Prospective customers interested in the Lexus RZ 450e in the United States this November will be pleasantly surprised, as leasing deals provide a considerable $15,000 discount. This leveled the leasing cost playing field between the fully electric SUV and the Lexus RX, despite the RZ 450e having a $10,000 higher MSRP.
The newly introduced $15,000 discount for the RZ, announced in November, is the most significant price drop to date, exceeding the previous $10,000 discount granted in July. CarsDirect reports that the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Premium, which has an MSRP of $62,100, is currently leasing on the West Coast for an alluring $499 a month, which is $90 less than last month's cost. This lease is for a 36-month period and comes with a substantial $5,999 upfront payment and 10,000 miles of annual mileage allowance.
It's worth noting as a general recommendation that down payments on leases are typically discouraged. These down payments are normally non-refundable in the event that the car is affected by any unanticipated circumstances.
Interestingly, the same leasing rate of $499 per month is available in California for the 2024 Lexus RX 350, despite the fact that the internal combustion engine-powered SUV has a $10,000 cheaper buying price, with an MSRP of $52,000. This unusual lease parity is caused mostly by a loophole in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which allows the RZ to receive the entire $7,500 EV tax credit. The best deal for the East Coast's 2023 Lexus RZ 450e Premium is currently available for $519 a month, which is $140 cheaper than the previous price. A $4,999 deposit is needed for this transaction at the time of signing.
The RZ has a 71.4 kWh battery pack that powers a DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system, and it is powered by the e-TNGA platform. The latter is made up of front and rear electric axles, each of which has an inverter/power control unit, transaxle, and motor. Because of its ability to function independently, the crossover can have a front-to-rear power distribution between 100:0 and 0:100.
Together, the motors generate a combined output of 308 horsepower and 433 Nm of torque. This is a huge difference over the bZ4X, with 94 horsepower and 98 Nm more.
From a standstill, mash the accelerator and you'll be at 96 km/h in five seconds flat as the electric motors burst into action and feel forceful off the line. Despite being fast, launches are smooth and predictable thanks to all-wheel drive. If drivers maintain their footing, the crossover will finally reach 159 km/h.
While the performance is strong, the model's range leaves a lot to be desired, with an EPA-estimated 354 km. Owners will need to recharge sooner or later, and the RZ includes a Level 1 charger that can fully recharge the battery in about 50 hours.
Since Lexus hasn't yet revealed any subsidies for RZ 450e buyers, the previously mentioned lease offers are even more alluring.