CAR REVIEW: Lexus launches RZ range as its first EV in South Africa

Lexus has introduced its all-electric RZ range to South Africa, the first EV it's brought into the country.

Motoring journalist Melinda Ferguson was at the launch in Cape Town and took the RZ for a test drive.

Lexus named its competitors in this premium EV segment at this point as only the Mercedes-Benz EQB and BMW iX.

The RZ comes in four derivatives, three of which are currently available: the RZ 500e EX, RZ 500e SE and RZ 550e F SPORT. 

The 500e EX and SE grades have a 74.6 kWh lithium-ion battery delivering 280KW, while the 550e F Sport provides a 76.9kWh battery and 300kW.

The range provided by the different models is 420 - 500 km, which Ferguson describes as "doable", but certainly a step up from the 300 -350 km delivered by some of the other EVs on the market.

What she loved about the car is first of all of course the striking looks, both exterior and interior.

"It's quite space age, which has been part of the Lexus design philosophy for a while. The grille has lights with a lightning strike feel but the look is sleek and athletic, reading modern without being too much in your face. Compare it with that huge grille when BMW brought out the XM, which I felt was really over the top."

"The cabin features very premium, synthetic leather with trim upgrades in the various derivatives. You can't fault the detail, the feeling of luxury and class."

A huge talking point is the yoke steering of the RZ 550e F SPORT, which Ferguson did not get the chance to drive. Her motoring colleagues who did take the wheel remarked on its direct and responsive ability, but she acknowledges she might need some practice time to get used to it.

The three available models come in at under R2 million, but that might not be the case with the 600e F Sport special edition, still to be launched.

Lexus RZ pricing:

• RZ 500e EX - R1 649 400
• RZ 500e SE - R1 823 800
• RZ 550e F SPORT - R1 938 600

To listen to Melinda Ferguson in conversation with Sara-Jayne Makwala King on CapeTalk's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: