Lexus Introduces Cheaper, Front-Wheel-Drive Electric RZ 300e

The first Lexus electric vehicle (EV) hasn’t been on the road long, but it’s already getting an update. Lexus will bring the price of entry down and the maximum range up on the 2024 Lexus RZ by offering a front-wheel drive (FWD) version.

Introduced for 2023, the RZ is a compact electric SUV built on the same bones as the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. Our expert test driver says, “For all those luxury buyers who want to go electric but would prefer to choose a trusted marque, the Lexus RZ 450e could be the ticket.” Like most EVs, it’s “exceptionally and effortlessly quick.” Like most Lexus vehicles, it’s composed and comfortable.

But it started at nearly $60,000 last year. That probably kept some buyers away.

So, for 2024, Lexus introduces a slightly toned-down model, the RZ 300e. It sends 201 horsepower to the front wheels rather than the 308-to-all-wheels setup of the RZ 450e. Drawing less power off the battery improves range — the 300e (with 18-inch wheels) gets 266 miles between charges. The 300e drops to 224 miles of range riding on the 20-inch wheels. The 450e gets just 196 miles of range on 20-inch wheels but gains 24 miles on 18-inch wheels.

That’s not the only change. Removing the motor from the rear axle gave engineers some space to work with. They added a new subframe that, Lexus says, “suppresses vibrations and noise, contributing to a smooth and quiet ride.”

That’s quite a claim since the RZ already had an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride.

2024 Lexus RZ Pricing:

Lexus also charges a mandatory $1,150 handling fee on all RZ models. But, unlike other automakers, the company includes it in listed prices.