Lexus grows its line-up with the first-ever TZ—a three-row, all-electric SUV that’s designed to unlock limitless possibilities in the luxury space. Being the first Lexus launched under new Toyota Motor Corporation president, Kenta Kon, the TZ inevitably sets the tone and direction of the Japanese carmaker moving forward.
Riding on a dedicated platform based on the TNGA, the Lexus TZ is Lexus’ largest BEV offering yet measuring in at 5,100 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height. Its wheelbase stretches to 3,050 mm. Designed with being a “Driving Lounge” in mind, the TZ puts equal emphasis on the driver and his five passengers.
Upfront, the seats feature Lexus’ new-generation design with a slimmer profile, yet made more supportive than ever. The front two rows have both heating and ventilation, while heating extends to the third-row seats. For added comfort, ottoman-style leg rests are available for the front and second row passengers, while radiant heaters are provided to warm the driver and front passenger’s knees and lower legs. The cabin’s open feel is enhanced with a panoramic roof—the largest fitted on a Lexus model and extends above all six seats.
The clean, minimalist cabin theme is reflected in the slim instrument panel which houses Lexus’ new Responsive Hidden Switch technology. The panel presents a clean, seamless upholstered finish, but a series of switch function icons illuminate when the driver or passenger’s hand passes above the surface. Although they have a flush finish, the switches provide physical touch-feedback when operated. Responsive Hidden Switches are also featured on the TZ’s steering wheel. The driver receives a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14-inch infotainment system running the Arene software platform.
The door panels feature Lexus’ new bamboo layering trim panels, crafted using a Lexus-first film layering technique. In daylight they have the appearance of natural bamboo, changing to surface-illuminated color patterns when synchronized with the vehicle’s ambient lighting system.
And for audio excellence, the TZ can be specified with a bespoke 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system that provides a 3D sound stage with pure, distortion-free sound quality. This includes a Position Mode which creates a sound stage focused on the rear cabin, tailored to how the vehicle is being used, and enables rear-seat-specific tuning.
The aero-first design means the Lexus TZ has a 0.27 co-efficient of drag—a significant achievement for a large SUV. The clean, geometric lines and the Lexus spindle body give it a clean, unified form. Wheel sizes—20 (255/55R20) or 22-inch (255/45R22)—fill in the wheel wells. Color options include a new colorway: Sonic Tellus. Named after the Latin word for earth, this rich khaki green uses Lexus’ sonic paint technology to produce deep shading and subtle nuances of color in generating a strong three-dimensional effect.
Underneath, the concept of the TZ is rooted around “Aji-migaki” to deliver a more profound, composed driving character. The suspension is typical with front MacPherson Struts and rear multi-links; but a Dynamic Rear Steering system (DRS) turns the rear wheels up to four degrees enhancing maneuverability at low speeds and stability at higher speeds. Turning radius is a compact 5.4 meters (smaller than a Civic or Prelude) with the DRS, and 5.8 meters with no DRS.
Powering the Lexus TZ is a dual electric motor system delivering a total of 408 horsepower (300 kW). The all-wheel system helps it deliver a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.4 seconds and a rated towing capacity of 1,500 kilograms. A 95.82-kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 530 kilometers of range (WLTP). Charging can be done either using an 11 kW AC charger (22 kW AC in some markets) or 150 kW DC charger.
Like the Lexus RZ F Sport, the TZ has Interactive Manual Drive which brings the sensations of using a rapid-shift manual transmission to an electric vehicle. This simulates an eight-speed stepped transmission. The driver can also “change gears” using paddle shifters. There’s even a tachometer in the instrument display to help optimize shift points and selection is accompanied by a simulated engine note soundtrack.
As for safety, the Lexus TZ adopts the latest Lexus Safety System+ that provides enhanced pre-collision braking, dynamic radar cruise control with Eco Run Mode, and Lane Change Assist.
Lexus TZ is a premium version of Toyota Highlander and/or Subaru Getaway
ReplyDeleteSo Lexus uses sustainable materials here like recycled aluminum and forged bamboo.
ReplyDeletealso uses toyota model for sustainability?
DeleteFinally a lexus for the 3rd world filipino masses that somehow needs 7 seats even if they only usually ride solo or with one to three passengers!
ReplyDeleteIts a toyota with lexus flavor
ReplyDeleteno more luxury anymore, just rebadging toyota
Face kinda looks like a sad turtle. 🐢
ReplyDeleteIt’s so primitive , hp, suspension, range, charging speed, 21 speaker system and others. If one buys this, must be brand conscious
ReplyDelete..or just values reliability and comfort? Some might justify a chinese EV can do the same or offer more. But to the more conservative and well to do people, this car fits just right. Why so sour?
DeleteSpindle grille no more. It's just black paint and plastic.
ReplyDeleteFeels weird since it's said to be getting 402hp while the Subaru Getaway is getting 420hp, 18hp more. Is it because Lexus is more conservative than Subaru?
ReplyDeleteOr maybe market depending. Perhaps the North American market will get a slightly different tune.
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