Lexus today presents the world premiere of the all-new TZ, a six-seat, fully electric premium SUV “that explores new horizons in traveling comfort and pleasure”. The Lexus TZ is revealed today ahead of its market launch in Europe in 2027.
“The TZ is designed around the concept of the Driving Lounge, a seamless blending of a relaxing cabin with dynamic performance that delivers an elevated traveling experience for everyone, passengers and driver alike,” Lexus promises.
Driving Lounge
The Driving Lounge concept creates a space and ambiance that promote relaxation, enjoyment, and conversation, enhanced by a wide-opening panoramic roof that extends above all three rows of seats. “The sense of openness and the peaceful, comfortable atmosphere reflect the Zen-like tranquillity found in traditional Japanese homes and architecture.”
Chief Engineer Takeshi Miyaura explains: “We envisioned the Lexus target brand value – customers who value time and choose authenticity – and aimed to deliver a new Lexus experience. Electrification, in the form of a battery-electric vehicle, emerged as the means to realize these values because it offers an ideal blend of driving enjoyment and evolution. In addition to the Lexus experience of ‘seeing, riding and driving,’ we now offer the new value of ‘spending time’ inside the vehicle.”
The long wheelbase, suspension design, and placement of the battery entirely beneath the floor ensure there is space for six seats arranged in three rows. The second row features individual captain’s chairs while the third row offers ample head and leg room.
The absence of a fuel tank allows the rearmost seats to be set lower, so that even taller adults can sit and travel in comfort. This also makes for easier rear-seat access, along with walk-in switches to forward-fold the second-row seats, tread plates, and assist grips.
Large and distinctive
The TZ measures 5,100 mm overall and has a 3,050 mm wheelbase, ensuring ample space for a comfortable six-seat cabin and accommodation of a large battery.
A shorter front overhang contributes to the TZ’s ease of handling and weight distribution, while a longer rear overhang provides more load space and enhances overall stability. With the third row of seats in place, there is space to carry four 55-liter or two 92-liter cases. The seats fold to create space for stowing, for example, two bicycles or longer items.
As well as trying to be eye-catching, the design is detailed for wind-cheating aerodynamic excellence, helping maximize the vehicle’s range potential. The TZ has a 0.27 drag coefficient, a significant achievement for a square-looking, upright SUV.
The TZ benefits from Lexus’ new Arene software platform, which supports a broader range of LexusConnect multimedia functions and delivers fast, intuitive operation, according to the manufacturer.
The central 14-inch multimedia display is synchronized with the 12.3-inch multi-information display, mirroring the full navigation map in the driver’s combimeter. This makes directions easier to follow, avoiding the need for the driver to adjust their glance to view information, a key element of the human-centered cockpit design.
Owners will be able to access a wide range of new and enhanced information, navigation, security, and convenience functions, delivered through a series of connected services bundles, available on subscription via the LexusLink+ app.
Tech specs
The TZ can be equipped with a Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) system, which allows the rear wheels to turn up to 4 degrees, either in phase with or counter to the front wheels’ angle, depending on the driving situation. At low and medium speeds, this enhances line-tracing, maneuvering, and steering response. At higher speeds, it adds to the car’s stability, inspiring driver confidence. There is a further benefit in a reduced turning radius: 5.4 meters with DRS and 5.8 meters without DRS.
Interactive Manual Drive brings the sensations of a manual transmission to an electric vehicle. First introduced in the RZ 550e F SPORT, this Lexus technology equips the car with a virtual eight-speed transmission that shifts based on the driver’s throttle input and the vehicle’s speed.
The TZ’s handling capabilities are supported by Lexus’ DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system. This automatically distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles, in line with the driving conditions and the selected drive mode.
The electric motors have increased power outputs appropriate for the TZ’s size and performance: 167 kW (227 hp) at the front and rear. Each eAxle produces 268.6 Nm of torque. The TZ uses a lithium-ion battery with an extra-large 95.8 kWh capacity. This will enable an anticipated driving range of up to 530 km. It is equipped with a 22 kW onboard AC charger for at-home charging; a 150 kW DC fast charge from 10 to 80% is expected to take around 35 minutes (CCS-type DC charging).
