When equipped with Direct4, Lexus vehicles will have a both a front and rear electric motor, while an electric drive control system continuously adjusts how much power and braking force goes to each of the four wheels.

RZ stands for 'Radiant Z-axis/Zero' and is derived from the word 'Radiant' meaning 'shining and 'Z-axis/Zero' meaning 'Z-axis'.

Pricing begins at $58,500 for the RZ 450e Premium AWD and rises to $64,000 for the RZ 450e Luxury AWD, not including the $1,150 destination fee Lexus charges on all RZs.

No Tax Credit As a Japanese-built EV, the RZ isn't eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit for its U.S. buyers, although, under the revised eligibility rules, those who lease may be able to take advantage if the leasing entity passes on the savings.

Direct4 is an intelligent all-wheel drive system that constantly monitors and controls the amount of drive torque and braking force that is delivered between and across the vehicle's two axles.

All-Wheel Drive The difference between AWD and 4WD is that AWD is typically always on while you can toggle between having 4WD on and off. 4WD is an addition you'll usually find on a truck, while AWD is more for cars and SUVs.

The 2023 RZ 450e is built at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, Japan, and is on sale now in limited quantities.

The Lexus RX is a traditional gas-powered SUV, though it also features an available hybrid powertrain for increased efficiency. Meanwhile, the Lexus RZ goes a step further, being the first-ever fully electric vehicle in the Lexus lineup.

Despite riding on different platforms, the RZ and RX are sized similarly. The RZ is less than three inches shorter than the RX at 189 inches in length. Inside, the RZ provides 37.5 inches of rear legroom which is matched by the RX.

The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e starts at an MSRP of $58,500 (plus a $1,150 destination charge) and is not eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit when purchasing because it's imported (but as in other cases, the incentive might be used to lower the lease payment).

The MSRP of the car must be $25,000 or less. The car must be at least 2 years old. If you bought it in 2023, it must be from model year 2021 or earlier. Used vehicles purchased before 2023 are not eligible.

Under the guidance issued Friday, consumers will need to attest they meet income limits to qualify for the tax credit or they will need to repay the government when filing their taxes. For new vehicles, the adjusted gross income limit is $300,000 for married couples and $150,000 for individuals.

Needed. However you may encounter situations where maximum traction is needed at all four wheels.

The RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 350 F Sport present AWD as an option to the standard FWD, but the hybrids, the 450h and 450hL, are AWD only.

Neither of the two options is specifically “better” than the other; it depends on what you need AWD or 4WD for. AWD and 4WD provide better handling, but you'd want AWD if you ride on rough roads during harsh weather, while 4WD is better for those who have heavy hauls on the job site or spend time off the pavement.

L4 means four-wheel drive and low range. This option is selected when you are driving on extremely muddy surfaces, snow, loose sand and climbing on an inclined surface. The L4 is also used when the vehicle is stuck in the mud and needs to get out.