Lexus Concept Signals Bold Electrification Plans

After years of watching other automakers gain plaudits for their electrification efforts, Lexus takes its own step closer to an electric vehicle future.

Toyota’s luxury division revealed a new concept model today, and with it an attempt at rebranding itself as a more plugged-in company in what it is calling a “once-in-a-century transformation.”

Enter the LF-Z Electrified, a sleek new battery-electric crossover concept that’s full of near-future technologies. The main reason to pay attention, though, is because Lexus says this new EV is “symbolic of Lexus’s brand transformation.”

For starters, the LF-Z is supposed to suggest “new values to be realized through electrification,” and the announcement hints at more changes on the horizon that are bigger than the new and dedicated electrified powertrain in the LF-Z. 

Lexus says the driving performance offered by the LF-Z concept, as well as the relevant styling and technology, are “set to be realized by 2025.”

That’s because the company “plans to introduce 20 new or improved models, including more than 10 electrified models such as (battery-electric vehicles), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (and hybrids)” by that year and will offer electrified variants of all its models by then as well, with the expectation that sales of electrified vehicles will exceed models with gasoline-only powertrains by then.

Lexus also says it “aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the lifecycle of its entire model lineup” by 2050.

Details of these models and corporate plans will be announced later, but it’s easy to imagine Japan, China and Europe getting the bulk of these electrified models, since Lexus says these 20 new or improved models will be offered “in line with the needs of each country and region around the world and based on the concept of offering the right products in the right place at the right time.” 

Lexus will release two new models later this year, but it’s the future vehicles in the company’s electrification strategy that could change the game. Some will be like the sedans and SUVs already in Lexus’ lineup, but more interesting is the automaker’s claim that it “will pursue the possibility of rolling out models such as sports models that continue to provide the fun of driving, a car that redefines the concept of having a chauffeur, and new genres that have never before existed.” 

For now, though, the LF-Z (pictured below) is worth exploring. The designers have presented a flowing, aerodynamic CUV body style while allowing sharp, angular lines to define the high points. A thin red vertical line made up of the rear combination lamp splits the view of the back end in half, running from the bumper to a futuristic sharkfin antenna on top. The word “Electrified” dominates the rear of the vehicle, maybe twice as large as the Lexus name. 

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Like the LF-30 Electrified Concept, which the company unveiled in late 2019, the LF-Z explores what a Lexus can be when given an all-new, all-electric powertrain with the battery placed longitudinally under the vehicle floor.

The LF-Z offers high-output electric motors on each axle instead of the in-wheel motors on the LF-30. Lexus is calling the motor set-up on the LF-Z “Direct4,” and it’s the same kind of two-axle positioning seen on EVs from other automakers, where each axle can be spun as needed to dynamically switch between front, rear and all-wheel drive. Lexus says the two motors and steer-by-wire technology will offer “unparalleled stability while accelerating and cornering.”

It’s too early to be talking about specifics for a production car based on the LF-Z, but Lexus says the range will be an “impressive” distance, and acceleration will be “astonishing.”

Lexus also is electrifying the driver with the LF-Z concept, in the figurative sense. The LF-Z is the first Lexus to use augmented reality and artificial intelligence “to connect the driver and vehicle like never before,” the company says. The augmented reality tech includes a head-up display, gauges, touch display and other functions that have been grouped into a single module.

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By concentrating these driving functions around the steering wheel, Lexus says the LF-Z concept “suggests the direction of next-generation Lexus interior styling, with expanded forward visibility and the driver being naturally invited to look forward.”

LEDs spread throughout the Tazuna cockpit and cabin allow for “any mood” ambient lighting, and Lexus says the AI will respond to touch or voice commands, acting like an invisible assistant to adjust preferences, navigate a driving route or make restaurant reservations, for example. An electrochromic, panoramic roof made of light-controlling glass can be switched from opaque to transparent.

Today’s announcement involves more than just a concept car and a future mission. There’s also some news about Lexus’ plans to turn all these lofty ideas into reality. Lexus will build a new business and technical complex at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, with an opening planned for March 2024.

Shimoyama Lexus will become a place for Lexus to work with its outside partners to design, develop and test future vehicles while also keeping the local environment in mind through regeneration and conservation of area forests and rice fields.

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