Move Over Tesla, Lexus RZ Delivers Luxury EVs at Surprising Prices
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Move Over Tesla, Lexus RZ Delivers Luxury EVs at Surprising Prices

Electrify Expo San Francisco test ride demo Lexus RZ 450e
  • The 2025 Lexus RZ 300e starts at $43,975, offering a competitive 266-mile range, positioning it strongly against competitors like Tesla and Audi.
  • With 308 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 5 seconds, the 2025 RZ 450e AWD combines high performance with dynamic AWD handling for a smooth, controlled ride.
  • Charging is convenient, with the RZ fully recharging in 9.5 hours on a Level 2 charger or reaching 80% in just 30 minutes with DC fast charging.

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What if an electric SUV could truly cater to your lifestyle? The 2025 Lexus RZ shows that electric vehicles can be luxurious, practical, and affordable – all at the same time.

With the addition of an entry-level grade to its RZ 300e and RZ 450e AWD lineup, Lexus now offers a variety of options tailored to meet different driving needs. From long-range efficiency to the comfort of all-wheel drive, and the refined interiors that Lexus is famous for, the RZ delivers a driving experience that feels effortless and rewarding.

Built at the world-class Motomachi Plant in Japan, this electric SUV doesn’t rely on government mandates to make its case. Instead, it competes where it matters most – offering real value, outstanding performance, and features that make everyday driving better.

With a starting price of $43,975 for the RZ 300e, Lexus enters the electric SUV market with competitive pricing that undercuts competitors like the Tesla Model Y and the BMW iX. What makes this vehicle stand out is its focus on what matters to drivers today – cost of ownership, reliability, and comfort. Mandates may have pushed manufacturers toward electrification, but Lexus is showing that electric vehicles can win customers on merit rather than regulation.


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Affordability That Speaks to Real Consumers

Electric vehicles, including the Lexus RZ, are now more accessible than ever, and the numbers back it up. The total cost of ownership for EVs often undercuts gas-powered vehicles thanks to lower fuel costs, fewer maintenance requirements, and available federal and state incentives. Lexus builds on this affordability with multiple trims that offer varying performance and features. 

The entry-level RZ 300e features a 72.8-kWh CATL lithium-ion battery with a range of 266 miles when equipped with 18-inch wheels. Its EPA-estimated MPGe ratings of 137/112/125 (city/highway/combined) make it an economical choice for daily driving. Even with the optional 20-inch wheels, the range remains competitive at 224 miles.

Moving up the lineup, the RZ 450e AWD brings performance enthusiasts into the fold. With 308 horsepower, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds. The AWD system, powered by Lexus’ DIRECT4 technology, continuously adjusts torque distribution between the front and rear axles to maintain optimal control, which deliveres a smooth, stable ride regardless of driving conditions.

As Jeff Bal, General Manager of Lexus Electrified, points out, “Our goal with the RZ lineup is to provide a luxury electric vehicle that meets the practical needs of today’s driver while offering the reliability and refinement that Lexus is known for.”


Lexus RZ Brings Comfort and Practicality to the Electric SUV Market

The Lexus RZ steps into a competitive space, challenging established names like the Audi Q4 e-Tron and Tesla Model Y. Lexus, however, carves its own path by focusing on what truly matters to drivers – thoughtful design, comfort, and practical features. 

Unlike Tesla’s interiors, which can sometimes feel stripped down, Lexus takes a different approach. The cabin balances simplicity with sophistication, creating a space that feels both welcoming and functional.

Electrify Expo Orlando Hankook EV Demo District Lexus RZ 450e TX 500h
Lineup of Lexus RZ electric SUVs and other vehicles at Electrify Expo showcasing their design and performance.

A great example is the Dynamic Sky panorama glass roof, which is engineered with advanced low-e coating to keep the cabin cooler on bright, sunny days. This kind of detail shows Lexus’ commitment to enhancing the driving experience while keeping everyday needs in mind.

Competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E are praised for their sporty designs, but Lexus takes a more holistic approach. The RZ’s e-TNGA platform, which features a low center of gravity thanks to an underfloor battery pack, ensures stability and comfort without compromising handling. Combined with Frequency Reactive Dampers (FRD), the RZ delivers a ride quality that is both responsive and comfortable.


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2025 Lexus RZ Pricing

Model NameMSRP + DPH
RZ 450e AWD$48,675
RZ 450e Premium AWD w/ 18″ Wheel$52,875
RZ 450e Premium AWD w/ 20″ Wheel$54,115
RZ 450e Luxury AWD$58,605
RZ 300e FWD$43,975
RZ 300e Premium FWD w/ 18″ Wheel$48,175
RZ 300e Premium FWD w/ 20″ Wheel$49,415
RZ 300e Luxury FWD$53,905

Practical Features for Everyday Life

Lexus understands that the modern driver values convenience. The RZ comes standard with a CCS1 charging socket for both home and public charging, and with a Level 2 charger, it can achieve a full charge in just 9.5 hours. DC fast charging provides a quick top-off to 80% in as little as 30 minutes under ideal conditions.

For tech-savvy drivers, the RZ offers connectivity through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-inch touchscreen interface. An available Digital Key feature lets you unlock and start the car with your smartphone, making it ideal for families and shared driving situations.

electrify expo austin industry day press tour lexus

Safety takes center stage in the Lexus RZ, ensuring peace of mind every time you’re behind the wheel. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is an integrated approach to keeping you and your passengers protected. From the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, which helps prevent accidents before they happen, to Lane Tracing Assist, designed to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, every detail works together to enhance your driving experience.

Adding to this is Road Sign Assist, a feature that reads speed limits and other road signs, displaying them clearly within your line of sight. This keeps you informed without causing distractions. I value technologies like this, and it feels as though the vehicle is looking out for me.


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Luxury, Performance, and 266 Miles Starting at $43,975

The 2025 Lexus RZ challenges the notion that electric vehicles must compromise on luxury or practicality. This electric SUV offers a thoughtfully crafted combination of affordability, performance, and comfort, catering to the needs of everyday drivers while maintaining the sophistication Lexus is known for.

With its competitive pricing starting at $43,975, along with a range of up to 266 miles, the RZ positions itself as a true alternative for those ready to embrace the benefits of electrification without sacrificing quality.

This is a vehicle designed for real life. Whether you’re drawn to the entry-level RZ 300e with its efficient front-wheel drive setup or the powerful RZ 450e AWD with its dynamic all-wheel-drive system and 0-60 mph acceleration in just five seconds, there’s an option for every driver.

And thanks to practical charging capabilities, up to 80% in 30 minutes with DC fast charging, and modern technology like a 14-inch touchscreen and smartphone-enabled Digital Key, the RZ ensures your driving experience is as seamless as it is enjoyable.

Electric cars are no longer just about regulations or trends; they’re about giving drivers more freedom to choose what fits their lifestyle. The Lexus RZ delivers on this promise with pricing and features that make going electric easier than ever.


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SOURCE | IMAGES: LEXUS | ELECTRIFY EXPO

FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. Learn more.

AUTHOR: 

RANDI BENTIA

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