21
December
2022
|
10:00
Europe/Amsterdam

WHY THE LEXUS RZ’s UNCONVENTIONAL HEATING MAKES OCCUPANTS SMILE RADIANTLY

RZP5016
  • RZ’s front cabin adopts an alternative to conventional convection heating
  • Radiant heat warms people more quickly and reduces energy consumption

Life on board the Lexus RZ is enhanced by thoughtful design details, some technically innovative, which improve comfort and convenience. Radiant Heating is a good example of this. The first Lexus Battery Electric Vehicle on a dedicated EV platform is also the first Lexus to use this heating method.

Unlike traditional convection heating, which warms the air, two panels in the RZ’s front cabin utilize infrared radiation to heat only the solid objects in their line of sight. This warms the driver and front passenger more quickly than conventional climate control systems. It also consumes about 8% less energy by delivering heat only where required, reducing the load on the air conditioning system and helping to safeguard the vehicle’s range.

This heart-warming innovation is also a good example of how Lexus’ designers are mindful of omotenashi, the Japanese spirit of hospitality. Hospitableness in this instance means providing the RZ’s front seat occupants with a comforting sensation, on cold days, similar to having a warm blanket placed around their legs. This is achieved by hiding the two radiant heaters at knee-level, behind the lower instrument and steering column panels. If driver or passenger should physically contact the panel, its temperature automatically reduces to 43° C to prevent discomfort.  

The RZ’s Radiant Heating supplements the standard cabin heating (which can be used more modestly when radiant heat is generated) and is in addition to the seat heaters and heated steering wheel. It is integrated into Lexus Climate Concierge, the multi-zone climate control system which automatically adjusts the cabin, seat, and steering wheel heating and cooling systems to ensure optimal thermal comfort for all of the car’s occupants at all times.

Radiant Heating is available as an option on the Executive grade RZ and standard on the Luxury grade.