Battery size: 64kWh
Max charge rate: 150kW
Range: 297 miles
Efficiency rating: A
Real world miles per kWh: 3.8
When I previously had an RZ450e on test few a few months, I had a little bit of a love hate relationship with it. There was plenty to like, but I winced at the inefficiency. With a miles/kWh figure of around 2.5, it was costing me a few quid to keep it going and the range was consistently below 200 miles in the real world.
So the lovely Lexus people suggested a downgrade to the new RZ300e, which has the same body, build quality and most of the nice bits but loses a motor. That means it is front wheel drive only, has 202bhp versus 311 and is not as fast, but the plus side is more efficiency – with a claimed 297 mile range versus the RZ450e’s 271 miles.
You also get some more cash in your pocket, as the 300e is £5,500 cheaper, with the price starting at £49,995 for the cheapest ‘Urban model’. I was treated to the second notch up, called the Premium which adds heated, power-adjustable front seats upholstered in synthetic leather, rear privacy glass and a panoramic roof. My previous RZ was a top-spec Takumi, so I noticed somethings missing, such as the clever electronic ‘sun blind’ on the roof glass and the 360-degree parking camera – something I really miss.
The other obvious ‘downgrade’ is from 20 to 18-inch alloy wheels. Now they are obviously less bling, but they give a better ride without killing the steering feel. The tyres are also cheaper and they are less liable to damage from kerbs and potholes. The biggest bonus is to the efficiency though. So will this RZ take away the hate part of my love-hate relationship? Stay tuned…..
About our RZ300e
Our RZ300e is the mid-range Premium, which costs £52,295 with the 18-inch wheels (which you want really, even though they are not as pretty).
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