Earlier this 12 months, Toyota revealed its first three-row electrical SUV within the Highlander EV. Now, it is Lexus’ flip to place its spin on this phase with the upcoming TZ, which boasts a extra luxurious design, seating for as much as six and a prime vary of round 300 miles.
Like its cousins the Highlander EV and Subaru Getaway, the TZ relies on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform and shall be out there with two battery sizes (76.9kWh or 95.8kWh) and an upgraded Direct4 AWD system. Whereas Lexus has but to supply particular data about energy, primarily based on the output out there from different fashions sharing this platform, we’re anticipating round 400 horsepower (or extra) relying on the precise configuration. It is a comparable scenario in the case of vary, as a result of whereas we’re nonetheless ready on an official determine from the EPA, Lexus estimates a TZ with the bigger 95kWh energy pack will go for round 300 miles between fees.
In the meantime, at 200.8 inches, the TZ is definitely barely longer than the Highlander EV, whereas sporting a equally brawny exterior with a lot of exhausting traces alongside and Lexus’ signature spindle-shaped grille. Different options embrace Dynamic Rear Steering (as much as 4 levels) that ought to present higher maneuverability at low speeds and elevated stability at excessive speeds. Sadly, the TZ’s 400-volt structure would not look very spectacular, with charging speeds that prime out at simply 150kW that ought to ship 10 to 80 p.c charging instances of round 35 minutes. Fortunately, the automobile does include a local NACS port and, for instances when it’s worthwhile to cost your different devices, Lexus is making a devoted accent adapter that plugs into an AC inlet within the cargo space.
On the within, the TZ’s infotainment is centered round a 14-inch most important show with a secondary 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for the motive force. Lexus says the TZ may also assist a Good Digital Key+ that lets you unlock the automobile together with your cellphone or smartwatch, and can proceed to work even when the gadget runs out of battery. Additionally, apart from the bottom infotainment system, the TZ helps each Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
LexusThe TZ’s platform and exterior are fairly much like the Highlander EV and Subaru Getaway, so Lexus appears to have actually leaned into the EV’s inside as a approach to distinguish itself from its rivals. The corporate claims the TZ has the quietest cabin of any of its SUVs (each EV and ICE) and that quest for muted peace and leisure appears to have been a core design objective for the car, as Lexus makes use of the phrase quiet eight separate instances in its official press launch. The TZ additionally options numerous sustainable supplies scattered all through the automobile together with cast bamboo panels, a plant-based UltraSuede and recycled aluminum for parts like its roof rails and tonneau cowl body.
Sadly, we’re nonetheless ready for official data concerning the TZ’s pricing and availability, configurations and trim ranges, which Lexus plans to launch nearer to the EV’s on sale date someday later this 12 months.
