Khaberni - Lexus announced the launch of its brand new RZ500e model in the Middle East, marking the first presence of a Lexus battery-operated electric SUV sports car in the region, after developing this model from scratch to become a fully electric vehicle, at a pivotal station in the company’s journey towards enhancing electric models, embodying the next phase of the Lexus Electrified strategy and its full commitment to achieving carbon neutrality.
The new model comes within Lexus’s orientation toward relying on electric power in the luxury category with the launch of the RX400h model in 2005, and it is still continuing to balance driving performance and environmental responsibility; the RZ500e model today deepens this philosophy for fully electric SUV sports cars, and has become one of the most prominent features of the Lexus brand with an influential design supported by advanced electric technologies.
The new RZ500e model provides a completely redesigned electric system and a platform that features enhanced dynamics that elevate stability and response, alongside an advanced all-wheel drive system, all these improvements contribute to enhancing the driving concept "The Natural" and deepening the unique sense of pleasure behind the wheel, a feeling known as "Lexus driving signature."
On the occasion of launching the new RZ model, the chief engineer at Lexus International,[AA1] stated: "Lexus is committed to refining electric conversion technologies that elevate driving pleasure and offer new and exciting driving experiences. At the Toyota Technical Center - Shimoyama (TTC‑S), engineers work with professional drivers on testing tracks that simulate the most demanding road conditions to precisely refine the vehicle's performance. Today, Lexus is determined to continue enhancing its distinctive driving experience through smart adaptation that combines contemporary components and advanced software in a smooth and distinctive experience."
The completely new electric system was developed to match the unique performance of this category and includes a high-capacity lithium-ion battery recently developed by enhancing the cells and increasing their number allowing the integration of high-power electric motors, and the developed electric axle (eAxle) which is characterized by higher inverter efficiency. The result is a much higher engine capacity, improved energy efficiency, and a reduction in power losses in different parts of the system.
On the other hand, the capacity of the battery pack was increased and its structure improved with the aim of extending the driving range and giving customers a higher degree of peace of mind whether during daily commutes or long trips. Also, improvements to the built-in charger and charging functions enhance the power supply process, reducing charging time and generally increasing ease of use. By improving the battery characteristics and cooling systems and charge control strategies, Lexus ensures the performance and functionality that match contemporary driving styles in the RZ500e model.
In addition, the driving system adopts a water-cooling structure that supports the sustainability of performance while maintaining thermal stability at the same time. And through a comprehensive reevaluation of the battery capacity and structure and charging systems, Lexus has succeeded in providing stronger acceleration and higher energy efficiency that enhance the position of the RZ in elevating the performance and reliability of this luxury battery-powered electric model.
Besides developing the driving system, Lexus has raised the level of the driving experience by introducing precise improvements to the e-TNGA platform exclusively designed for battery-operated electric cars; this engineering adopts the battery placement under the floor of the chassis to provide a low center of gravity that enhances stability and improves the body balance and dynamic control precision without compromising passenger comfort.
Lexus worked to enhance the rigidity of the new model to improve the stability of the car and the steering precision, as structural parts were reinforced and panel joints were strengthened to increase the rigidity of the car frame. Also, the radiator holder area and the rear structure of the chassis have been enhanced to reduce torsional deformation to enhance the stability of the car in a straight line, and provide a more accurate steering response. These improvements allow for higher precision in the suspension system components, giving the driver greater control and confidence behind the wheel.
At the core of the dynamic personality of the RZ500e model, there's the advancement of the all-wheel drive system DIRECT4 from Lexus, which includes high-output engines working with a developed electric axle (eAxle) characterized by higher inverter efficiency at both the front and rear axles, while torque is dynamically adjusted to minimize longitudinal vibration (Pitching) during acceleration and launching in a straight line, providing direct and smooth response. In turns, the system improves torque distribution according to the speed of the car, steering angle, and driving conditions to ensure precise track following and stable acceleration when exiting the turn.
Among the most important features of "Lexus driving signature," the DIRECT4 steering system enhances harmony between the driver and the car through precise response to the driver’s inputs, and the integration of this system with the Integrated Vehicle Dynamics Management (VDIM) system enhances stability and improves maneuverability in emergency situations, giving the driver confidence in the car no matter the road conditions.
The RZ500e model also features exceptional quietness, a distinctive attribute of Lexus electric battery-operated vehicles (BEV). Starting from the Japanese hospitality philosophy "Omotenashi," Lexus adopts an integrated package to reduce noise to provide this model with a quiet and sophisticated cabin; through a fully covered underbody, tightly sealed hood, noise-insulating glass, and sound-insulating materials, in addition to additional sound barriers in the rear floor to minimize external noise leakage. Also, high-damping adhesive material has been adopted on the floor of the chassis to reduce vibrations, and sound-absorbing materials have been strategically distributed throughout the cabin to curb noise from wind and road. The result is interior tranquility that enhances the driver’s comfort and clearly demonstrates the smoothness of electric performance to the passengers.
The exterior design of the RZ500e model reflects the evolution of Lexus’s philosophy in designing this category towards the concept of the "Spindle Body," offering a streamlined appearance that highlights both performance and elegance together, while the sculpted lines merge with the exterior surface of the car to give it a bold and advanced presence on the road.
Inside the cabin, the RZ500e model provides a sophisticated and open atmosphere, focusing on comfort and practicality. It also adopts a cabin layout based on modern luxury and intuitive operation that helps provide a quiet driving experience. The carefully selected materials with advanced sound insulation contribute to providing a sophisticated cabin that aligns with Lexus's professional principles.
To ensure maximum comfort suitable for the region's climate, the RZ500e model adopts an air conditioning system with exclusive standards specific to the Middle East markets with glass equipped with infrared (IR-cut) characteristics to reduce heat leakage, in addition to a seat ventilation system that enhances passenger comfort, leading to stable cooling performance even in high-temperature driving environments, making the RZ suitable for driving conditions in various parts of the region.
As the first all-battery electric SUV sports car from Lexus introduced in the Middle East markets, RZ500e is not only a new model in these markets but also a landmark in Lexus's advancement and its pursuit to achieve carbon neutrality goals while maintaining the emotional and dynamic traits that define the brand's identity. By combining a completely redesigned BEV system, firm driving foundations, advanced all-wheel control, and exceptional quietness, RZ500e represents a unique leap in the world of electric cars.
With the launch of the RZ500e model today, Lexus is pioneering a new dazzling chapter in the Lexus Electrified strategy in the Middle East; where advanced electric technologies elevate performance, increase driving pleasure, and contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.
