Lexus LF-Z concept gives glimpse of brand's EV future

Lexus has pulled the drapes off an all-new pure-electric SUV concept that will influence all of its future EVs.

Revealed overnight, the striking Lexus LF-Z Electrified is a four-seat SUV with a dramatic cab-rearward design more commonly associated with large combustion-engined sports cars.

Set to sit on Toyota's all-new eTNGA platform it has created for battery-powered vehicles, the 2021 Lexus LF-Z Electrified measures in at 4880mm long and stands 1600mm tall.

That makes the LF-Z just 10mm shorter and 80mm lower than the current Lexus RX, suggesting the new model could one day replace the brand's current large luxury SUV.

Taking full advantage of the EV architecture, the designers have pushed all four wheels out to each corner to create a wheelbase that's 160mm longer than the RX, boosting cabin space.

Up front, the Lexus EV reveals how the brand will reinterpret its intricate 'spindle grille' without any need for an air intake or large amount of cooling.

The ultra-slim tail-lights, new brand logo and "simple and captivating shape rooted in strong proportions and a distinctive appearance" have all been confirmed to reappear on future Lexus EVs.

Inside, the LF-Z features a traditional cabin layout focused around the driver, rather than a more futuristic autonomous lounge arrangement.

In the rear there's two sporty bucket seats while, overall, there's a light and airy feel, thanks to its pillar-less doors and dimmable panoramic roof.

There's an augmented head-up display and a yoke-style steering wheel that incorporates a mixture of switches, plus a conventional digital instrument cluster.

A new AI infotainment system is said to provide an on-board concierge and has the ability to learn the driver's preferences and characteristics.

The powertrain, meanwhile, uses a rear-mounted electric motor that produces a healthy 400kW and 700Nm of torque.

Thanks to Lexus' DIRECT4 variable all-wheel drive system, the LF-Z can maximise traction and sprint to 100km/h from rest in 3.0 seconds, with the zero-emissions SUV topping out at 200km/h.

New technology making its debut in the electric Lexus SUV is a new steer-by-wire system that has no mechanical connection with the front wheels and is claimed to boost precision and reduce road rumble through the rim.

Beneath the floor there's a 90kWh lithium-ion battery that's capable of being charged at up to 150kW. Once topped up, the LF-Z can cover a WLTP-certified 600km between recharges.

Lexus has already announced that it will launch 20 new or updated models by 2025, of which 10 will be hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric.

It's thought the latest concept previews the upcoming all-new 2022 Lexus RZ 450e, following the name's trademarking for the Australian market.

No timings have been confirmed, but since the current fourth-gen Lexus RX was launched back in 2015 its replacement is due to arrive in 2022.