Tech Influencer Slams Lexus RZ 450e, Calling It "Weird" Despite Premium Interiors
Popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee has sparked controversy by declaring he wouldn’t recommend the Lexus RZ 450e battery electric SUV, despite its luxurious appeal. In a recent video, Brownlee stated, "One of the weirdest EVs I have seen in a while because it is a genuinely nice car that I could never recommend." He criticizes the RZ 450e for its limited range, especially considering its high price point.
Key Takeaways:
- Range Concerns: The RZ 450e delivers a disappointing 196 miles of range despite its premium pricing, lagging behind competitors like the Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y that offer significantly longer ranges for similar price points.
- Premium Interiors: While acknowledging the RZ 450e’s luxurious interior, Brownlee ultimately finds it outweighed by the vehicle’s lackluster performance.
- Limited Market: The RZ 450e may appeal to loyal Lexus enthusiasts seeking an electric option, but Brownlee highlights the more compelling offerings available from rival EV manufacturers.
- Toyota’s Overall Sales Performance: Despite the RZ 450e’s shortcomings, Toyota Motor North America reported a strong overall sales performance in the first half of the year, but the RZ only accounted for a small fraction of their Lexus division’s sales.
Deep Dive into Brownlee’s Criticism
Brownlee’s criticism revolves around the RZ 450e’s lack of competitive edge in the EV market. He compares it to rivals like the Kia EV6, which starts at $42,600 and offers a range of up to 310 miles, making it a far more appealing proposition. Similarly, the Tesla Model Y, priced at $44,990, boasts a range of up to 320 miles.
While Brownlee appreciates the RZ 450e‘s premium interiors, he believes those elements are overshadowed by the vehicle’s shortcomings in range and performance. This suggests that, in the competitive EV market, luxury features alone may not be enough to attract buyers.
A Blip on Toyota’s Radar
Despite the RZ 450e’s shortcomings, Toyota Motor North America reported strong sales figures in the first half of 2023. However, the RZ accounted for a mere 5,639 units of the Lexus division’s total 167,211 vehicles sold. This signifies that the RZ hasn’t made a significant impact on Toyota’s overall sales growth.
The EV Market: A Race for Range and Value
Brownlee’s critique underscores a crucial aspect of the evolving EV market: the intense competition surrounding range and value. Consumers increasingly demand long-range EVs without compromising on affordability. This is pushing automakers to prioritize battery technology and efficient powertrains to deliver both performance and range.
For Lexus, the RZ 450e’s lukewarm reception suggests they may need to refine their strategy. The brand’s reputation for luxury may not be enough to overcome the limitations of the RZ 450e in the face of increasingly competitive EVs.
The Future of Electric Lexus: A Change in Direction?
Brownlee’s comments raise questions about Lexus’s future foray into the electric vehicle market. Can the brand overcome the limitations of the RZ 450e and offer a compelling electric vehicle experience for consumers?
Lexus will likely need to address the range issue and potentially revisit pricing strategies to compete effectively against established players like Tesla and Kia. The future of electric Lexus may depend on a shift in approach, focusing on delivering both premium features and a competitive driving experience.
