New Lexus EV blazes a trail for performance-led line-up

The concept’s sleek, aerodynamically optimised silhouette hints at Lexus’s renewed emphasis on performance and dynamic agility, a philosophy reinforced by the brand’s Europe value chain vice-president, Pascal Ruch. Speaking to Autocar, Ruch said: “The Lexus driving signature is something we will continue to stress, because we believe electrification and driving pleasure are not in contradiction. In fact, it’s the opposite: they can go hand in hand.”

Ruch said Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda’s passion for sporting models, as demonstrated by the increasing prominence of the Gazoo Racing performance brand, will also influence future Lexus models. He described Toyoda and Lexus president Koji Sato – who served as chief engineer on the brand’s LC sports coupé – as “really big fans of driving pleasure and they will never let Lexus models become boring from a design or experience point of view”.

As such, Lexus’s electric SUV promises straight-line pace on a par with the quickest electric SUVs. The LF-Z concept packed a 536bhp rear-mounted motor for a claimed 3.0sec 0-62mph time, and while the production car is likely to scale back that output slightly, a Jaguar I-Pacerivalling 0-62mph time in the low-4sec range is expected. The concept’s 90kWh underfloor battery, giving a WLTP range of 373 miles and capable of charging at up to 150kW, is likely to be carried over, although a smaller unit could be used for entry-level versions.

Like the LF-Z and bZ4X concepts, the new SUV is expected to be four-wheel drive as standard, using Lexus’s new, fully variable Direct4 drivetrain system, which brings torque vectoring functionality with the aim of enhancing cornering performance. It will be linked to an innovative steer-by-wire electronic steering system, which removes the mechanical link between the steering wheel and drive wheels and is said to promote a more direct and engaging driving experience.

The dynamic focus will carry over to the interior, where Lexus EVs will adopt the brand’s new ‘Tazuna’ approach to cockpit design. Pioneered by the new NX, this places a heavy focus on improving the driving experience. Expansive windows, a curved dashboard and sports-style seats are expected to be hallmarks of the EV family, while advanced driver and navigation aids will aim to provide a high degree of autonomous driving potential.

As part of the transformation of its image, Lexus will seek to radically diversify its line-up in pursuit of a larger foothold in the premium segment, particularly in Europe, where it aims to achieve a 3% market share with six-figure annual sales. Ruch told Autocar: “We are covering the key segments we want to cover, but of course we always look at what would make sense, or are there other opportunities to expand our line-up?”.

He confirmed that Lexus is considering models in new segments and suggested that a replacement for the CT 200h hatchback, withdrawn from the UK last year after a decade on sale, is on the cards. A new-generation hatchback would provide Lexus with a rival to the big-selling Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but Ruch said Lexus is “considering different options – nothing is decided”, suggesting the CT could be positioned differently for its second generation.

Hydrogen fuel cell Lexus possible

Lexus parent company Toyota remains committed to developing hydrogen fuel cell technology as an alternative to battery electrification and recently launched the second generation of its Toyota Mirai FCEV saloon. The Mirai uses the same lengthened version of the GA platform as Lexus’s LC coupé and LS saloon, suggesting the fuel cell powertrain could also make its way into one of the premium brand's models.