Lexus’ LF-Z Electrified is an SUV-like electric concept car. It represents how the brand will look as the world advances into an EV future, offering consumers a glimpse of what’s coming by 2025.
The car is a dedicated battery-electric vehicle (BEV) platform showcase that takes the form of a four-door sedan that sports a near-hatchback fastback rear end and robust wheels for high ground clearance. On the inside, Lexus takes a minimalist approach to create a technologically advanced, airy feeling.
Underneath aesthetics, the new EV platform features an advanced four-wheel-drive system (called DIRECT4) consisting of front and rear motors that control each wheel individually for better driving performance. The ultimate goal here is to “evolve driving performance in a way that better connects the driver with their vehicle.”
The car is powered by a 90-kWh liquid-cooled, lithium-based battery pack that delivers a 373-mile (600-km) estimated range.
Its motor output is 536 horsepower (400 kW) and 516 pound-feet (700 Nm) of torque, which converts to a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) dash in 3.0 seconds.
It doesn’t utilize any mechanical connections (instead, it employs fly-by-wire steering) or mechanical drivetrain (axles, transmission) in its design.
Its integrated software includes an artificial-intelligence-based system (called the Lexus Driving Signature) that learns driver preferences over time, tuning concierge-type informatics (climate controls, navigation) and vehicle responses to the person’s liking.
Among its most excellent features is the panoramic roof that shades on command and detects sunlight to filter UV rays.
Other technologies include:
- Retractable door handles
- Doors that remain latched if the open switch is pressed when the Lexus detects oncoming traffic (ensuring safety on exit)
- Digital keys to allow access without a physical key
The LF-Z Electrified isn’t for sale, but it paves the path for the electrified future Lexus has planned. The company intends to have electrified models of all its vehicle available by 2025 and sell more EVs than gasoline-only by then. Its aim is for 20 new or improved models, half or more of which will be electrified.
Lexus also aims to be carbon neutral throughout the lifecycle of its entire model lineup by 2050. “Entire model lineup” means from manufacturing materials, parts, and cars to logistics to the disposal and recycling of expired vehicles.
Studies have found that EVs produce hundreds of times less waste than gasoline-powered cars, and they’ll cost as much as petrol cars by as soon as 2024. EVs are at the tipping point of mass adoption.
