Steer-by-wire stars on the new LEXUS RZ 450E

Lexus' first BEV arrives with innovative touches, dual-axle propulsion and less-than-spectacular range.

Even while Toyota was being criticized for its electrification strategy and its pace in embracing BEVs, the company's engineers were quietly prepping the Lexus brand's first EV, the 2023 RZ 450e crossover.

SAE Media recently drove the RZ and spoke with engineers about its development at an event in Provence, France. While not under-powered, with a total of 230kW (313 hp) available when both front and rear motors are at peak output, some will question the vehicle's below-average driving range.