Earlier this year, Toyota unveiled its first fully electric three-row SUV in the form of the Highlander. Now, this electric SUV gets its more premium and refined Lexus counterpart. Called the Lexus TZ, it is Lexus’ first fully electric three-row electric SUV. Based on the Driving Lounge concept, the Lexus TZ is set to excel in cabin space and refinement. Let’s take a closer look at what’s what.
Lexus TZ Electric SUV
As far as design is concerned, the Lexus TZ reminds us of the Toyota Highlander. This is obvious because they are badged engineer siblings. That said, Lexus designers have done a good job of establishing a unique identity with the TZ. For starters, it gets a unique front fascia with a modern spindle body shape closed-off grille.
It features an illuminated Lexus logo, C-shaped LED headlight setup with LED DRLs located above the fascia, massive power bulges in the bonnet, flush door handles, up to 22-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, full-width connected LED tail lights, illuminated Lexus lettering, circular wheel arches, raised humps, gently tapered roof line and other elements worth mentioning.
It should be noted that the Lexus TZ has a length of 5.1 meters, width of 1.98 meters, and height of 1.7 meters. The Lexus TZ has a 3,050 mm long wheelbase and is based on a modified TNGA platform like the Highlander. There will be 11 exterior color and 3 interior color combinations with the Lexus TZ in the United States.
luxurious interior design
Inside, the Lexus TZ is far more premium, luxurious and refined than the Toyota Highlander on which it is based. Depending on the market, the dashboard is dominated by a single or twin-screen infotainment screen (driver, co-driver) and then a TFT instrument cluster. Adding to the luxurious feel inside the Lexus TZ are faux bamboo trims.
Below the infotainment screen is a row of digital capacitive buttons for climate and other functions. The steering wheel and single-screen infotainment system is similar to the Lexus ES 500e recently launched in India. The center console is well laid out with multiple cup holders, gear selector, wireless charging pad and parking brake.
The first and second row seats get ventilation and powered ottomans, while the second and third row seats can be folded electrically to achieve a maximum volume of around 2,017L and with them off it is 290L. The world’s longest sliding panoramic roof, 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, three-zone climate control and other features are also noteworthy.
Powertrain Specifications
The Lexus TZ is only offered with dual-motor AWD versions. Battery options range between 76.96 kWh and 95.8 kWh and have a range of up to 530 km on a single charge. The higher spec version of the Lexus TZ can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. Fast charging goes up to 150kW and at that rate goes from 0-80% SOC in 35 minutes.
