Lexus RZ 300e review: a smaller-scale luxury EV

Introduction

I don’t think you can go too far wrong with a Lexus, especially if getting to your destination requires a bit of comfort and a touch of class. The Lexus RZ 300e, seen here in Premium trim, offers both those things, but, crucially, the electric SUV now goes farther on a charge too. Just three miles short of 300 in fact, which is going to be pretty ideal for most folks. It’s posher than something like close relative the Toyota bZ4X too.

This being a Lexus though, it’s the comfort levels and build quality that sets this car a notch or two above rivals. An added bonus with the Lexus RZ 300e is that it’s really spacious, not only for those in the front, but rear seat passengers too. I was also very impressed with the boot space, which means it’ll be ideally suited to anyone who regularly lugs golf clubs around, or, in less fun fashion, assorted family members.

The styling

Lexus has got quite a good theme going on with its current range. There’s plenty of continuity in the design lines, with lots to catch the eye as you walk around the exterior of the RZ. It’s not the most exciting SUV in the world, but the quality is there, and this is supplemented by some nice touches in the detailing department. I really like the subtle, nuanced rear end of this car, which benefits now that the Japanese carmaker has added Lexus in block capitals along the tailgate.

This is typically Lexus in that there are neat details that aren’t always obvious, but which really start to shine the longer you spend with the car. The same goes for the interior of the Lexus RZ 300e. There’s everything needed to make journeys more enjoyable, including the 8-way electric seats for front seat passengers, which are heated along with the steering wheel. There’s a panoramic glass roof, while the interior fit and finish does feel very nicely done. My car had the benefit of a decent 10-speaker audio system too.

The drive

I quite like the 300e’s front-wheel drive, single motor powertrain setup. While it’s quick enough like all EVs, this SUV isn’t rapid and feels quite sedate in some driving scenarios; the 0-62mph figure of 8 seconds is positively leisurely compared to some rivals. But this is the sort of car that doesn’t need to be pushed hard. It’s far too comfy to be worried about things like that.

If you’re after something livelier, Lexus always has the 450e to choose instead, which is an altogether beefier alternative. However, to drive, I’ve found the Lexus RZ 300e perfectly suited to most UK motoring scenarios.

It rides and handles masterfully over our pothole-strewn surfaces, doing it all without any fuss or bother and is deliciously effortless to drive. Part of that is down to the very serviceable 18in alloys, which allow the rubber to hit the road and stay mostly stuck to it rather than the less grippy 20in wheels on the next trim level up.

The technology

While the Lexus RZ 300e isn’t overly bursting with tech treats, there is enough on offer to make it an appealing proposition. The Lexus Link Pro multimedia system is simple enough to work and gets nicely presented to both driver and passengers via the centrally-mounted 14in touchscreen.

I found some of the additional features, like the Intelligent Clearance Sensors, LED headlights and the Lexus Safety System all worked to good effect during manoeuvres, night driving and parking scenarios. My test car also benefitted from the likes of wireless phone charging along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although both items are hardly the sole preserve of premium brands.

While there isn’t anything inside the cockpit that dazzles, everything that is present works as expected. In fact, sitting behind the wheel, somehow the Lexus feels much better than the Toyota bZ4X I drove a while ago. Considering both cars are built on the same e-TNGA platform, the difference in quality is clear to see.

Lexus RZ 300e verdict

Anyone who thinks the Lexus RZ 300e sounds a little too relaxed for their requirements should head in the direction of the twin motor, all-wheel drive Lexuz 450e, which is rather more potent. However, if you’re more interested in the same levels of premium-rated interior comfort without the urgency for getting from A to B, the Lexus RZ 300e makes total sense. It’s got plenty of room for the average family, but is perfectly suited to couples and their suitcases too.

I like the restrained looks, which are upmarket but not in-your-face. I also think the Premium trim model is fine too, being a step up from the base-level Urban, yet still packing a lot of the kit found in higher-end models. You’ll need to shell out nearly £60K to get the high-end Takumi model, so to be honest, I think this edition ticks many of the right boxes. Overall then, it’s another dependable Lexus.

Lexus Rz 300e technical specifications