage. The control’s steering angle is also stable and precise, eliminating the need for hand-over-hand operation at intersections, U-turns and winding roads, allowing drivers to steer with effortless agility.
In addition, the RZ 450e utilises improved Frequency Reactive Dampers and all-new Braking Posture Control. The Frequency Reactive Dampers are a frequency-sensitive absorber that alters the dampening force on the extension stroke in response to road surface frequency input. This setup gives a high level of handling stability without compromising ride comfort.
As for the Braking Posture Control, it refers to a new pressurisation unit that enables coordinated front and rear regenerative braking through independent front and rear hydraulic control. Based on Lexus’ hybrid electric technology experience over the years, the regenerative braking system improves regenerative energy to increase cruise range, while enhancing brake feel.
The Steer-by-Wire system and Yoke steering will be available in the near future.
Interior and Exterior Design
Lexus’ identifiable spindle grille is replaced by a BEV Spindle Body in this new RZ. The new silhouette is athletic and refined, expressing the seamless acceleration and dynamic torque-filled performance that is unique to BEVs.
The new front bumper design focuses on aerodynamic efficiencies, optimised proportions and style, versus serving the cooling and exhaust needs of an internal combustion engine. This styling evolution ushers in a new aesthetic for Lexus and establishes a new design direction for Lexus EV offerings moving forward.
Within the spindle body is a minimalist, yet maximally appointed luxury environment focused on amplifying a sustainable mobility message. This is done through the application of mindfully sourced materials. The spacious and elegant cabin is adorned with high-quality suede door trims and premium seat upholstery made with 30 per cent bio-based sustainable materials.
Based on the innovative Tazuna concept, the cabin welcomes you with an airy feeling and intuitive controls specifically oriented around the driver. With steering wheel switches that are synced with the available Head-Up Display (HUD), you can control functions such as navigation, audio and drive mode select while concentrating on driving.
Advanced Safety Technologies
The all-new RZ is equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System+3.0 and a host of innovative safety features. This includes world-class advanced safety technologies and some additional features such as:
- Pre-Collision Safety: A wider detection range and it can recognise a wider range of hazards than previously. The system’s response time is faster, and it is also now able to identify motorcycles, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
- Lane Departure Alert: A system that activates either via an alert or steering assist at an earlier time than usual when the driver is inattentive
- Advanced Park: A feature that offers expanded support for parallel parking in addition to the conventional backup parking
- Emergency Driving Stop System: A feature that decelerates the vehicle and stops within the current lane to help avoid a collision or reduce the impact of a collision when a driver is deemed unable to continue driving the vehicle
1-year FREE Shell Recharge credits
To celebrate Lexus’ first pure BEV, Borneo Motors Singapore and Shell Eastern Petroleum are collaborating to offer new RZ owners in Singapore up to one-year free Shell Recharge credits: 3,300 kWh for non-landed property owners and 600kWh for landed property owners.
Today, Shell Recharge is available at half of Shell’s service stations, with more chargers available in malls, offices and other destinations island-wide. This provides a seamless and worry-free charging experience for EV drivers in Singapore.
To deliver the highest quality service to customers throughout their car’s lifecycle, new RZ owners are offered the best-in-class eight-year warranty for Bumper to Bumper including EV battery. There is also a five-year ‘Lexus Electrification’ package customised for EV owners only, it covers a wide range of essential servicing replacement items such as brake pad, tyre and wiper repair.
The car is available in six futuristic exterior colours and three dual tone colours, including metallic textures like Sonic Copper.
