EVs are everywhere, but are they actually good? The Lexus RZ 500e SE makes a serious case that they are.
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EVs are everywhere, but are they actually good? The Lexus RZ 500e SE makes a serious case that they are.
Electric cars are becoming the norm. Crazy thought, right? A mere two years ago, we may have thought there was no way that would happen. Yet here we sit, spoilt for choice, with almost every brand offering an EV or some form of electrification. But here is a thought that might be even crazier… What if EVs are actually getting good?
This is where the all-new Lexus RZ 500e SE comes in. The luxury giant from Japan isn’t here to play games, and it’s clear that the engineers have spent serious time at the drawing board. After driving the RZ 500e, I can truly say for the first time that the word ‘electric’ never once carried a negative connotation in my thoughts or conversations. It is somewhat mind-bending.
When it comes to electric cars, the instant torque and quick acceleration can be exciting at first, but the novelty often wears off, leaving the driving experience feeling a bit numb. A lack of feel and character usually follows. The RZ 500e, however, has the remedy.
Where the vibrations and tones of a combustion engine are absent, one needs to find other ways to bring sensation into the picture, and the RZ does that well in many regards. Firstly, it is no slouch. It still has rapid acceleration and is quicker than most cars on the road, but the way the power is delivered is where the RZ sings a different tune. An immediate press of the right pedal doesn’t equate to instant whiplash. Instead, it provides a linear power output that is undeniably quick, while the G-force feels progressive rather than violent. It inserts emotion back into spirited driving, and there’s a sense of play and control in the driving character that brings forth confidence and enjoyment behind the wheel.
Speaking of the wheel, it’s perfectly weighted in my opinion. It isn’t the feather-light rotation you often get when changing direction in modern cars, but it is firm and precise, creating a genuine sense of connection to the tarmac. That is before you even mention the material the steering wheel is wrapped in. It is a high-grade premium synthetic leather that is remarkably soft to the touch. Unless you have been in this car yourself, you have probably never felt anything quite like it. It is almost sinful.
Then there are other tactile sensations in the SE trim, most notably the Ultrasuede upholstery. If you are imagining a lot of suede, you are right on track. The cabin features a generous amount of it, covering the front seats, the door cards, and almost the entire rear bench. It is deeply luxurious, and the suede’s pleasant tactile quality is just another way emotion is injected into the cabin.
All of this ties the RZ together into an electric car that has character, emotion, and feel. Almost all aspects that raise questions about an electric car, aside from range anxiety, are addressed by this car. At least, that’s my impression of it, but you’d have to judge for yourself.
A few years ago, nobody would have thought that an electric Lexus would cost this much and still feel like a good idea. At R1,860,400, the RZ 500e SE is hardly cheap, and it is not the most efficient EV out there either. Lexus claims 456 km of range from the 74.6 kWh battery, but real-world driving shows figures between 350 and 400 km. Ownership is well covered by a 7-year/105,000 km warranty and maintenance plan, plus an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty.
Is it the sensible choice? That depends on who you ask. Does it make electric driving feel special? Absolutely.
So why isn’t it a 10/10 car then? Well, as great as it is for the most part, there are some minor niggles that knock away some points. The safety systems are one of them. While the systems in place are phenomenal and do a great job, from my experience, they’re oversensitive in tight spaces. Pulling into my garage with my personal car already parked proved to be an exercise in overcoming anxiety. The safety systems would initiate emergency braking to avoid colliding with either a wall or my car, despite there being ample space and no actual chance of a collision. The first time gave me a fright and reassured me that the systems in place do work. The second and third times just became frustrating. To make things clear, this is the only car I’ve experienced it with to this degree. The result was switching off those safety systems, which is all well and good, but don’t you dare forget to switch them back on. You never know when you may need them.
Another aspect that took away some brownie points lies in the driver’s display. While it displays all the information you may need and then some, it’s a bit of an eyesore. The whole cabin is premium, from the inserts to the 14-inch infotainment screen to the dials, buttons, and everything else, except for the driver’s display. The quality and look of it don’t match up to everything around it, and it’s a tad underwhelming considering the price tag.
In reality, those complaints are minuscule compared to all the positives the Lexus RZ 500e SE offers. And to date, it’s the most enjoyable EV I’ve driven. Is it for everyone? Probably not. But if you’d prefer to fly to major cities rather than drive there, and if you’re flirting with the idea of going all in on a premium EV, then this is a strong contender for consideration. Through all of its wizardry, Lexus has managed to give the RZ a soul, and as mind-bending as that may seem, it deserves applause.
Words: Niki Louw
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