The automotive landscape is on the brink of a paradigm shift with the highly anticipated 2024 Lexus RZ lineup, and the introduction of the affordable RZ 300e model will add an extra layer of allure to this upcoming revolution.

Lexus, a brand name synonymous with luxury and innovation, is charting new territories in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs). In this electrifying revelation, the 2024 RZ series unfolds with two attractive electric models – the well-established RZ 450e and the all-new, pocket-friendly RZ 300e.

The 2024 RZ 450e stands out, embodying the perfect fusion of luxury, efficiency, and accessibility. The luxury car brand has strategically expanded its RZ EV lineup to cater to a broader audience with the introduction of the RZ 300e, an entry-level marvel that promises a captivating electric driving experience at a more accessible price point. The RZ 300e comes equipped with a single electric motor (e-motor), front-wheel drive (FWD) powertrain, and a 72.8-kWh battery pack from Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited (CATL).

It is worth-noting here that the existing model comes equipped with a 71.4-kWh battery from Prime Planet Energy & Solutions (PPES) and an all-wheel drive powertrain. The newcomer will be slightly more expensive. The 2024 Lexus RZ 450e Premium has an MSRP of $58,700 ($200 higher than before), in addition to a destination charge of $1,150. The Luxury trim costs $430 more than before, as it starts at $64,430.

Meanwhile, the newcomer, which is similar to the Toyota bZ4X, is poised to make electric driving an attainable reality for a wider spectrum of drivers. The 2024 Lexus RZ 300e Premium (FWD) has been introduced with a starting price tag of $54,000 (plus $1,150 destination charge). Thus, it is cheaper by $4,700 than the 450e Premium (AWD). A similar difference concerns the Luxury trim.

When it comes to efficiency, the RZ 300e distinguishes itself not only through affordability but also through a greater EPA-rated range. Offering an impressive 266 miles of range on a single charge, the RZ 300e outpaces its counterpart RZ 450e by 46 miles, which is not bad at all. This notable difference becomes more apparent when we opt for the EV with optional 20-inch wheels, with the RZ 300e boasting 224 miles compared to the RZ 450e's 196 miles. Such a leap in driving range, in spite of a marginal difference in battery capacity, underscores the painstaking engineering that the luxury car brand has invested in the RZ 300e.