24-hour test drive with the Lexus RZ (part two)

Last week we reported on how our busy morning with the Lexus RZ panned out. A congested city drive was taken care of in typically relaxing fashion, while an airport run to collect friends and a trip to the beach put the spotlight on the RZ’s interior space and reassuring active safety systems. Now, with the open road beckoning, it’s time to discover what the rest of the day has in store. 

1:30pm: The rest of the drive down to the coast is uneventful, and the hushed ambience of the RZ’s cabin means that any conversation from the front to back seats is easy. No one needs to shout. The RZ features’ Lexus’ Nanoe X technology that works to maintain air quality, even in polluted environments outside the car, helping us to reach our destination relaxed and refreshed after a long drive.

1:45pm: We arrive at our pre-booked lunch venue. As is so often the way now, the restaurant has a couple of electric charge points in its car park and I hook the RZ up to the fast charger. When connected to a 150kW supply the RZ can replenish its battery completely in just 30 minutes**, but with plenty of charge still available I’m just taking advantage of a quick and convenient top up over lunch - it’s so easy.

3:00pm: It’s time to hit the beach. I use the Lexus Link app on my phone again, this time to keep the interior cool for when we return - we’ve parked in direct sunlight, after all. It’s handy that the panoramic roof*** is dimmable too, shielding the interior from the harshest of the sun’s rays. 

6:45pm: It’s been a long day, particularly for my friends who’ve flown in today, and we all just want to get home. With armfuls of beach towels, drinks, snacks and inflatables, I’m thankful for the RZ’s powered tailgate with kick function - one flash of my foot under the rear bumper and the hatch opens without requiring any use of my hands. Everyone’s phones are running low on battery, but with a wireless charging pad and five USB ports there’s no jostling to see who can charge their device first. All loaded up we’re soon underway, and such is the serene progress and smooth ride of the RZ that my friends are soon dozing peacefully in the back. 

7:15pm: It can be hard after a busy day to stay alert on a long journey home, particularly when you’re the only one awake in the car. We’ve all felt the pressure in that situation at one time or another. Thankfully, the new RZ features Lexus Safety System +, which not only helps detect hazards and warns of them in advance, it can steer, brake and even accelerate the RZ to help the driver avoid any potential collisions. Even just having the support of keeping the RZ central in its lane is a boon when you’re in this situation. I don’t feel like I’m on my own. 

10:15pm: We finally arrive home. What a day! After we’ve unloaded our cases and other paraphernalia from the RZ I finish by plugging it into my wall charger, in the knowledge that come tomorrow morning it’ll have a full battery once again and be ready for another day of motoring. 

The new Lexus RZ has fitted perfectly into my life, offering luxury, versatility and stunning design in equal measure. Now it’s your turn. Contact Lexus at lexus.co.uk to book your 24-hour test drive today, and see what a day with the new Lexus RZ has in store for you.

*Subject to status and availability. T&Cs apply. See Lexus UK website for details.

**Indicative charge time, for comparison purposes. Actual charging times may vary depending on various factors, including the selected vehicle (and battery option, if available), the age, type, condition and temperature of the charging unit and the battery, the starting charge, the power supply to and usage of the charger and the environmental conditions at the point of use. Charge times will be longer in colder weather and if battery temperature activates safeguarding technology. 150kW+ chargers are available in mainland Great Britain primarily on major arterial routes – see Zap Map https://www.zap-map.com/live/ for details. They are not yet available in Northern Ireland and availability is limited in Scotland, Wales and in rural areas.

***Only available on selected grades and packs