🚗 2023 Canadian International Autoshow. Lexus RZ 450e and All-New Lexus RX 500h Debutes

Thursday, 23 February 2023 09:15.PM
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Two brand new luxury cars - Lexus RZ 450e and Lexus RX 500h - were presented at the Toronto Auto Show by Martin Gilbert, Director of the Lexus Canada.

Lexus RZ 450e - luxury and electrified

• First Global Lexus Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) introduces the next chapter of the Lexus story
• Embraces the refined, dynamic, human-centric Lexus Driving Signature
• Advanced safety and legendary Lexus customer experience
• Three trim levels, with a starting MSRP of $64,950

The design, engineering, and unmatched customer experience that have been hallmarks of Lexus now come to Canada in an all-new form – the RZ 450e. Offered in a launch-year portfolio of three trim levels, this all-new, all-wheel-drive, pure battery electric vehicle brings to the BEV segment the bold styling, inspired performance, and unparalleled quality and safety that have made Lexus hybrids leading choices for Canadians since the launch of the RX 400h in 2005.

"The RZ 450e - our first global Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) - begins a New Chapter for Lexus as we continue to provide sustainable mobility solutions around the world, while delivering the exquisite benefits of a carbon-neutral Luxury vehicle to our Guests." said Martin Gilbert, Director of Lexus Canada. “The RZ is a unique Lexus BEV; it's exhilarating to drive, feels secure and engages all the senses. Additionally, the RZ heralds Lexus' transition to a BEV-centric brand, offering a full lineup of battery electric vehicles in all categories by 2030.”

Lexus has already enhanced its portfolio of luxury vehicles with the application of the Lexus Driving Signature. Introduced to all new models released since its debut on the 2021 Lexus IS, this is a uniquely Lexus driving experience that aims to achieve predictable, linear responses to driver intentions. For the RZ, Lexus engineers pushed the Lexus Driving Signature to an even higher level. Lexus applied its first dedicated BEV platform to maximize vehicle performance and driving pleasure. Engineers then developed the all-new DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system to control front and rear drive force according to driving and road surface conditions. The result is impressive start-up acceleration, handling stability that ensures confident driving, and low power consumption. The standard shift lever is replaced with a dial-type shift knob – a Lexus first that contributes to the sleek interior design.

Curbside, the RZ’s body captures the seamless acceleration and dynamic, torque-filled performance that are intrinsic qualities of pure battery EVs. L-signature daytime running lights are joined on the nose by a striking, heated and illuminated Lexus “L” emblem, while LEXUS is spelled out across the rear of the vehicle, above the blade-shaped taillight.

Inside, a minimalist yet luxurious and spacious interior amplifies the goals of sustainable mobility through the application of mindfully sourced materials. Driver and passengers will enjoy the available panoramic roof that visually opens up the space, the ambient lighting system that welcomes Guests to the cabin, and the comfort of a highly efficient heating system featuring a Lexus-first radiant heater.

All RZ models feature the Lexus Interface – the brand’s newest, most user-friendly multimedia and connectivity system, featuring a 14” touchscreen and natural language voice commands. All models also feature an impressive portfolio of active and passive safety features, including Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a backup camera with back guide monitor, eight airbags, the Blind Spot Monitor system with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, the Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist system, and the Rear Seat Reminder system.

Lexus will offer Canadian Guests a choice of three RZ models to suit a variety of tastes:

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Signature (starting MSRP: $64,950) welcomes Guests to the Lexus luxury BEV experience. This model features 18” five-spoke alloy wheels with dark metallic grey and machined finish, LED headlamps and tail lamps, headlamp washers, the Lexus Drive Mode Select system with Sport, Normal, and ECO settings, NuLuxe upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker audio system with 14” touch screen display, the Lexus Interface (with Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect), a 7” digital instrument cluster, single-setting ambient lighting system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless charging system for personal electronics, and a Level 1 vehicle charging cable for a 120V outlet.

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Luxury (starting MSRP: $73,550) builds on the Signature model, adding a fixed glass panoramic moon roof, power back door with kick-sensor activation, driver’s seat memory system, ventilated front seats, 20” split 10-spoke alloy wheels with dark metallic grey and machined finish, the Lexus Interface (with Drive Connect as well), a single setting ambient lighting with shadow feature, door courtesy lamps, premium instrument panel decoration, Parking Support with Brake, the Lexus Panoramic View Monitor system, and additional safety technologies including Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Alert.

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Executive (starting MSRP: $80,950) further enhances the Luxury model, adding Ultra-suede upholstery, heated rear seats, fixed glass panoramic moon roof with dimming feature, head-up display, 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, the Lexus Adaptive High Beam system with dynamic leveling, 20” split 10-spoke alloy wheels with gunmetal finish, a digital key with key card, a high-grade meter cluster, acoustic front and rear side glass, multi-colour ambient illumination system with shadow feature, and the Lexus Advanced Park system.

RX 500h - the fifth generation Lexus RX Luxury SUV

At the beginning of November 2022 Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) started producing the fifth generation of the Lexus RX luxury SUV: the all-new 2023 Lexus RX.

In 2003, TMMC became Toyota’s first facility outside of Japan entrusted to produce Lexus vehicles – a great honour within Toyota – and has since assembled more than 1.5 million Lexus RX vehicles. Today, as well as the RX and RX hybrid, TMMC builds the Lexus NX and NX Hybrid, as well as the Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid.

“Producing the all-new 2023 Lexus RX 350, RX 350h and RX 500h for the North American market reflects the continued trust that Toyota Motor Corporation has in our world-class Canadian team members, our commitment to quality, and our customer focus,” said TMMC President, Frank Voss.

Canada’s largest auto manufacturer and leading maker of electrified vehicles, TMMC has manufactured vehicles in Canada for more than 30 years and currently employs more than 8,500 team members at its facilities in Cambridge and Woodstock, Ontario. Committed to producing vehicles in Canada, Toyota has invested more than CAD $9.8B in its Canadian operations since 1985 and has built more than nine million vehicles over that period of time.

TMMC’s culture is aligned with the Lexus focus on quality, making them one of the very best automotive manufacturing facilities in the world. This commitment to quality has earned TMMC a total of 20 J.D. Power Awards – more than any other auto manufacturing plant in the Americas, and the second most of any plant globally.

About the 2023 Lexus RX

Crafted right here in Canada, the 2023 Lexus RX sets the stage for the next chapter of the Lexus brand.

The next chapter for Lexus is centered around four pillars: Design, Lexus Driving Signature, Electrification and Advanced Technology. The all-new RX plays a key role in leading the brand forward on each of these dimensions.

Design: The RX has been refined from the inside out. The signature Lexus spindle grille has evolved into a spindle body that seamlessly commands the front. And, perhaps the most notable expression of future Lexus design is the elegant new block letter ‘LEXUS’ rear badging and full-width tail lamp.

Lexus Driving Signature: Lexus Driving Signature results from an entirely new approach to vehicle development, wherein all performance characteristics and tuning decisions are approved at the highest level of the organization. This ensures a uniquely Lexus experience where each vehicle exhibits a direct, linear driving feel that is consistent across the lineup.

Electrification: TMMC will assemble two electrified options of the fifth generation RX, including the RX 350h powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, and RX 500h F SPORT with a 2.4-litre turbo hybrid powertrain.

Advanced Technology: The biggest enhancement to in-vehicle technology is the inclusion of the all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system. Developed in North America, Lexus Interface uses a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen to put an array of multimedia features within easy reach. On select models, the available 14-inch touch screen delivers an even more immersive multimedia experience. Lexus Interface incorporates a new virtual assistant, developed with a human-centric approach and intended to be the primary way in which guests interact with the new multimedia system. The system enables a voice-first approach to access navigation, media, phone, and certain vehicle features such as the climate control system and window opening/closing.

With files from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada

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