Lexus has launched a new entry-level version of its RZ electric SUV, cutting pricing to under £50k and boosting range.

The front-wheel-drive RZ 300e joins the existing AWD RZ 450e

The front-wheel-drive RZ 300e sits alongside the AWD RZ 450e in the line-up and offers the same premium equipment specifications together with an extended driving range of up to 297 miles but is £8k cheaper.

Priced from £49,995, it mirrors the RZ 450e powertrain with a 71.4kWh battery and 204hp motor on the front axle but ditches the 109hp on the rear axle. This increases range from the 273-mile maximum on the RZ 450e.

The RZ 300e offers the same grade structure as its dual-motor sibling: Urban, Premium, Premium Plus and Takumi.

The entry Urban model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, single LED headlights with automatic high beam, smart entry and Intelligent Clearance Sonar with front and rear parking sensors.

The cabin comes complete with dual-zone air con with air quality system, a heated steering wheel and wireless smartphone charger, plus the Lexus Link Pro multimedia system with a 14-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Safety equipment includes blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and safe exit assist with e-latch electronic door release.

The Premium model starts at £52,295 and adds in heated, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with two-way lumbar support on driver’s seat, upholstered in synthetic leather. The powered tailgate has a kick sensor for hands-free operation and there is also rear privacy glass and a panoramic roof. Options include 20-inch wheels and a bi-tone paint finish.

Priced from £54,595, the Premium Plus specification includes a panoramic view monitor, ventilated front seats, front radiant heaters, a memory setting for the driver’s seat and a head-up display. It’s available with the same options as the Premium grade model.

The top-grade Takumi model starts from £59,995 and includes ultrasuede upholstery, 64-colour ambient lighting, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system and a dimmable panoramic roof. External features include 20-inch alloy wheels, single-LED headlights with adaptive high-beam system, LED front fog and cornering lights and gloss black wheel arches. It also gains front and rear performance dampers and a rear performance rod.

Launched late 2022, the RZ is the first Lexus electric vehicle to be developed from the ground up and is built on the e-TNGA platform also used for its Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra siblings.