Lexus used the 2023 Tokyo auto display to unveil an idea previewing its upcoming EV flagship.

Referred to as the Lexus LF-ZL (for “Lexus Long term 0-emission Luxurious”), the idea that is an SUV measuring 208.6 inches lengthy—about 8 inches longer than the present LX SUV and two inches longer than the LS flagship sedan—and in accordance with a devoted EV platform to be shared with different long run Lexus EVs.

External styling that seems to be an evolution of what Lexus father or mother Toyota teased previous this yr is underpinned by means of a construction created from 3 huge “gigacastings.” An engineering manner advocated by means of Tesla, this replaces smaller welded parts with huge solid items, on this case forming the entrance, middle, and rear of the chassis. The purpose is to simplify manufacturing and build up structural tension, in line with Lexus.

Lexus LF-ZL thought

The LF-ZL additionally options prismatic battery cells that shall be utilized in long run Lexus manufacturing EVs. The cells be offering upper power density than present cells, in addition to bodily dimensions that permit for thinner battery packs, Lexus claims. This offers designers larger freedom, can doubtlessly support aerodynamics by means of taking into account sleeker shapes, and lowers the middle of gravity for advanced dealing with, in line with the automaker.

Toyota in September introduced the rollout of recent battery tech beginning in 2026, consistent with the deliberate release of a lineup of next-generation EVs that are supposed to come with a manufacturing model of the LF-ZL. The timeline begins with liquid-electrolyte chemistries, with solid-state batteries to be offered beginning in 2027 or 2028.

The LF-ZL additionally options Toyota’s next-generation working machine, dubbed Arene. It may possibly pull information from onboard sensors and the encompassing atmosphere, permitting the automobile to, as an example, generate instructions based on queries about attractions. Press fabrics additionally point out “usage of huge information” to regulate the charging procedure, hinting at some type of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) connectivity.

Lexus LF-ZL thought

Additionally unveiled on the Tokyo display was once the Lexus LF-ZC thought, a graceful hatch that Lexus stated will input manufacturing in 2026, and carrying the steer-by-wire machine the automaker has been running to highest. Lexus did not talk about a selected timeline for the release of the LF-ZL, then again.

The following-generation EVs previewed by means of those two ideas appear to be a large step ahead from the RZ crossover, the one Lexus EV these days offered within the U.S. in accordance with the Toyota BZ4X, the RZ best achieves 220 miles of EPA vary, with some variations providing even much less. Lexus additionally sells an all-electric model of the smaller UX crossover in some markets outdoor the U.S.

Lexus plans to impulsively extend its EV portfolio, regardless that. The automaker has set a purpose of marketing best zero-emission automobiles—together with each battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell fashions—within the U.S., China, and Europe by means of 2030, and the remainder of the arena by means of 2035. The brand new EVs heralded by means of the LF-ZL thought will play a large function achieve that purpose.