This, Lexus says, is something that has long been celebrated at the luxury brand and it is something that the car-maker believes it is getting even better at delivering. 

For example, Lexus Australia is trialling a vehicle loan program called ‘Lexus Now’ that is exclusive to Australia and touted as a potential step towards a full subscription service. 

Introduced to appease buyers waiting for their new Lexus to arrive – in some cases, with a wait time of more than two years – the Lexus Now program is also a toe-in-the-water exercise to see if owners will use a subscription service and, according to Lexus Australia CEO John Pappas, is likely to pave the way to Lexus launching its own Australian-based subscription service. 

The program – which is a pay-as-you-go charge and is available initially from ‘selected’ dealers – is a “customer-centric” approach to meeting the demands of owners, Mr Pappas told GoAutoNews Premium at the launch last week of its RZ EV SUV. 

“It’s designed to help our customers who are waiting for a new car,” he said in relation to the long waiting list of new-car stock.

“Currently there are selected dealers who partner with us and I expect that list of dealers to grow.” 

He said the vehicle models on offer were based on availability but said the choice would expand as the program developed.

The program differs from another Lexus Australia offering called ‘Lexus On Demand’ that allows customers to swap into another Lexus model four times a year each for a period of up to eight days. 

The ‘On Demand’ program is aimed at people who have changing lifestyle commitments or needs and includes the ability to swap from their current vehicle to, for example, an LX600 luxury seven-seat SUV for country touring with the family, or for a more sporty ride, an RC coupe. 

Mr Pappas said the Lexus Now program is designed for waiting times of about three months but buyers would be moved into the brand’s Encore program for wait times of more than five months. 

The Encore membership is also being used as a test bed for the changing buyer needs and the move by parent Toyota to look more extensively at the mobility industry, particularly where vehicles are offered on a use-basis, rather than a sale. 

Lexus’ programs for buyers are also being enhanced for the two Lexus BEV models – UX 300e and now the RZ – with a host of new benefits enhanced for EV ownership.

Specifically for the EVs, these include complimentary 7kW JetCharge AC wallbox home chargers and installation with three years free charging through the Chargefox public charging network. 

Lexus RZ

There is also a three-year subscription to Lexus’ flagship three-year Encore Platinum program which includes features such as Lexus On Demand, and offers free valet parking at some Westfield locations and Chadstone shopping centre in Melbourne. 

Lexus said that owners don’t need to book ahead and can use the service eight times over the three-year subscription period.

Platinum benefits are in addition to the Encore privileges available to all Lexus customers, such as capped price servicing, which has been extended to five years for RZ owners.

The new EV comes with five years of capped price servicing priced at $395 per service with intervals at 12 months or 15,000km.

The five-year coverage period also extends to Lexus’ ‘service loan car’ program which allows owners to have a complimentary Lexus vehicle during their own vehicle’s service. 

Lexus also offers to pick up and deliver – home or work – the vehicle for its dealership service and promises to return it with a complimentary exterior wash and vacuumed interior.

Owners are also in line for five years of 24/7 roadside assistance – called DriveCare – for breakdown help with fuel, battery or tyre and wheel replacement (the RZ has no spare wheel), mechanical assistance and towing to a Lexus dealer or nominated auto repair centre.

DriveCare also provides assistance for vehicle lock-outs, a courier service for delivery of urgent small parcels or documents, coverage for metropolitan taxi fares up to $150 and for clothing and personal effects up to $250.

Encore members also receive lifestyle benefits such as VIP hotel offers and invitations to exclusive events such as golf days, concerts and track events.

On top of that, the RZ itself has a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty that extends to 10 years for the battery, conditional to the owner meeting the RZ’s scheduled service requirements.

Lexus said that the battery is also backed with a degradation warranty if its capacity falls below 70 per cent during the warranty period.

By Neil Dowling