Lexus has debuted its RZ 450e electric SUV, springboarding the brand’s push into fully electric cars with its first bespoke EV.

The RZ 450e is the first Lexus electric vehicle to be developed from the ground up and launches from the end of 2022

Built on the e-TNGA platform also being used for Toyota’s bZ4X SUV and the Subaru Solterra, it’s the first Lexus electric vehicle to be developed from the ground up and launches from the end of 2022.

It will be available in ‘Direct4’ all-wheel drive only and uses a 313hp powertrain, combining a 204hp motor on the front axle and 109hp on the rear, giving a combined 435Nm of torque along with a 100mph top speed (160km/h) and a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds in Europe.

It’s powered by a 71.4kWh battery, expected to have a range of over 250 miles (400km) and to retain more than 90% of its capacity within the first 10 years. Charging times will be announced at a later date.

Its zero-emission performance will support Lexus in its plans to become a 100% BEV brand in Western and Central Europe by 2030.

But alongside its zero-emission credentials, the RZ 450e has been designed by Lexus to “deliver the benefits of a BEV with the essential refinement and driving experience that are unique to its brand”.

This includes optional steer-by-wire technology and a new One Motion Grip yoke to replace the steering wheel.

It’s also the first production model to feature Lexus’s new Direct4 system all-wheel drive control, which constantly balances the traction of all four wheels. It uses data from ECU sensors to evaluate factors such as vehicle speed, steering angle and G forces and adjust the front/rear torque bias accordingly.

Exterior design reinterprets the signature Lexus spindle grille and expands it out across the body, heightened by an optional new bi-tone design for the bodywork. Wheels – 18-inch on standard models or 20 for high grades – are pushed right out to the corners of the car, while there’s a split rear roof spoiler and a new dimmable panoramic roof with a special coating to reduce heat radiation.

The latter is one of two new Lexus firsts, alongside a radiant heating system for the driver and front passenger, which is provided in addition to seat heaters and a heated steering wheel and helps speed up warming for the driver and front passenger.

The RZ is also equipped with the all-new Lexus Link multimedia platform, accessed via a 14-inch display and with faster, more intuitive operation and increased functions.

The system, which debuted in the new Lexus NX, includes “always on” cloud-based navigation, benefiting from up-to-the moment information on traffic events, accidents, and road conditions. The voice recognition function understands and responds to conversational requests and is able to detect commands when there is background noise. There is also a new “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant, and smartphone integration is enabled via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Over-the-air updates enable functions to be enhanced or activated.

The RZ also gets the latest active safety and driver assistance systems from the third generation of Lexus Safety System + with upgraded and additional functions and increased scope for accident risk detection. New technologies include Proactive Driving Assist with steering assist and a new monitor to check driver behaviour for signs of fatigue or distraction.

The RZ also comes with Lexus’ e-Latch electronic door release system which operates on a one-touch basis and is linked to the car’s Blind Spot Monitor to provide Safe Exit Assist, which automatically cancels the door opening if vehicles or cyclists are detected approaching from the rear.

A digital rear-view mirror is also available, giving the driver a clearer view with no obstruction from headrests or luggage, and improved vision at night and in poor weather conditions.