New Lexus TZ is a luxury SUV based on Toyota Highlander BEV
In February, Toyota unveiled an electric version of its large SUV, the Highlander, for the North American market. The model is set to go on sale later this year. Shortly afterwards, Toyota’s subsidiary Subaru followed suit with the Getaway, a seven-seat battery-electric SUV that shares much of its technology with the Toyota Highlander BEV. The Getaway, which will also be available with three rows of seats like the Highlander BEV, is expected to be priced lower than the Toyota model.Toyota has now introduced another sibling model to the Highlander BEV: the Lexus TZ. Given the luxury positioning of the Lexus brand, this model is expected to be significantly more expensive than the original. However, prices for all three models have yet to be announced. Direct competitors for this model family are likely to include the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Volvo EX90.As for the Lexus TZ itself: the manufacturer describes it as a ‘six-seat, fully electric premium SUV that explores new horizons in travelling comfort and pleasure.’ The vehicle embodies Lexus’s new brand vision, Discover, and its commitment to ‘Imitate No One.’Lexus has conceived the TZ as a ‘Driving Lounge,’ aiming to provide an elevated travel experience with dynamic performance for both passengers and the driver.5.10 metres long and nearly 96 kWhThe electric SUV measures 5.10 metres in length, 1.99 metres in width and 1.705 metres in height. It has a wheelbase of 3.05 metres, providing enough space for a six-seat cabin and a large battery pack. Lexus offers the battery-electric SUV with either a 77 kWh or 95.8 kWh battery.
Image: Lexus
Image: Lexus
Image: Lexus
Image: Lexus
Image: Lexus
Image: Lexus
Image: Lexus
Image: Lexus
Image: Lexus
Image: Lexus
Image: LexusDepending on the configuration, the Lexus TZ is expected to offer a range of between 450 and 540 kilometres, although homologation has not yet been completed. However, the DC fast-charging performance is comparatively modest at 150 kW. Lexus states that charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 30 minutes, but has not yet differentiated between the two battery variants.All-wheel drive with 300 kW system powerWhile the two battery options are identical to those offered in the Toyota Highlander BEV, the drivetrain line-up differs. The Toyota is available either with front-wheel drive and 162 kW of system output or with all-wheel drive delivering 249 kW. The Lexus TZ, by contrast, will only be offered with all-wheel drive, available in two output levels of 230 kW and 300 kW. The lower-powered version accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 6.4 seconds, while the more powerful variant completes the sprint in 5.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 180 kph in both versions.On the interior, Lexus has gone the extra mile compared to its Toyota counterpart. The aforementioned Driving Lounge is designed to offer the highest levels of comfort, tranquillity, and luxury, drawing on Lexus’s Omotenashi hospitality principles and Takumi craftsmanship. The six seats are arranged in three rows, with individual seats in the second row and generous head and legroom in the third. The absence of a fuel tank allows the rearmost seats to be positioned lower, ensuring comfortable travel even for taller adults. This also facilitates easier access to the rear, complemented by switches to fold the outer seats of the second row, entry ledges, and grab handles.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 – a battery electric vehicle – emerged as the method for realising 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.”Bamboo trim elementsThe door panels feature new bamboo trim elements from Lexus, produced using a film process developed by the brand. In daylight, they resemble natural bamboo, but their appearance transforms into illuminated colour patterns when synchronised with the vehicle’s ambient lighting system.The cockpit features an open driver display – an asymmetrical 12.3-inch combined instrument cluster – and a low, slim, horizontally aligned dashboard. The central 14-inch multimedia display is synchronised with the 12.3-inch multi-information display, mirroring the full navigation map in the driver’s instrument cluster.global.toyota, lexus.eu (Europe), lexus.com (USA)
