Thinking about leasing a premium plus , thoughts

Ybotc · March 24

Hello all

thinking about leasing a RZ450e premium + though a salary sacrifice scheme, never thought about a Lexus , but it’s comparatively cheap for some reason (cheaper to lease this than a vw ID3 !)

Had a test drive over the weekend (dealership were terrible which was a surprise), quite liked the car, felt fast enough and had a nice premium feel to it , the only thing putting me off is reviews tend to be pretty negative, but I think this is mainly due to range.

if you have one do you like it or regret purchasing ?

Most of the time range won’t be an issue as I only do about 100 - 150 miles a week, however every few months I might do a 200 mile trip, what’s the range actually like ? Is it like a petrol where you get better efficiency on a motorway ?

any views appreciated

Thanks

Toby

ColinBarber · March 24

15 minutes ago, Ybotc said:

Is it like a petrol where you get better efficiency on a motorway ?

No, EVs are the opposite - they are efficient at low speed but are worse at high speed due to wind resistance.

wivenhoe · March 25

As you’re leasing then the residual won’t be of any concern - if your primarily doing only 150 miles a week then range isn’t a concern. Will you have a home charger - if so, then the RZ will be a great car providing the lease payments are competitive.
The recent software update (which a new car will have) have improved the range drop in using the ac / heating so a lot of the early reviews and particularly the What Car review are not as relevant.
As a buyer rather than a leaser’ I very much regret getting an EV when I did - I wouldn’t if getting one now !

If you keep to about 60 - 65 on a motorway you may squeeze 200 miles without a charging stop. Charging is fairly rapid, actual world on a 150kw charger really is less than 30 minutes from 20% to 80%. You’ll read a lot about cars having say 250kw charge capacity but the overall average over a charge is always far below that so the actual time saved is say maybe 10 mins.

For your mileage I would say if you want to go full EV (no doubt tax will be a major consideration on a company car) then the RZ would be a good car.

Ybotc · March 25

Thanks really helpful, the salary sacrifice deal is pretty good, comes with charger, insurance, maintenance , 4000 free miles and will cost me about £500 a month, Lexus must be giving massive discounts as this is cheaper than an ID3 through the scheme.

feel a bit in two minds about an EV wouldnt buy one but happy to lease.

however I have specced with a towbar and Lexus appear to be saying that can’t get one with a towbar any more !!!

F.A. · March 25

I’m guessing the massive discounts are because Lexus just can’t shift them. The media have not been kind to the RZ. I’m a Lexus fan and don’t normally listen to these type of reviews, but looking at the feed back on here and trying one for a day recently, I’m afraid it’s just not a competitive proposition, compared to the competition. However if they are cheaper than an ID3 on a lease, then I think it’s a good car at that price point.

We have left the brand for our EV and have gone down the Genesis GV70 route. In my opinion, as a like for like comparison with the RZ450e, there is no completion and it beats the RZ in most areas (apart from the sound system), especially on the EV side of things. Its charging curve is extremely good and for us, 10 minutes is a long time extra to be waiting. I don’t think that Genesis have sold many GV70s, which is a shame (but a bonus for us as it’s super rare ), I guess people don’t have confidence in the brand, so there may be deals on a lease too. We have a tow bar fitted to ours as well.

Parthiban · April 29

Been a member here for ages but not been on in a while (although I still have my IS200!) - similar to the OP I'm thinking of leasing one of these as I'm looking for a cost effective daily and the lease deals on these seem great at the moment!

Borrowed one for a few hours on Saturday and the car was actually very nice - I'm aware the range isn't great and it seems charging speeds are also a bit questionable but I don't do many long journeys and will charge at home so these aren't the biggest issue for me. The car itself is a lovely place to be which was great (compared to a Merc EQC and Tesla Model Y which I also tried).

Does anyone know if these are affected by the Canbus thefts? The dealer said the new cars are not, and can't find any references online, however the car I tested (which was the dealer principal's own car) had a steering lock in the rear and had been set up so the car didn't start unless you held the key up to the start button (which didn't fill me with confidence!)

On 3/25/2024 at 6:00 PM, F.A. said:

We have left the brand for our EV and have gone down the Genesis GV70 route. In my opinion, as a like for like comparison with the RZ450e, there is no completion and it beats the RZ in most areas (apart from the sound system), especially on the EV side of things. Its charging curve is extremely good and for us, 10 minutes is a long time extra to be waiting. I don’t think that Genesis have sold many GV70s, which is a shame (but a bonus for us as it’s super rare ), I guess people don’t have confidence in the brand, so there may be deals on a lease too. We have a tow bar fitted to ours as well.

Interestingly I have been considering a GV70, the lease prices are a bit higher but not enough to make a huge difference - how have you found it? They've been a bit of a nightmare to arrange a test drive with which doesn't bode well for customer service but sitting in one at Westfield over the weekend it has an incredible interior that really feels quite special, something rare in modern cars.

How have you found it overall?

F.A. · April 29

3 hours ago, Parthiban said:

Been a member here for ages but not been on in a while (although I still have my IS200!) - similar to the OP I'm thinking of leasing one of these as I'm looking for a cost effective daily and the lease deals on these seem great at the moment!

Borrowed one for a few hours on Saturday and the car was actually very nice - I'm aware the range isn't great and it seems charging speeds are also a bit questionable but I don't do many long journeys and will charge at home so these aren't the biggest issue for me. The car itself is a lovely place to be which was great (compared to a Merc EQC and Tesla Model Y which I also tried).

Does anyone know if these are affected by the Canbus thefts? The dealer said the new cars are not, and can't find any references online, however the car I tested (which was the dealer principal's own car) had a steering lock in the rear and had been set up so the car didn't start unless you held the key up to the start button (which didn't fill me with confidence!)

Interestingly I have been considering a GV70, the lease prices are a bit higher but not enough to make a huge difference - how have you found it? They've been a bit of a nightmare to arrange a test drive with which doesn't bode well for customer service but sitting in one at Westfield over the weekend it has an incredible interior that really feels quite special, something rare in modern cars.

How have you found it overall?

Hi Parthiban, I remember you and your IS200 from back in the day!

The car has been fantastic.
I can’t fault the EV side of things. It’s almost like it’s a generation ahead of the RZ450e. We get 200 miles comfortably on the motorway and around 220-230 miles around town in the current coldish temperatures, just driving like a normal car and not hanging around. We also don’t turn the HVAC off either. We rarely charge away from home or the business but when we do, it charges before we are ready to leave the services.
It’s beautifully built inside and out, and in my opinion better finished than the RZ. It genuinely feels special and is super rare, which sparks up loads of conversations when out and about.
There is a BUT, and that’s the customer service as you have realised, which is rubbish. It was fantastic when you had a Genesis PA but it sounds like they all have been sacked at the start of the year, now that Genesis are restructuring and being merged with Hyundai. Such a shame really as it genuinely is a fantastic car. Simply ordering a windscreen wiper takes 1 week ( although now that I have a part number , I can get one online). Our rear bumper got cracked in a minor knock from another car and it’s been a nightmare sourcing a part. Would I buy another, yes because the car is that good and Lexus don’t currently offer anything which would replace it and I’m not one to follow the masses, but just be prepared to be patient with the customer service.

Parthiban · April 29

Hi there, nice to see there are a few old faces still about!

That's interesting re: perspective as an EV - that's what reviews have suggested too so useful that they tie up, and that range sounds a lot better. Was definitely alarmed jumping in the Lexus with three quarter Battery showing 115 miles range remaining which didn't seem great at all. Really disappointing about customer service, hope that improves!

The main thing I've been struggling with EVs is the harsh ride comfort (particularly the Model Y), does the Genesis ride well?

F.A. · April 29

10 minutes ago, Parthiban said:

Hi there, nice to see there are a few old faces still about!

That's interesting re: perspective as an EV - that's what reviews have suggested too so useful that they tie up, and that range sounds a lot better. Was definitely alarmed jumping in the Lexus with three quarter battery showing 115 miles range remaining which didn't seem great at all. Really disappointing about customer service, hope that improves!

The main thing I've been struggling with EVs is the harsh ride comfort (particularly the Model Y), does the Genesis ride well?

Yes no complaints about the ride . It has adaptive dampers which use a camera to adjust to the road. Works well in general. We have the 20inch wheels too which made little difference to the standard 19s on the car we test drove.

cmilner · May 1

Hi all

Got a RZ450e Premium Plus on order for delivery in September to replace a Tesla Model 3. Got a few observations which might be useful.

If you're new to EVs - unless you're doing a huge mileage (in which case I question whether you should go the electric route) forget range anxiety. It's not once crossed my mind after nearly 3 years of driving the Tesla. Average 200 miles a week mostly local and the biggest plus is never having to go to a petrol station. Plug in each night, wake up in the morning with a fully charged (80%) Battery and drive.

Also had a few long trips in the UK, and driven to the south of France and Amsterdam from Yorkshire and had no issues with charging. Yes you need to allow 20 minutes every so often to charge but you need to plan in coffee/toilet breaks with an ICE vehicle so no time lost really. Big plus is round trip to France on holiday cost under £200 in charging compared to over £800 the previous year!

Maybe range on the Lexus is more of a worry but for 95% of my life, around 200 mile range is not an issue.

Lexus are giving these away. Cost to replace Model 3 with a Model Y would be £735 a month which is £200 more than I'm paying now on business contract hire. RZ Premium Plus with bi-tone is only £580 and list price is about £18,000 more than the Model Y.

Love the Tesla which I never thought I'd say trading from a 740iL BMW but I do have a few worries. Will I miss the tech? Will the range bite me on the ***** for longer trips? Never owned a Lexus so not sure what to expect from them as a brand or the service from the dealership. But taken the leap of faith so we'll see…

F.A. · May 1

33 minutes ago, cmilner said:

Hi all

Got a RZ450e Premium Plus on order for delivery in September to replace a Tesla Model 3. Got a few observations which might be useful.

If you're new to EVs - unless you're doing a huge mileage (in which case I question whether you should go the electric route) forget range anxiety. It's not once crossed my mind after nearly 3 years of driving the Tesla. Average 200 miles a week mostly local and the biggest plus is never having to go to a petrol station. Plug in each night, wake up in the morning with a fully charged (80%) battery and drive.

Also had a few long trips in the UK, and driven to the south of France and Amsterdam from Yorkshire and had no issues with charging. Yes you need to allow 20 minutes every so often to charge but you need to plan in coffee/toilet breaks with an ICE vehicle so no time lost really. Big plus is round trip to France on holiday cost under £200 in charging compared to over £800 the previous year!

Maybe range on the Lexus is more of a worry but for 95% of my life, around 200 mile range is not an issue.

Lexus are giving these away. Cost to replace Model 3 with a Model Y would be £735 a month which is £200 more than I'm paying now on business contract hire. RZ Premium Plus with bi-tone is only £580 and list price is about £18,000 more than the Model Y.

Love the Tesla which I never thought I'd say trading from a 740iL BMW but I do have a few worries. Will I miss the tech? Will the range bite me on the ***** for longer trips? Never owned a Lexus so not sure what to expect from them as a brand or the service from the dealership. But taken the leap of faith so we'll see…

I agree with this, range anxiety with EVs is a none issue for most people’s daily journeys.

I would be worried though during the 5% of the time that you did need to charge during a trip, as the RZ charging speed and curve is poor, especially when compared to the Tesla.

The reason the RZ is so cheap is because they are not selling and Lexus needs to shift the stock. They are just uncompetitive as an EV compared to the rivals. However if you are able to accept its shortfalls then you would have picked yourself up a bargain. However the Rz is a hard sell even to long term Lexus enthusiasts like myself.

Customer service should be extremely good though 👍🏾.

Parthiban · May 1

I wasn't worried about range either as I very rarely do long drives but the videos about the charging curve did bother me if I ever did need to do a long trip with charge stops along the way.

Thanks to your advice F.A. I've done the slightly crazy thing of pulling the trigger on a GV70 having never driven one! The deal was too good and stocks running low so thought I'd just go for it. Looking forward to receiving it in a few weeks and will report back then!

Having done extended test drives in the Model Y and then the RZ the tech might bother you - jumping between them really did feel like completely different generations of vehicle, the tech in the Tesla was so seamless while in the RZ I couldn't even get Android Auto to work (although they said it can be very cable sensitive).

F.A. · May 1

That’s great news Parthiban, customer service aside, I don’t think you will be disappointed. It’s no sports car but drives well for an SUV and leaves our GS F off the line when the boost button is pressed, which never gets old, much to my wife’s dismay 🤦🏽‍♂️😂.

Parthiban · May 1

It is ridiculously quick for what it is and being electric I bet it feels even faster than the numbers suggest. Managed to grab one with a decent spec too, has the innovation, comfort and convenience packs (would have liked the upgraded audio but sadly wasn't available) so should be a decent package. Thanks again for your help!

Yorkshire Lexus · May 29

Hi my Electric 300 UX goes back soon , I pay £415 per month over 36 months .

8000 miles per annum

Takumi Model, I think I’d like an RZ electric version, any ideas on best contract hire deal / lease deal ??

The Ux has been a decent car tbf, ok the boot is way too small and the Battery keeps packing up , also it burns tyres !!!

Also the ride on my Takumi UxE is sublime, is the ride quality on the RZ just as smooth guys ???

wivenhoe · May 29

Can’t help with best lease deals as unfortunately I bought mine.
The ride is very smooth and the Takumi comes with front and rear performance dampers which seem to help. All RZ’s have Direct Drive which is alleged to be very advanced.

I don’t know whether it’s the Direct Drive or if the car has rear wheel steer (there are conflicting reports on the web) but I find the turning circle is excellent. I had a RR Velar before which was only a bit bigger but the turning circle on the RZ is significantly less and noticeable in crowded car parks.

I don’t know if the UX has it, but the RZ has a really good size under boot floor storage which takes a lot more than the cable. Which is a good place to store the solar Battery charger for the 12v Battery which seems to run flat if the car isn’t driven for say a fortnights holiday ! I presume it’s the 12v Battery on your NX keeps packing up - a common issue, not only on Lexus / Toyota’s.

I changed the factory fit Dunlops for Michelin Cross Climate 2’s. They have done about 5k and as part of my first service they were checked and the video guy said they were like new - he said they would probably do 20k+. I found them quieter but John on here (he has had many previous Lexus) found the Dunlops to be very quiet.