- The 2024 Lexus RZ lineup grows with the addition of a front-wheel-drive variant that’s cheaper than the existing all-wheel-drive version.
- Starting at $55,150, the new RZ300e costs $4700 less than the RZ450e; FWD brings up to 266 miles of EPA-estimated range—46 more than with AWD.
- The ’24 Lexus RZ300e features a 72.8-kWh battery pack that powers a single electric motor that makes 201 horsepower.
The Lexus RZ is currently the luxury brand’s only EV model, and it hasn’t exactly lit the world on fire. Although the all-wheel-drive RZ450e we tested had the characteristics of a satisfying Lexus, it was mostly disappointing as an electric SUV. Among our chief complaints was its limited driving range. The good news for the 2024 model year is there’s a new front-wheel-drive configuration that not only offers considerably more range, but it also costs less too.
RZ300e Has More Range
The 2024 Lexus RZ300e arrives as the front-drive alternative to the all-wheel-drive RZ450e. The FWD RZ removes the 107-hp electric motor mounted on the AWD model’s rear axle and replaces it with a unique subframe that Lexus says is designed to reduce vibration and noise.
The 201-hp front-mounted electric motor remains on the RZ300e, but it’s powered by a different battery pack than the 308-hp RZ450e. Developed by separate companies, the front-drive version has a slightly larger capacity than the all-wheel-drive model. For 2024, Lexus also provides a standard dual-voltage charging cable (120V and 240V).
With a full charge, the EPA estimates the RZ300e with the standard 18-inch wheels can travel 266 miles. That’s 46 miles farther than the RZ450e’s 220-mile rating when fitted with the same size rollers. Opting for the more stylish 20-inchers drastically drops the FWD model’s range estimate to 226 miles, which is still 30 miles more than the equivalent AWD variant (196 miles).
RZ300e Is Less Expensive
Lexus is a luxury brand, and therefore its cars and SUVs are priced accordingly. That obviously extends to its sole EV offering. Last year, the RZ450e started at $59,650, and that price only rises $200 to $59,850. That’s for the entry-level Premium trim; the Luxury starts at $65,580 ($430 more than before).
With the RZ300e, the price of admission costs $4700 less than the RZ450e. The front-drive Premium starts at $55,150. That’s with the standard 18-inch wheels; the 20-inchers are a $1240 option. Meanwhile, the Luxury trim only rides on dubs and starts at $60,880.
Among the other updates to the 2024 Lexus RZ is a new Copper Crest paint color, which can be had in either mono- or bi-tone exterior designs. Inside, there’s a new decorative illuminated pattern on the doors, and the Luxury trim adds a charcoal look to its center console.
The EV SUV’s driver assists are also upgraded with tech that gently brakes and steers away from a collision, and there’s a feature that helps avoid turning left when an oncoming vehicle is approaching. The adaptive cruise control can now better manage speed around corners too. The 2024 Lexus RZ lineup goes on sale this month.
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.