Lexus RZ 300e Surprises With 125 MPGe EPA Rating That Beats Tesla Model Y

RZ Top MPGe 125

Is it real or is it a bug? The difference between 18- and 20-inch wheels is exceptionally high too.

The all-electric range and energy consumption ratings for the 2024 Lexus RZ family were recently listed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website, and that brings some nice surprises with regard to the car's overall efficiency. And it now turns out the RZ has one of the most outstanding efficiency ratings we have ever seen.

First, let's take this opportunity to give a brief overview of the Lexus RZ lineup and discuss the exceptionally good result of one of the model's configurations.

In 2023, there was only one Lexus RZ: the 450e version with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain (150-kW front and 80-kW rear motor) and a 71.4-kilowatt-hour battery from Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES). It was rated at 220 miles of EPA Combined range (196 miles when equipped with optional 20-inch wheels) and these numbers remain unchanged in 2024.

Now, the family has added the all-new Lexus RZ 300e. That car has a slightly larger 72.8-kWh battery with lithium-ion cells from CATL for use with a single-motor, front-wheel drive powertrain (150 kW). Its range is 266 miles when equipped with 18-inch wheels and 224 miles with 20-inch wheels.

• RZ 300e 18-inch: 266 miles
• RZ 300e 20-inch: 224 miles

  [42 miles or 15.8% less compared to 18-inch]

• RZ 450e 18-inch: 220 miles

  [46 miles or 17.3% less compared to 300e 18-inch]

• RZ 450e 20-inch: 196 miles

  [24 miles or 10.9% less compared to 18-inch]

  [28 miles or 12.5% less compared to 300e 20-inch]

The range numbers are pretty interesting. First, the differences between 18- and 20-inch wheels are higher than we usually see. It's a 10.9% difference in the case of the RZ 450e and 15.8% in the case of the RZ 300e. Additionally, we don't fully understand why the switch to 20-inch wheels cuts range a little more in the RZ 300e version than in the RZ 450e.

Another unusual result: the RZ 450e has a 17.3% lower range than the RZ 300e with the same 18-inch wheels. The difference is only 12.5% when 20-inch wheel versions are compared.

Energy consumption, including charging losses, of the Lexus RZ 300e with 18-inch wheels is estimated at 125 MPGe or about 270 watt-hours per mile (3.7 miles per kWh.)

That's one of the best results ever recorded—it's better than the Toyota bZ4X FWD with 18-inch wheels at 119 MPGe, or 3.5 miles per kWh. It even beats the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (with 19-inch wheels) at 117 MPGe or 3.5 miles per kWh.

However, once you switch to 20-inch wheels, the energy consumption surges by almost one-fifth (19%) to 105 MPGe or 3.1 miles per kWh. It's unusual and surprising.

A real-world test would be needed to see whether there is some magic efficiency boost in the entry-level version of the Japanese premium EV.

2024 Lexus RZ 300e Premium FWD 18-in

2024 Lexus RZ 300e Premium/Luxury FWD 20-in

2024 Lexus RZ 450e Premium AWD 18-in

2024 Lexus RZ 450e Premium/Luxury AWD 20-in

Let's note that the highway MPGe ratings are lower in all cases than the combined values. We estimate the EPA Highway range might be 15-30 miles (or up to 8-10%) lower. However, this is only a rough estimate because the MPGe number includes charging losses (calculation using a simple proportion is incorrect).

Basic specs

Pricing

The Lexus RZ 300e starts at an MSRP of $54,000 plus a $1,150 destination charge. Because the model is imported, there is no $7,500 federal tax credit, although leasing might make the incentive available.

We also noticed that the 20-inch wheels are a no-cost option in the Premium trim.

Prices

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