Electric Lexus RZ SUV previewed

Lexus has released fresh teaser images of the rakish all-new pure-electric SUV called the Lexus RZ it will unwrap in 2022.

Unveiled as part of Toyota and Lexus' annual Kenshiki forum, the 2022 Lexus RZ will be the first Lexus to be based on Toyota's dedicated e-TNGA architecture.

Created to be a premium rival for other battery-powered SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQC, engineers claim that its first bespoke EV will take "the driving experience to the next level".

The same e-TNGA platform is already being used for both the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, and it's thought the new Lexus was developed alongside both, hence the similar silhouette.

Set to differ from both of the more mainstream SUVs, the RZ will get dramatic styling inspired by the Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept including the brand's latest interpretation of an enclosed spindle grille.

The RZ will also sport a pair of ultra-slim headlights, although it looks like the Audi Q4 e-tron rival will miss out on the trend of pop-up door handles.

Beneath the skin, it's highly unlikely the RZ will carry over the show car's rear-mounted electric motor that produces a healthy 400kW and 700Nm of torque, so sadly it won't be capable of getting anywhere near the concept's 3.0-second 0-100km/h time.

Instead, expect single-motor versions to produce around 150kW and dual-motor versions north of 300kW.

What will transfer from concept to production reality is the LF-Z's DIRECT4 variable all-wheel drive system that maximises traction and reduces understeer thanks to torque vectoring.

Beneath the floor it's expected range-topping RZ models will get a 90kWh lithium-ion battery that could provide a WLTP-certified range of up to 600km.

Lexus is expected to continue to tease the RZ until its premiere in 2022, with a market launch expected before the end of next year.