Lexus has revealed the all-new TZ, its first three-row battery-electric SUV globally. The new luxury EV has been developed around what Lexus calls a “Driving Lounge” concept, with a focus on passenger comfort, cabin space and refinement. The TZ will sit above the RZ in Lexus’s EV line-up and is expected to serve as the luxury counterpart to the electric Toyota Highlander revealed for the US market.
Underpinned by a dedicated EV platform, the TZ will be available with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, offering up to 530km WLTP-claimed range with the larger 95.8kWh battery pack.
Offered with 76.96kWh and 95.8kWh battery packs
Dual-motor AWD version produces 408hp
Gets panoramic sunroof and 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
Lexus TZ exterior design
The Lexus TZ has a more upright and angular design than the smaller RZ but retains the brand’s spindle-body styling theme. Up front is a closed-off grille area featuring an illuminated Lexus logo with C-shaped headlamps and L-shaped daytime running lamps (DRLs). To aid aerodynamic efficiency, the SUV gets flush-fitting door handles and smooth body surfacing. Lexus claims a drag coefficient of 0.27.
The TZ has a 3,050mm-long wheelbase and a gently tapering roofline, but the overall stance remains SUV-like. It rides on 20-inch or 22-inch aero-optimised wheels, depending on variant. At the rear is a full-width light bar with illuminated Lexus lettering and pronounced haunches.
Lexus will offer the TZ in 11 exterior colours, including a new rich khaki green shade called Sonic Tellus. Dual-tone roof finishes will also be available. Cargo capacity ranges from 290 litres with all seats up to 2,017 litres with the second and third rows folded.
Lexus TZ interior and features
The TZ’s cabin gets a three-row layout, a large panoramic sunroof and a head-up display. The dashboard features a layered design with a wide touchscreen infotainment display, a digital driver’s display and a centre console housing the gear selector and twin cup holders.
The second row has heated and ventilated captain seats with ottoman extensions. Other features include a 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera and the Lexus Safety System+ ADAS suite. The SUV also gets touch-sensitive controls that illuminate when the driver’s hand approaches them.
Lexus also highlighted sustainable craftsmanship elements, including ‘Forged Bamboo’ interior surfaces sourced from Japan’s Shikoku Island and bio-based ‘UltraSuede’ materials. The automaker claims the TZ delivers the quietest cabin among Lexus SUVs due to extensive sound insulation and aerodynamic refinements.
Lexus TZ battery, range and performance
The TZ will be offered with two battery pack options: a 76.96kWh unit and a larger 95.8kWh pack. The latter delivers a claimed WLTP range of up to 530km.
Dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants produce up to 408hp and can accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.4 seconds. Lexus says the SUV uses its DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system for torque distribution and improved stability.
On the charging front, the TZ supports up to 22kW AC charging and 150kW DC fast charging. Lexus claims a 10-80 percent recharge can be achieved in around 35 minutes under ideal conditions. Depending on the market, the SUV will support different charging standards, including CCS, CHAdeMO and NACS. Vehicle-to-home and external power supply functions will also be offered in select markets.