24-hour test drive with the Lexus RZ
In the first part of our day with the new Lexus RZ, we start a busy morning learning to live with this luxury electric SUV
The new Lexus RZ luxury SUV epitomises the firm’s dedication to craftsmanship, design and the latest technology. You may well be wooed by its sensational exterior design and the plushness of its interior, but buying a new car is a significant financial commitment, and if you’re making the switch to electric for the first time it can come with added pressure: what’s the right option for you, and how will it fit into your lifestyle once you have your new car?
Thankfully, Lexus understands the importance of making the right decision, and that it's not a choice that can be rushed. That’s why it’s currently offering customers a 24-hour test drive in its RZ*; an inspiring opportunity to appreciate the smoothness and sophistication of the all-electric SUV. With that in mind, we set out to spend a full day with the RZ, from first thing in the morning to last thing at night to really get beneath its sculpted bodywork. In part one, we journey into the city, and then head for the coast. Here’s how we got on.
8am: As I make breakfast I glance out of the kitchen window at the beautiful new Lexus RZ, with its striking surfaces and 3D spindle grille. I’ve a busy day ahead, and as the coffee machine starts to come into life I grab my phone and connect to the RZ with the Lexus Link app. The weather looks sunny later, but it’s a fresh, bright morning with a chill still in the air, so I set the RZ’s cabin to warm up to 20 degrees precisely, ready for when I go out.
8:25am: Time to go. Destination: the city. I unplug the charger from the RZ in the knowledge that having it connected overnight will easily have charged it to 100% capacity**. That gives me more than 250 miles range for the day***.
8:30am: I open the driver’s door and settle into the seat. Everything is set where I need it to be because the RZ’s My Setting includes audio, navigation, seat position, cabin illumination and display brightness, tailored exactly to how I like them. It’s a good start, and the RZ’s interior is light, airy and welcoming.
9am: I’m not sure of the route from here so I pull over and operate the RZ’s 14-inch multimedia touchscreen. The RZ has 3D navigation built in, with real time updates on traffic data, so if there’s anything that can get me to my destination on time in this city, it’s the RZ.
9:45am: Traffic on the way into the city is heavy, but the quiet, smooth power of the RZ’s sophisticated electric powertrain is relaxing in itself, and it’s the ideal listening space to appreciate the excellent 13-speaker Mark Levinson hi-fi system. With 1,800 Watts of amplified power, it really does deliver on Lexus’ claim of creating a digital home-theatre experience.
10:40: My first stop is the airport to pick up friends visiting for the weekend. They’ve each got a case with them, but it’s no issue with the RZ’s 520-litre boot. Tired from the long trip, one of my friends decides they want to check all the cases are in the boot, and attempts to open the passenger door. Thankfully the new RZ features an e-Latch system that prevents the door being opened if the camera detects another vehicle, or a cyclist approaching. It’s a great active safety device that works brilliantly in the real world.
12:25pm: We decided to head to the seaside for the day to make the best of the nice weather. To get there involves driving across the most congested part of the city and then taking the motorway for a couple of hours. It’s a long time behind the wheel, but this is where I’m so glad the RZ has such a comprehensive collection of safety technology designed to not only make every journey safer, but also to reduce the burden on the driver.
Join us next time as we recharge over lunch and then head for the country road.
Book your own 24-hour test drive in the Lexus RZ now
*Subject to status and availability. T&Cs apply. See Lexus UK website for details.
**Lexus RZ can be charged to 80% in as fast as 1 hour with a Level 3 charger, fully charged in 11 hours with a Level 2 charger, or fully charged in 50 hours using a Level 1 charger. See website for details.
***Electric range figures are provided for comparability purposes, and can vary depending on factors such as grade and transmission. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. See website for details.
