It isn’t easy to take your eyes away from it. The new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is a stunning and chiseled electric SUV fitting the brand name. This new EV is the first of the Lexus models to arrive, rolling out the proverbial red carpet for more models to follow in the upcoming years. Before the end of the decade, we will see as many as seven new electric Lexus vehicles in the market.

News of this Lexus RZ 450e Luxury SUV ahead of its official reveal

Lexus shares more angles of the new battery-electric SUV ahead of its spring reveal. This SUV is scheduled for the auto show circuit leading up to the opening of the 2023 model year. According to Autoweek, the new RZ 450e will share the e-TNGA platform with the Toyota bZ4x and Subaru Solterra. Of these three, the Lexus model will be the luxury vehicle, giving consumers upscale features and standard AWD, unlike the Toyota.

Toyota profile with Lexus elegance

The profile view of the Toyota bZ4x and Lexus RZ 450e appear similar. Beyond this view, very little is similar about the exterior appearance of these two vehicles. The Lexus provides the signature spindle grille on a blunt nose and styling that is much more sophisticated and unique than the Toyota. The rear area is relatively similar on both models, which share a fastback profile, and the charging port location is identical for both vehicles.

Power levels remain a mystery for this Lexus electric vehicle

We only hope the RZ 450e will provide more power than the Toyota model. The Bz4x currently uses a two-motor layout to offer 215 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. We anticipate the Lexus model, bearing the 450 in the name, will provide more power for owners looking for more in their luxury electric vehicles. The added power will likely reduce the driving range from 310 miles for the bz4x to approximately 250 miles for the Lexus. This could result in owners trading range for quality, name, and power.

Does Lexus have an EV SUV?

The new electric Lexus RZ 450e isn’t as large as typical SUVs and will sit in the compact crossover market. Images and information from the HT Auto Desk show us an electric prototype that appears to be in the SUV category. The Lexus EV plan does allow for a larger SUV to fit into the market, possibly taking the place of the current GX or LX. The new EV SUV could offer three rows of seats to be a family-sized electric vehicle if that were to happen.

Cleaner lines on the larger model

Images of the new, larger SUV indicate a vehicle with much cleaner lines than most vehicles we see today. These images could be renderings or prototypes that would revolutionize Lexus styling if brought to market. These photos show a vehicle with hidden door handles, side-view cameras instead of mirrors, and sharp, angular bodywork. Could this be the future of car design?

The Lexus EV movement has begun with the RZ 450e

It won’t be long before the new Lexus RZ 450e appears on the states of car shows around the world. Not long after that, this electric SUV will arrive at Lexus locations around the country. This new model is the start of the movement forward into the EV world for this luxury brand.

Next, check out some FAQs about the Ford Mustang Mach-E, or watch the Lexus RZ 450e in the video below:

This article was updated on 8/17/2022.