After the UX 300e, Toyota's noble offshoot Lexus lets its second electric car off the leash from mid-April. The expressively drawn 4.81-meter-long RZ 450e wants to target premium models such as the BMW iX3, the Genesis Electrified GV70 or the Mercedes EQE SUV. Prices start at 68,000 euros, minus the subsidy.

The crossover SUV stands together with the Toyota bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra, which was described on this page a week ago, on a specially developed electric platform, but is significantly stronger than its siblings. A 204 hp (150 kW) electric motor sits on the front axle, a second sends another with 109 hp or 80 kW to the rear axle. Thus, the electric SUV always drives with four driven wheels and comes to a system output of 313 hp (230 kW). The lithium-ion battery, which lies flat in the ground and stores 77.4 kWh gross, should enable ranges of 395 to 440 kilometers, depending on whether the vehicle drives up with 18- or 20-inch wheels.

Identical Subaru Solterra failed completely

The power consumption for the RZ 450e is specified as 16.8 to 18.7 kWh. On the first test drive kilometers, we recorded 21.2 kWh per 100 kilometers, resulting in a range of almost 300 kilometers. An empty battery with 11 kW alternating current is charged in six and a half hours, for charging at direct current with up to 150 kW 30 minutes are estimated. Pleasant temperatures are a prerequisite for this. The identical Subaru Solterra failed completely in the F.A.Z. test in this respect, in cold weather he did not want to charge more than 30 kW several times.

This phenomenon had already been observed by other car reporters. In addition, automatic preconditioning of the battery before fast charging is not possible. An intelligent route planner with strategic charging stops will also only find its way into the electric Lexus with a software update at the end of the year.

Technically, the 2.1-tonne RZ 450e is sporty and dynamic. It can be conveniently directed and precisely circled through tight curves. Like all electric cars, it pulls away quickly from the start, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h succeeds within 5.3 seconds. At a speed of 160 km/h, however, the propulsion ends. The consumption would be too great.

Processing at a high level

A wheelbase of 2.85 meters ensures that tall passengers in the rear hardly complain about a lack of space. With the exception of the basic version, the tailgate swings electrically, behind it can be accommodated mathematically 522 to 1451 liters of luggage. The workmanship and quality impression of the always vegan materials in the spacious, tidy interior are at a high level.

Of course, the electric Lexus comes standard or optional with all the usual assistance systems in the class, including a camera that monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness or distraction. Head-up display, digital interior mirror or a heat-shielding, dimmable panoramic roof are available on request.

New is an infrared heater coupled to the seat heating, which flatters the knees of the front passengers, but makes it necessary to dispense with a glove compartment. A novelty originally announced for next year will be postponed until 2025: the new electronic steering, which does not require a steering column or mechanical connection to the wheels and is accompanied by an open, angular joystick, the Yoke steering wheel.