New Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept 30 | 03 | 2021

    IF YOU FANCY a ‘new-age’ all-electric Lexus in the next year or so, there’s every possibility it could look like this: the dramatic Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept. The Japanese carmaker says the concept, which has a range of 373-miles, marks “the start of an era of brand evolution for Lexus”. (Related: Review — Lexus LC 500 Cabriolet)

    Over the next five years, Lexus plans to launch 20 all-new or redesigned models; that number includes 10 pure-electric, plug-in hybrid and regular hybrid vehicles. The first of the new Lexus cars will arrive before the end of 2021.

    A four-seat SUV crossover, which includes a cab-rearward design — unusual for an EV — Lexus says the LF-Z sits on a bespoke electric platform. That’s likely to be the e-TNGA, the EV-specific underpinnings on which Toyota will base its soon-to-be-launched BZ series of models.

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    Fitted with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive technology, the concept stands 1600mm tall and 4880mm long; that makes it just 10mm shorter than Lexus’s current European flagship SUV, the RX. It’s also 1960mm wide. Strikingly though, the roofline of the concept is a full 80mm lower. Importantly, the wheelbase of the all-electric  LF-Z is 160mm longer. (Related: Lexus UX hybrid SUV updated)

    The concept also has a completely different front-end styling to current Lexus models. Because, obviously, there’s no need for the intake to cool an internal combustion engine, Lexus designers have given us a clue as to how they will evolve its complex ‘spindle grille’ for its EV range.

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    Worth highlighting that Lexus has strongly hinted that the slim rear lights and new brand logo will become a hallmark of its future EVs. They will, apparently, be characterised by a “simple and captivating shape rooted in strong proportions and a distinctive appearance”.

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    Inside the cabin,— which Lexus refers to as a ‘cockpit — it’s very much a driver-focused layout with a mixture of switches on the steering wheel and a head-up display. In the rear, the concept has been fitted with two bucket seats. Oh! And there’s also a dimmable panoramic roof, which Lexus says will create a “feeling of openness”. (Related: Lexus reveals revised LC range)

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    Power from the all electric set-up is sent to all four wheels, meaning the  536bhp and 700Nm of torque can shift the LF-Z Electrified from standstill to 62mph in 3.0 seconds. Top speed is 124mph.

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    The steering, uniquely, uses a by-wire system, which eliminates the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the drive wheels. Lexus says the battery is a 90kWh lithium-ion unit, and will be capable of 373 miles between charges. Maximum recharging speed is 150kW. (Related: Toyota GR Yaris starts at £29,995)

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    “Starting with two new models to be released this year,” Koji Sato,  Lexus President, said, “we will continue to develop innovative products that will add colour to the diversifying lifestyles of our customers.”

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    Related: New Toyota GR Supra unveiled

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    Jim McGill

     

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