Lexus shows BEV concept car

The Lexus LF-Z Electrified1 has been unveiled as a concept battery electric vehicle (BEV) symbolising the brand’s transformation set to be realised by 2025.

It has a 90kWh li-ion battery providing 600km range – combined with 400kW of power, 700Nm torque, standstill to 100km/h performance in 3.0 seconds and a 200km/h top speed.

“The automotive industry both globally and in New Zealand is entering a period of once-in-a-century transformation,” Lexus New Zealand chief executive Neeraj Lala says.

“In addition to the growing imperative to achieve carbon neutrality for the betterment of the planet customers lifestyles and values are changing and diversifying at a speed previously unimagined.”

“Lexus will continue to lead the luxury market in New Zealand in reducing CO2 emissions and is looking at its future powertrain offerings,” Lala says.

“By 2025 Lexus plans to introduce 20 new or improved models, including more than 10 electrified models such as BEVs, PHEVs and HEVs, based on the concept of offering the right products in the right place at the right time.“

The LF-Z Electrified1 features a new four-wheel driving force control technology known as DIRECT4, which uses the instant responsiveness of an electric motor’s driving force to individually control each wheel for superior and highly flexible driving performance.

The interior has a Tazuna cockpit and features an open, minimalist design.

Through dialogue with the driver and based on having learned the driver’s preferences and behavioural traits, Artificial Intelligence (AI) comes to life by acting as a lifestyle concierge – proposing routes and making restaurant reservations, also enhancing safety and security.

The use of steer-by-wire eliminates the need for a mechanical connection through the steering shaft, resulting in a more direct response, enabling the vehicle to turn with a reduced steering angle and greater precision.

The LF-Z Electrified1’s exterior suggests the direction of Lexus styling.

A panoramic roof uses long plates of electrochromic glass and is equipped with entertainment functions such as dimming for privacy and shade, or illumination to reflect the passing night sky.  

A roof touch panel allows passengers to communicate between front and rear seats, while reclining rear seats are equipped with a massage function.

An augmented-reality head-up display, gauges, touch display, and other information-provision functions are grouped into a single module, while driving system functions are concentrated around the steering wheel.

A digital key allows family and friends to access the car without having to hand over a conventional key, in addition to operating the vehicle with a smartphone, such as opening and closing the door locks.

It will also be possible to provide vehicle-linked services such as package delivery to the car or car sharing.

The E-Latch system makes door opening and closing smoother and safer. When boarding, the retractable door handle automatically appears above the vehicle’s surface when a driver or passenger approaches with key in hand. The door can be unlocked and opened smoothly by touching the sensor inside the handle.

LF-Z Electrified’s1 sensors scan for oncoming and adjacent traffic prior to passengers getting out.

By mid-decade, electric variants will be offered in all Lexus models and the sales ratio of electrified vehicles is forecast to exceed that of petrol or diesel-only models.