Lexus RZ450e - Worth the wait, or simply not worth it?

[@A48L16S091366]

Been an owner for over a month now. I bought it exclusively as an in-town car used with a home Level 2 charger. And despite what the ratings say about the range, I am getting a bit over 250 miles of driving (actual miles on the odometer, not by the range meter) from a full charge (20 inch wheels) before I feel compelled to recharge at about 20 miles on the range meter. Mind you. other than occasional stretches of road at 55 mpg, speed is usually closer to 35 mph. As I am not a fan of one pedal driving, which this Lexus does not do, I appreciate that it drives like a "normal car. " As a a bi-directional scanner/programmer owner, I have easily managed the Lexus software to turn off almost all of the annoying warning beeps and the fake noise. This makes it a really silent, comfortable driver. And the traffic jam feature with self-driving is great too.

[@rainretribute9852]

Very nice. Could you possibly help me with my RZ 450e to make all the dings go away? 250 miles is impressive. Great info for real.

[@alternatereality7713]

Which scanner/programmer do you use? I just got 450e and would like to make it less vocal too.

[@davidpearn5925]

Toyota’s biggest advantage is that it understands the things that matter to those of us who live in the real world of bicycles and pedestrians, indicator stalk on the correct side and the passive blind spot warning system …………Tesla doesn’t bother because it’s a California car, and Americans don’t know or care about ‘little countries’. ……..unless they have invaded it.

[@pcklee]

This is absolutely the best and most thorough review on this carvthat I have come across.Thank you for your great effort. I very much appreciate your opinions.

[@AutoEV]

Wow, thank you! What a lovely comment. Thank you for watching ad taking the time to write us a comment.

[@johnwallace2384]

I definitely agree with you, the RZ along with the RX are the best looking cars on the market. Every time I look at another vehicle I am drawn back to this vehicle due to its great looks.

[@richardoakley572]

Another comprehensive review. Thanks Brian

[@AutoEV]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@gavinb7761]

What a great review this was. First time watching this channel but was an excellent presenter Brian is 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kjb1954]

given those poor range figures and the price of this car its a definite no no from me. I would have thought £00 miles minimum and *00 volt ultra rapid charging would be standard on a car of this supposed quality. This car is out of date before its started to try and sell in this country. Sorry Lexus but i predict very low sales figures for this one.

[@AutoEV]

It does seem that way.

[@blippie]

At least this keeps this best looking EV on the market exclusive! To me that is worth something too!

[@madlucio70]

I definitely agree with you. This is a hot looking vehicle. It has some really nice lines.

[@A48L16S091366]

Factor in the wonderful Lexus service experience here in the USA compared to everything else available where I live, and the $$$ factor is worth it to me for that alone. I am on my seventh Lexus. I have an ICE Lexus for longer trips so range anxiety doesn't bother me at all; I just use the correct vehicle for the trip.When it needs service, they send a driver to pick it up, leave me with a loaner vehicle, and then the driver brings it back to me when the service is completed.

[@rainretribute9852]

All Lexus dealerships do that in US? I live in Pine Grove, CA

[@mhifield3435]

Really enjoy your reviews Brian, primarily because they are above t the cars and insightful....as far as the rear wiper is concerned, I really do not like them on luxury cars so hope the rear twin spoilers work!

[@AutoEV]

Thank you for watching and sending such a nice comment. Couldn’t verify how well the screen stayed clear as it didn’t rain whilst I was there!

[@XENONEZZ2]

I like how you're not afraid of telling things as they are. A lot of reviewers tend to gloss over issues far to much. The lack of range really makes this a non starter for me especially at this price point.

[@AutoEV]

We find that a lot of our viewers are actually watching our videos with an aim to making a purchase. As a journalist, it would be remiss of me not to say what our findings are on a car, even if that can be unpopular at times. Thank you for your kind comment, and of course, for taking the time to watch the video. I hope you stay with us for our future content.

[@avdp9095]

The range complaints are nonsense, really. Friend of us has leased thus car, he achieves 320km. He can recharge at home and office. Business trips most of times max 250km a day, with possibility to recharge...so whats the point really??? Do you drive 400km a day, every day????? No, guess not. This car has 15 years warranty on batteries, an industry first, does not weighs 2400kg, 2800kg like the Polestar, Etrons, EqE, Volvo's Electric Suv.... . No it has a small battery pack, lexus don't want you to do fast charging and they are right.

[@mhifield3435]

​@@avdp9095320 km is not much at all

[@blippie]

Look at Bjorn Nyland's 1000km test with the Lexus RZ 450 e ending up in the top of his impressive list of tested EV's..... Totally underestimated car was his comment.

[@AutoEV]

I like theca, just find its electrical architecture and efficiency poor. On saying that, there is a revised one coming and I've driven it in the bZ4X and it is better.

[@omoniyikaye]

Great content I just subscribed to your KZbin channel. Please do a comparison between RZ vs Toyota bz4x motion. Thanks.

[@AutoEV]

Thank you for subscribing, but in fairness, these two wouldn't be cars that we would do a twin test with as they appeal to different customers at different price points. We have reviewed the Toyota separately however.

[@Thulebeez]

I think this best and fair review of the RZ Lets hope Lexus is watching and listening to these reviews.

[@AutoEV]

Thank you, I always like to tell it like it is!

[@madlucio70]

Love the teenager metaphor! I have a teenage girl and another pre-teen. You are dead on with that one! I also totally agree with "road-feel." I love driving and having that connection to the road is very important imo.

[@ronnie5966]

Is there any 12 volt outlets in this car?

[@andrewhumphreys586]

Just ordered one👍

[@deplorablechump8758]

My condolences to you!

[@andrewhumphreys586]

@@deplorablechump8758 depends what you are used to in life but it is just fine for me. Good Luck👍

[@blippie]

All this bleating about range and charge speed only applies to those driving more than 150 miles on daily basis (winter!). You've made a great choice, imho. Great looking, build & driving EV with by far best warrenty standards compared to all other car brands.

[@jwvandegronden]

I find myself agreeing with everything you say and i love your honest and sometimes unecessarily but charmingly apologetic voice of reason and a hoot to listen to; _meant as a real compliment although it doesn’t feel like the right word but can’t think of another_ 😊 It softens the blow without softening the message. Absolutely bang on! I find the EV market way too expensive in general, and i think the car manufacturers have been on easystreet with their EV offerings making bulk loads of money without breaking a sweat thanks to the blind push by worldwide governments towards electrification. It simply is borderline criminal. That said, there are 2 cars that seem to have a pricing structure that seem more modest and more real world not part of the lease market: the new Volvo EX30 and even more interestingly the Fisker Ocean. And that is the one I truly hope you will do a review of very soon! Looking forward to your findings like none other! Thanks mate!

[@AutoEV]

So, first of all, thank you for watching and taking the time to write such a charming comment. We very much appreciate it. Both the cars you mention are two cars we are very much desperate to get our hands on as we agree, they could be two of the most important cars we see in terms of value and design. And one is from a very interesting manufacturer with a big sustainability message (Fisker) and the other from a legacy manufacturer who is pushing boundaries and changing perceptions of themselves in terms of design and desirability (Volvo). Thanks again for watching and taking the time to comment and also for supporting us as a channel. We hope you stay with us!

[@jwvandegronden]

@@AutoEV great breakdown! Totally agree and wishing you as early as pissible chances to test both! I’m hooked on your channel so not planning to skip your reviews any time soon! Good luck mate!

[@john1701a]

Android Auto is wireless in my bZ4X (US model). Also, the speed warning has a mph adjustment, allowing you to drive more over the limit before it triggers.

[@sethharrison2284]

Its a great lease deal if you need something just to get you around the city. But its definitely not a road trip car.

[@-Derp-]

53:44 Wait $95k (USD) for a massaged BZ4X, with no leather, or climate controls for rear passengers? Err ... Compared with Audi's E-Tron, the Lexus is several years behind, and $20k over priced. And the Audi is loaded with standard luxury features. Great review all the same, I appreciate how much work you put in. Its just I think Lexus have a huge fail on their hands here.

[@madlucio70]

I cannot understand why the new Toyota vehicles have to beep at you in reverse. I of course understand playing noise outside of the vehicle for others around you, but playing it inside seems to accomplish nothing more than driving us batty... Maybe they should also hit you with a light shock through the seat, just to make sure.

[@rainretribute9852]

Yea, Lexus seriously needs to get rid of this terrible "feature". Newer Toyotas are extremely annoying for all the dings and bongs, that I'll probably try to drive my 2008 Acura MDX for as long as possible and wait to get a made in Japan Acura that better have no dings inside it too

[@SteveLoughran]

where in Scotland was that? Looks lovely. Hope you had your ChargePoint Scotland card

[@AutoEV]

It’s on the road between Moffat and Hawick. If you know that road, it’s just past the Greymare’s Tail before you get to St Mary’s Loch. I do have my ChargePoint Scotland card as I use those ones in Lockerbie where my mum lives.

[@SteveLoughran]

@@AutoEV not been there, just skirted round it (A68, A702). I might try to get up near there in September with my iX1 and some mountain bikes -a journey from Bristol which will highlight that my car has an equally mediocre charging curve. Not an issue in day to day use, but on a Scottish expedition where you try to sprint between Ionity stops for price and to get past the english lakes without problems, it will become a bottleneck. Though to be ruthless, speed cameras put a limit on the M5/M6/A74 journey time a long time ago -now I will just have to plan the breaks differently. One of the key irritants I have with my car is one all BMW EV owners share: the app is mediocre. Have you thought of including some coverage of those in reviews with some basic uses "plan a trip with multiple charging stops from your phone", "lets you know you've left a window open at night" and "5 minutes to go before we stop charging so head out to the car"?

[@madlucio70]

Did you ever do a review of the Crosstrek XV? I own the final 2023 Plug-In version of the Crosstrek and I would love to see one of your in-depth reviews of any generation of the vehicle.

[@AutoEV]

Unfortunately we don't review anything other than pure BEV's so we don't cover hybrids I'm afraid. But thank you for watching and taking the time to send such a nice comment.

[@madlucio70]

@@AutoEV Honestly, no problem at all. I love my Crosstrek PHEV, but I thought that it would be amazing to see a review of it or one of its predecessors done with such care. I tune into your channel now for each review. You put in such time and effort and you make it easy to learn about the current vehicle market.

[@Petelmrg]

My old Lexus was elegant and understated; that is vulgar and over-styled. If that was a premium Chinese product that looked and performed as this does it would get laughed out of the Country - but Lexus are relying on their badge the way that the old brigade did in the 1990s when they first appeared; it could end in tears.

[@AutoEV]

Very good point. More and more buyers, especially younger ones don't care about badge. They want ease of use, good efficiency and a good sustainability message.

[@Kellric7]

I fully agree, love Lexus, the styling inside and outside off this RZ are great, but the electric tech here is so old already. I would have considered it as a successor for my I-Pace if it had the Kia/Hyundai tech for motor and battery.

[@AutoEV]

Infuriating, isn't it? Why aren't they much better given their history with electrified drivetrains?

[@Kellric7]

@@AutoEV well I drove the RZ today for one hour, and it's better than expected, actually one very nice car to cruise and drive in a zen attitude. Punchy enough, very efficient (got 18.4 kWh/100 km including 50% highway, that would give around 350 km range which is enough for many users), only downside is the body roll a bit too much for me... great improvement on the infotainment side compared to the NX I had.

[@nic7nic]

24:30 It is a capacitive screen. You mean it doesn’t do haptic feedback.

[@Joe-lb8qn]

That price. That range. 😂😂😂😂 ETA kudos to your review for telling it as it is even though that may jeopardise future reviews with Toyota / Lexus.

[@AutoEV]

We can't not bring the flaws to people's attention. Our reviews are based upon decades of evaluating cars and saying what is good and bad about them. Too many people who watch us are watching to understand a potential purchase, so we owe it to that audience who are looking to spend a lot of money on a car that we speak as we find. We aren't interested in being "influencers" who just want to be o teh next launch. We test cars thoroughly and deliver our verdict based upon that. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@atlaspath5803]

Lexus Interior/Comfort + Long battery life due to slow charging - no brainer! Tesla does not have the reliability. Perfect car for overnight charging and daily use!

[@scottcameron8936]

Glad I have the 87kw Ariya. Range is so much better and feels quality inside.

[@AutoEV]

The Ariya is a great car. Glad to hear that you are enjoying yours. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@outfoxthefox]

Why hasn't it got the green stripe on the number plate?

[@AutoEV]

It’s not a legal requirement for EVs to have them. Some do, some don’t.

[@marcbungener1877]

one of the rare new EVs that doesn’t make my (and yours…) favorite i-Pace looks dated technically… therefore a used i-Pace is the better buy

[@AutoEV]

At the price of the Lexus, you could buy a new I-Pace! A used one is a bargain by comparison.

[@danielsolstrand]

Worth the WAIT! 🎉

[@alternatereality7713]

Wireless Android works in U.S. version of RZ450e.

[@ohyesitsme]

The Lexus Bing Bong along with the Toyota BZ4/ Soltera are way behind the competition in fact unless they up their game it could actully see the demise of the brand. Oh! and surprise, surprise it's an SUV just what we all need.

[@AutoEV]

That's what is so infuriating. You'd think Toyota would be right at the forefront of this EV tech, but they simply aren't.

[@omoniyikaye]

Toyota have diehard customers because they are the most reliable cars in the world they aged very well some of the fans don’t get excited with the bits mentioned in this video. I haven’t driven a Lexus since 2003 to date no maker comes close to their luxury, comfort, reliability and durability.

[@ohyesitsme]

The reason Lexus state that their batteries will last longer than the competion is because the have a massive buffer at each end of the charging curve and this is the reason for the poor range.

[@avdp9095]

Why is 340km a poor range? Do you drive more tgan 300km a day????? A friend of us has this RZ, he has real world range of 340km.... he is very happy with the car, he comes from a Tesla 😂😂😂😂

[@omoniyikaye]

Lexus can’t do know wrong for me regardless of the flaws mentioned in this video.

[@Grace50984]

I actually think the beeping when you place it in reverse, is very useful. Especially when you have kids in the car and momentarily distracted, it will remind you that it is in reverse and not in drive so that you don't end up going in reverse instead of forward.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

locked the other day at the top of the range IONIQ5 with the digital mirror's.

[@octarinehk]

Less battery degradation when you have to rapid charge 4 times on a trip to Scotland? I think not.

[@AutoEV]

Indeed!

[@michaelenglund]

Does it have the same limitations for fast charging that the Toyota and Subaru has? If so, crap car. Cant find the cd value but seems high, the worse combined with frontal area.

[@paulhammond5599]

Love Lexus and so many points that they have done so well on this one, but, sorry the range and efficiency ruin it for me. They have lost their place against the competition big time such a shame

[@AutoEV]

You could forgive it for many things, but as I said, when Genesis and BMW do it so much better with converted ICE platforms, it is such a disappointment. Range and efficiency at this price point is too important.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

HUD is good.

[@DUBDan28]

I couldn't have reviewd it better myself. 100% agreed on all points. Had it for two weeks and glad to see the back of it. Back to Audi Q8 eTron. What a horrible car the RZ450e is.

[@davidpearn5925]

It’s all a bit dull grey skies inside.

[@AutoEV]

The interior was one of the best things about it! Other colours can be had in fairness.

[@frankowot4]

Toyota have been in catch up mode since their failed dalliance with hydrogen.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

no electric blind on the ceilings !

[@AutoEV]

No, but you don't need it.

[@ISuperTed]

Well I for one think it’s stunning. I’m talking about the scenery of course. As for the car - ugly (subjectively), poor range, old tech and overpriced. Apart from that I like it 😊

[@faradaycool4058]

Been with Lexus for 20+ years....My next car will not be...

[@avdp9095]

Complete nonsense and biased review. Not one Bev has 15 years warranty only lexus. 320km range is oke as well as the charging.

[@AutoEV]

How is it biased? First of all, I clearly state that I like the car, and I make very clear about the warranty package and after sales care being a huge benefit. But no matter how you cut it, the efficiency and poor charging curve is simply not good enough for either a car in this price bracket where the competition is so strong, and from a brand that has as much experience and history with electrification. It’s not bias, it’s telling people how it is. It’s doing my job.

[@avdp9095]

@@AutoEV no your not, it has a small battery pack and the charging speed is limited on purpose, thats why they can give 15 years warranty. An industry first.

[@AutoEV]

@@avdp9095 nobody is doubting that, but most manufacturers offer at least 10 years, and with many manufacturers showing good condition of batteries after over 10 years and many miles, it isn’t too difficult to do that. That being said, I shall reiterate what I said in the video and that is to commend Lexus on their after sales package. I don’t say otherwise. But the car should be better. It’s no different to the Toyota bZ4x that way and I criticised that for the same thing. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

not in the same league as IONIQ 5 imho

[@AutoEV]

Different class of car really, but I get your point.

[@mhifield3435]

A thoroughly unnecessary car.,..it really is quite arrogant of Lexus to bring such a poor car to market.....they just are NOT in the EV sapce...great review Brian

[@bobsingeton2719]

Stopped watching after about 20 minutes. Nothing to do with your presentational skills, etc. as I love your videos.. but when you have to "sign in" every time you drive, and when I hear a car "bong" like that, I know I will 100% NOT be interested so there was little point in carrying on. I'm sure it got worse, as Lexus/Toyota love that sort of unnecessary stuff.

[@AutoEV]

Fair point (and thank you for sticking with it as you did). I have to say, there was so much I like about the car, but there was an equal amount of frustration with it. Such a shame as it could have been a great Lexus..... Anyway, thank you for watching the 20 minutes you did, and taking the time to comment.

[@andrewwilliams3549]

Apart from the Ariya Japanese car makers give the impression of not really interested in EV's, so far there all a bit meh! Personally i don't like the styling at all, those black wheel trims make the wheels look tiny and the front is ugly. Inside looks ok but nothing stand out. But where it really matters again they fail big time, range and charging, its not good enough. The Genesis, like Lexus the lux of its parent company, is far better, there just nothing stand out about this car, nothing must have, while they have some good bits etc I don't get the 'I want to buy this car' feeling it feels like painting by numbers.

[@AutoEV]

Good points well made. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@PsjogrenGoS]

Bing-bada-bing...

[@chat2stephen]

DOA!.

[@allenmorales959]

Promo*SM

[@simonrushton4639]

£75k is that a joke!!!!!!

[@nealy2815]

Lexus was never better than Merc, Jag, BMW or Audi, sorry.

[@AutoEV]

I said "measurably" better. In other words, they evaluated the competition and set to improve on every bit of it. Whether that resulted in a car that was more desirable is questioned. Honda did the same with the NSX which was of a similar era, as did Mazda with the MX5 and Nissan with the 300ZX. The late '80s was Japan's heyday in my opinion.

[@nealy2815]

@@AutoEV they made copies with technical improvements but they never drove as well or had the soul of the Europeans.

[@AutoEV]

@@nealy2815 I'd argue that the MX-5 had a lot of soul, but I agree on the others. But the LS400 was whisper quiet compared with the big German saloons of the time, and the NSX was a superb handling machine, way better than the Ferrari F355 of the time. But what would you rather own? A Honda or a Ferrari? As you said, no soul.

[@MKTED62]

what an absolute mess from lexis...my id3 is better than that and has wireless android auto...

[@clipsonplextorfield3230]

Legacy brands are not the kings annymore! The brand to beat is Tesla And this fails in almost every category

[@AutoEV]

I wouldn't say that Tesla are the ones to beat anymore. They are still very good, but it is the Korean manufacturers such as Hyundai and Kia that have really got the EV architecture licked now. And the other key message that is important for buyers now is sustainability and whole-life costs. On that front, look no further than Polestar.

[@clipsonplextorfield3230]

@@AutoEV yes i like polestar aswell but that price is way higher vs tesla a Standard range Single motor with the same aquipment level costs 58.790 thats 10K more here. Hyundai and Kia are good indeed if you go for the high tier cars. when looking at the niro and kona then yourgetting stuck with verry low charging speed. Same for the price to high. Visiualythe Niro beats the Kona, the kona as to manny lights in random places. the Niro gets stuck with a side panel that dont match the car. somthing that might have been poible to everlook if ty charged in 18min like there bigger brothers

[@ohyesitsme]

@@AutoEV Ev's are all about software and Tesla have "outsoftwared" all other EV manufactures.

[@AutoEV]

@@ohyesitsme I have to disagree with that statement. EVs are cars, just like ICE cars, but with a different drivetrain. Tesla don’t engineer their chassis very well, and I don’t believe they drive as well as some others. Also, they don’t offer V2L or 800v architecture. I believe they are very good at OTA updates though and so from that point of view, are very good at that tech.

[@deplorablechump8758]

It’s a fail