Lexus TZ: All-Electric Three-Row SUV Is Coming

【PCauto】According to reports, Lexus plans to launch a pure electric three-row seat SUV. This new vehicle is expected to be named TZ, sharing platform technology with Toyota's electric model bZ5X.

Currently, detailed information about this mass-produced model is rather limited. However, Lexus applied for the trademarks of TZ450e and TZ550e in 2023, which means that at least two different versions of pure electric models are in preparation.

The 77 kWh battery equipped in the new RZ model may be applied to TZ in terms of battery configuration. However, given that three-row SUVs typically have larger dimensions and greater weight, the TZ550e may require a higher-capacity battery pack to meet its energy demands.

As early as in 2021, Lexus released a pure electric SUV concept vehicle. However, it is not yet clear how much of the technology on this concept vehicle will be applied to the mass-produced TZ.

In Lexus's existing electric vehicle models, the 2026 EZ will launch the RZ 550e F Sport version, which is equipped with a dual motor system that can provide 402 horsepower (300 kW), and the acceleration time from 0 - 100 km/h is only 4.4 seconds. However, while performance has increased, its cruising range has decreased to about 450.62 kilometers.

Additionally, Lexus has established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Shanghai with plan to build a manufacturing factory. The factory is expected to begin production as early as 2027 and will exclusively produce all-electric vehicles.

From the market competition perspective, as the global automotive industry's electrification trend continues to be intensified, competition among luxury brands in the electric SUV segment is becoming increasingly fierce. By introducing the TZ, Lexus aims not only to complete its own electrified product lineup but also to secure its share in this competitive market.

At present, there are strong competitors such as BMW iX and BENZ EQS SUV on the market, and TZ will face great challenges in the future. In order to get popular with consumers, TZ needs to show its own advantages in performance, cruising range, intelligent configuration, and brand service .

Overall, the information about TZ is limited at present, but it will undoubtedly play a great role in Lexus' electrification strategy. The more detailed information and competitiveness of TZ in the future are worth continuous attention.