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 TZ gets a more upright and angular design compared to the smaller RZ, while retaining Lexus’ spindle-body styling theme. Up front, it gets a closed-off grille area featuring an illuminated Lexus logo with C-shaped headlamps and L-shaped DRLs. The SUV features flush-fitting door handles and smooth body surfacing to improve aerodynamic efficiency. Lexus claims a drag coefficient of 0.27.
In profile, the TZ gets a 3,050 mm long wheelbase and a gently tapering roofline, although the overall stance remains SUV-like. The rear features a full-width light bar with illuminated Lexus lettering and pronounced haunches. The SUV rides on 20-inch or 22-inch aero-optimised wheels depending on variant.
Lexus will offer the TZ in 11 exterior colours, including a new 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
Inside, the TZ gets a three-row cabin layout with a large panoramic sunroof and a head-up display. The dashboard features a layered design with a wide touchscreen infotainment display, digital driver display and a centre console housing the gear selector and twin cupholders.
The SUV is available with second-row captain seats that get ottoman extensions along with ventilation and heating functions. 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 as 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 76.9kWh 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 the battery can be charged from 10-80 percent in around 35 minutes under ideal conditions. The SUV will support different charging standards depending on the market, including CCS, CHAdeMO and NACS. Vehicle-to-home and external power supply functions will also be offered in select markets.