A couple of years ago, Lexus unveiled its LF-Z Electrified Concept that showed what a future model would look like. Now, that vehicle concept likely previews an upcoming Lexus “TZ” three-row electric SUV model, which should come in two exciting flavors based on the latest trademarks. That would position it potentially alongside the Japanese automaker’s existing three-row gas SUV, the Lexus TX.
Lexus
Founded in 1989, Lexus is a premium automaker created by Toyota as a rival to Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Its first model, the Lexus LS, became renowned as a true S-Class rival at a fraction of the cost and is known as one of the most reliable cars in the world. Subsequent models from the brand have achieved equal fame, including the IS, RX, and LX. With global sales of 824,258 cars in 2023, Lexus has become a prime example of how a start-up can enter the premium space and succeed, something few rivals have managed since.
- Founded
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1989
- Headquarters
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Nagoya, Japan
- Owned By
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Toyota Motor Corporation
- Current CEO
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Takashi Watanabe (President)
Trademarks (from 2023) give us a hint at the name, and it could start with two initial trims at launch based on this info: Lexus has reportedly filed TZ450e and TZ550e trademarks, which likely denote two different power output levels for two trim models. In addition, a render from Theottle embedded further down in the article shows what we might expect from such a creation.
What We Can Expect From A Lexus eSUV
When the BEV SUV concept debuted back in 2021, it was said to preview a vehicle that would be based on the e-TNGA platform from parent company Toyota, which is dedicated to BEVs. It’s likely at least some versions will be equipped with the latest version of the Lexus Direct-4 all-wheel drive setup thanks to electric motors equipped at both axles, powered by a large battery pack.
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The Lexus RZ Is Finally Fulfilling Its Premium Promise
Lots more power, better looks, greater range, and features borrowed from Tesla and Hyundai make the 2026 RZ a seriously compelling option.
For comparison, a front-wheel-drive Lexus RZ EV is labeled 300e and gets 266 miles to a charge, where the RZ 450e is more powerful and gets a second e-motor for all-wheel drive, and just 196 miles of range. Given the new TZ’s starting at 450e, we wager both trims with get Direct-4 all-wheel drive systems, and hopefully aim for more than 200 miles of range at least.
The New SUV Could Well Arrive This Year
There are no further confirmed or rumored details just yet, as the automaker is keeping this one close to the chest so far, if it ever sees the light of day. But it seems likely, and it could be one of two expected new EVs from the brand this year.
Lexus (and Toyota) previously teased that different types of future batteries, like solid-state tech, could be employed in the e-TNGA architecture if it becomes ready. We’ll see when that is, given the current state of the research. Many companies have promised solid-state tech in main production by the end of this decade.
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Lexus LF-ZC Revealed As Production-Bound Luxury EV Concept
With a provocative exterior and bamboo interior.
It’s likely a Lexus TZ EV comes with at least the 77 kWh of the RZ, if not larger, and will certainly have to offer something closer to 100 kWh if it would like to properly compete with something like the Kia EV9, pictured below.
H/T: CarScoops
#Kia #EV9s #Rival #Lexus #Identical #Concept
