TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Lexus LF-30 concept previews EV future

The all-electric Lexus LF-30 concept all but stole the limelight at the 2019 Tokyo motor show today with its radical exterior design, augmented reality interior and confirmation that Lexus is finally ready to enter the EV world.

While the futuristic concept previews an electric vehicle the company expects will materialise in 2030, Lexus confirmed it will launch its first electric vehicle in 2020 - which is understood to be revealed next month and widely expected to be an EV version of one of its current models, potentially the UX 200.

Toyota's premium sister brand also announced that a standalone, unique EV will arrive in Lexus showrooms by 2022, along with the brand's first plug-in hybrid in the "early 2020s".

For now, the Lexus LF-30 concept presents one of the edgiest, boldest designs ever seen from Lexus and its technical highlight is what the company calls posture control.

No, it's not a lumbar pillow that promotes correct spinal positioning, but a clever all-wheel drive system that can apportion power and torque to individual wheels depending on the scenario and requirements.

Powered by a 110kWh Lithium-ion battery, the quad motors can adjust output on the fly to ensure maximum performance, grip and comfort, according to Lexus.

"This technology was inspired by our dedication to deliver crafted [dynamic] experience analogous to predators chasing prey. It creates the ideal posture for the car on any road," explained Takashi Watanabe, the chief executive of the new Lexus Electrified division.

The LF-30 is fitted with four in-wheel electric motors that generate a combined 400kW and 700Nm, affording the car a rapid 3.8 second 0-100km/h dash.

It has a 500km cruising range, based on the WLTP measurement.

The wild concept car' unorthodox styling retaining the brand's angular motif while taking crossover proportions to a new level.

Boasting gullwing doors and an aesthetic that begs the question "What am I?", the concept car is a brave prediction of where Lexus could take exterior design.

"Specifically we took the Lexus spindle design and applied it to the entire body. The spindle connects front and rear," explained Watanabe.

"The LF 30 concept of course leverages the freedom of packaging for electrification. In-wheel motors means a standard hood is not necessary."

The interior of the Lexus LF-30 is just as radical, presenting what Watanabe calls a "linear and sharp form". The cockpit design has been dubbed 'Tazuna', which translates to something like reins.

The idea is that driver and machine have a relationship similar to that of horse and rider. Mazda will be stoked with that analogy.

With high-level autonomous driving capability, complete with a fold-away steering wheel, the Lexus LF-30 concept integrates augmented reality (AR) into the infotainment and vehicle control systems.

"We adopted a next-gen interface with AR-driven display and gesture control interface," said Watanabe, who added that the current Lexus remote touch interface needed reworking.

Another unique feature of the Lexus LF-30 concept is its anti-gravity luggage drone. This compact floating platform uses technology pioneered by the Lexus hoverboard and follows occupants, lugging their belongings diligently behind them.

"This is like the hoverboard that Lexus introduced," explained Watanabe. "It was derived from that technology and using drone and AI tech it provides more convenience for customers."

And if you were wondering about the name, Watanabe says the LF-30 moniker has a couple of meanings. Firstly, the LF stands for Lexus Future, while the 30 represents not only the brand's 30th anniversary but also "indicates we are targeting this vision for the year 2030".

The Lexus LF-30 concept is very much a flight of fantasy at this stage, but it does signal the Japanese luxury car-maker's long overdue commitment to enter the EV and then PHEV markets from next year.

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