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Lexus has further enhanced the appeal of one of its best-selling models in South Africa, the UX. The compact urban SUV has seen some changes that make it all the more appealing to drivers who enjoy class, comfort, and performance.

All three models and the exclusive hybrid model have adopted a new multimedia system with user-friendly 12.3-inch touchscreens, improved navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to provide an enhanced user experience.

Technology upgrades in the car have also been applied to the safety features, with enhanced Lexus Safety System+ features with improved safety measures for drivers and passengers.

The UX models are priced starting from R808,600 for the EX-grade and going up to R958,100 for the F Sport Bi-tone grade. All UX models come with a 7-year/105,000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan, as well as an additional 8-year/195,000km hybrid battery warranty. The vehicle service intervals are every 15,000km or once a year.

The UX 250h is powered by a combination of a 2.0-liter petrol engine and an electric motor. It offers superior performance, high-speed responsiveness, and smooth, natural acceleration. The hybrid system provides a total system output of 135kW and an impressive fuel economy of 4.5 liters/100km combined.

The announcement of the all-new RZ battery SUV marks another step by Lexus towards the Lexus Electrified Vision.

Set for South African launch in the first quarter of 2024, the first Lexus BEV, built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform, is a product of close to two decades of expertise in battery and hybrid powered vehicles.

Lexus South Africa stated that; ‘The new RZ retains all the signature Lexus elements customers have come to appreciate, but now with zero exhaust emissions.’

The RZ is powered by a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery, which deploys 230kW of power and 435Nm of instant torque to all four wheels and a driving range of over 400km. Following the launch of the UX300e in 2021, the RZ is another step closer to a full range of Hybrid, Plug in Hybrid (PHEV) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) that Lexus will have on offer by as early as 2030.

The RZ stays true to the Lexus style, maintaining the brand’s famous benchmarks of exceptional luxury and dynamic driving, with a sophisticated interior and exclusive exterior design that boasts a more prominent spindle grille that extends further with the body.

“The RZ is the right vehicle for those wanting a luxury SUV that evokes the feeling of Lexus driving with the addition of a smooth and quiet battery-electric powertrain.”

The RZ 450e was developed as a BEV from the outset, marking another first for Lexus.

This marks the move of Lexus towards their vision for more sustainable driving, but not only does the RZ 450e produce zero carbon emissions, but the vehicle is also designed to reinvent the BEV all-electric driving experience.

Chief Engineer Takashi Watanabe said: “The RZ has been developed to create a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is pleasing to the touch and is exhilarating to drive.”

The RZ does not compromise on any of the signature look and feel that Lexus is known for, with high levels of craftsmanship and refinement behind the design and comfort of the vehicle. The interior is open and luxurious.

The exterior boasts a high-tech, sleek design, thanks to the freedom that came with designing the all-electric RZ.

The RZ measures 4,805 mm long, with a 2,850 mm wheelbase and short overhangs – 995 mm front, 960 mm rear. The overall height is 1,635 mm and the width is 1,895 mm (excluding door mirrors). In terms of external dimensions and footprint, the model sits between Lexus’ mid-size NX and large RX crossover models.

The RZ 450e was designed with no compromise, offering the driver an exhilarating, all-electric driving experience true to the Lexus reputation.