THE Lexus LF-Z Electrified is a rolling manifesto about what to expect from the brand in the future. And as its name indicates, it's a future that will be (also) increasingly electric, so it's no wonder that this concept car is also.
Lexus is no stranger to automobile electrification, having been one of the pioneers with the introduction of hybrid technology. Since its first hybrid was released, the RX 400h, it has sold approximately two million electrified vehicles. The objective is now not only to maintain the bet on hybrid technology, but also to reinforce it with plug-in hybrids and make a decisive bet on 100% electric.
By 2025, Lexus will launch 20 models, new and renewed, with more than half being 100% electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid. And many of the technologies included in LF-Z Electrified will appear in these models.
specific platform
The LF-Z Electrified is based on an unprecedented platform designed for electric vehicles, differing from the UX 300e, its (at the moment) only 100% electric model on sale, which is the result of an adaptation of a platform designed for vehicles with combustion engines.
It is the use of this dedicated platform that helps to justify the proportions of this electric crossover with a silhouette reminiscent of a coupé, with short spans, further evidenced by the large wheels.
It is not a small vehicle. The length, width and height are respectively 4.88 m, 1.96 m and 1.60 m, while the wheelbase is a very generous 2.95 m. In other words, if the Lexus LF-Z Electrified also and more directly anticipates a future production model, it will be positioned well above the UX 300e.
The LF-Z Electrified aesthetic evolves from what we currently see in the brand, maintaining an expressive sculpture. Highlights include the reinterpretation of the “Spindle” grille, which maintains its recognized format, but is now practically covered and in the color of the bodywork, revealing the electric nature of the vehicle.
We can even see narrow optical groups, both at the front and at the rear, with the rears forming a horizontal row across the entire width composed of small vertical segments. On this light bar we can see the new Lexus logo, with new lettering. Highlight also for the “fin” on the roof that integrates an additional light.
"Tazuna"
If on the outside the Lexus LF-Z Electrified highlights dynamic and expressive elements, lines and shapes, the interior, on the other hand, is more minimalist, open and architectural. The brand calls it the Tazuna cockpit, a concept that draws inspiration from the relationship between horse and rider — where have we heard this? — formalized by the presence of a steering wheel “middle”, identical to what we saw in the renewed Tesla Model S and Model X.
If on the horse the commands are given by the reins, in this concept they are reinterpreted by the “close coordination of switches on the steering wheel and a head-up display (with augmented reality), which allows the driver to access the vehicle's functions and information. intuitive, without having to change your line of sight, keeping your attention on the road.”
The interiors of the next Lexus, says the brand, should be influenced by this one from the LF-Z Electrified, especially when referring to the layout of the various elements: information sources (head-up display, instrument panel and multimedia touchscreen) concentrated in a single module and driving system controls grouped around the steering wheel. Note also the use of artificial intelligence as a form of interaction with the vehicle that will “learn” from our behaviors and preferences, translating into useful future suggestions.
600 km of autonomy
Even though it is a concept car, several of its technical characteristics were disclosed, referring to its cinematic chain and battery.
The latter is located between the axles, on the platform floor, and has a capacity of 90 kWh, which should guarantee an electrical autonomy of 600 km in the WLTP cycle. The cooling method is liquid and we can charge it with a power of up to 150 kW. The battery is also the main justification for the 2100 kg announced for this concept.
The announced performance is also a reason to be highlighted. The 100 km/h is reached in just 3.0s and reaches 200 km/h of top speed (electronically limited), courtesy of a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle with 544 hp of power (400 kW) and 700 Nm.
To better put all the power to the ground, the Lexus LF-Z Electrified comes equipped with DIRECT4, a four-wheel drive control system that is very flexible: it allows rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, adapting to any need.
Another aspect to highlight is its steering, which is by-wire type, that is, without any mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering axle. Despite all the advantages Lexus advertised such as increased accuracy and filtration of unwanted vibrations, doubts remain about the “feel” of the steering or its ability to inform the driver — one of the shortcomings of a similar steering system used by Infiniti in the Q50. Will Lexus apply this technology to one of its future models?