Toyota and Lexus: From Hybrids to High Voltage - Are They Finally Plugging In?
Toyota and Lexus have decided to join the 21st century! Finally! And just when I thought they were going to stick to making hybrids until the sun went supernova… It has been a busy week for Toyota and its lux brand Lexus - three "new" EVs unveiled, and while their design isn't really something to write home about, the tech is finally catching up to the rest of the field.
Let's kick this off with the C-HR+. For this one, Toyota ditched the "bZ" nonsense, which was about as catchy as a wet sock. They're apparently trying to simplify things, but calling it the C-HR+? Seriously? It sounds like a dodgy vitamin supplement. Anyway, this thing is thankfully bigger than your average toaster oven, with a longer wheelbase and a trunk that can actually hold more than a single grocery bag.
You've got some powertrain options: a rear-wheel-drive version with either 165 or 221 horsepower, depending on whether you opt for the smaller 57.7 kWh battery or the bigger 77 kWh pack. And if you're feeling adventurous and rather brave, there's an all-wheel-drive version with 338 horsepower. A 338-horsepower electric Toyota? Wow… Toyota claims up to 373 miles of range, which, if true, is pretty darn good. Charging times? Still a mystery, but they're promising 150 kW DC charging, which should get you juiced up faster than a kid at a candy store.
Inside, they've slapped in a digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen because, apparently, physical buttons are now considered ancient artifacts. Oh, and the gear selector is smaller. And you can get a panoramic sunroof and two wireless charging pads.
Next - the bZ4X. Toyota gave this thing a serious makeover, addressing all the complaints people had, like, "It's slow" and "It doesn't go far enough." Now, you can choose from two battery options: a 57.7 kWh pack with 167 horsepower and 277 miles of range, or a 73.1 kWh pack with either 224 horsepower and 356 miles of range, or a 343 horsepower all-wheel-drive version with 323 miles. And that AWD version? It'll do 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Not bad for a glorified toaster on wheels.
They've also doubled the towing capacity to a respectable 3,307 pounds, which means you can finally tow something other than a feather. And they've upgraded the onboard AC charger to 22 kW, but the DC charging speed is still stuck at 150 kW. They're saying a 10-80% charge takes about 30 minutes, but we all know that's in ideal conditions, like on a Tuesday afternoon with a gentle breeze and a unicorn sprinkling fairy dust.
Finally, we have the Lexus RZ. Lexus finally added a steer-by-wire system, which means there's no physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels. It might feel like playing a video game, but the consequences are real. Unfortunately, they've also added a simulated gear shift system. Apparently, the silence of an electric car is too boring. According to Lexus, the refreshed RZ "delivers a sportier, more responsive driving feel," but I suspect it sounds like a kazoo orchestra.
You've got three trim levels: the RZ 350e with 224 horsepower and 357 miles of range, the RZ 500e with 375 horsepower and 310 miles of range, and the RZ 550e F Sport with 402 horsepower and 280 miles of range. The F Sport does 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, which is quick enough to spill your coffee. Seriously though - the RZ is one quick Lexus, only 0.7 seconds slower than the legendary LFA. And as quick as the monstrous IS500. It just looks too much like a Toyota.
Charging speeds are the same as those of Toyota - no surprise here - 150 kW DC, which is adequate. And they've added extra soundproofing because, apparently, Lexus is trying to create a sensory deprivation chamber on wheels.
We still don't have US pricing, but expect these things to cost more than they did the last time around. Are they worth it? That is the big question. If Toyota and Lexus get their prices right, we might get reliable alternatives to the likes of the Model Y, albeit a bit smaller. I asked my neighbor the same question, and his reply was: "If you're tired of filling up at the gas station and you like the idea of driving a giant smartphone, then yeah." With everything that's happening around Tesla, I guess any brand is safer in the short run. Nobody in their right mind will attack you for driving a Lexus, and unfortunately, this is our reality.
