• The RZ is Lexus’ first all-electric vehicle.

• The Montreal Auto Show takes place from January 20th to 29th.

• Lexus is one of the few premium brands that will be present at this event.

Auto shows around the world have been struggling with declining visitor numbers and the withdrawal of several manufacturers for several years.

Closing all Canadian shows for two years has also dealt them a hard blow and the Montreal Auto Show will return this year with a 2/3 reduced area.

Still, Lexus has decided to use this event to unveil its new RZ 450e electric SUV as a Canadian premiere, rather than wait for next month’s Toronto show.

The RZ 450e is based on the same platform as the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, but has more power as its twin-engine powertrain develops 308 hp, while the same configuration in the Toyota and Subaru only develops 215 hp.

Due to the heavier weight, the range of the Lexus is slightly less, as you can only drive 360 ​​kilometers on one charge. The front-wheel drive bZ4X can boast up to 406 kilometers of autonomy.

The RZ also introduces a new technology to Lexus, namely ‘steer-by-wire’, a system that replaces the mechanical connection between the wheels and the steering wheel.

Although the RZ’s steering wheel equipped with this option is similar to the “yoke” found in some Tesla vehicles, this system is very different.

Lexus technology makes it possible to vary the steering wheel angle required to turn the wheels, making parking maneuvers faster without making the vehicle unstable at higher speeds.

Additionally, this technology appears to address the Tesla system’s main shortcoming, as the RZ’s steering wheel makes less than a full rotation from one stop to the next, allowing the driver to keep their hands in the same place as they fly around each turn .

The manufacturer also ensures that this technology has a full set of sensors and redundant engines, which allow the vehicle to be steered in the event of a malfunction of the main elements.

Lexus will also showcase the other models in its range in Montreal, making it one of the rare premium brands to be represented at the show alongside Genesis and Cadillac.

The RZ will be unveiled to Montrealers at the show’s opening on January 20th and should arrive in the brand’s showrooms later this year.