The raindrops pattered against the glass as I sat in the Lexus RZ450e, the brand’s first dedicated electric vehicle, during a dreary Melbourne afternoon last month. The cabin remained tomb-quiet save for the gentle swish of the wipers – a reminder of how effectively Lexus has translated its signature refinement to the electric era. But as impressive as the RZ is, it represents just the opening salvo in what promises to be an ambitious electric offensive from Toyota’s luxury division.
After years of cautious hybridization, Lexus is now accelerating rapidly toward an electric future, with plans to launch multiple new EV models across various segments in the coming years. Through conversations with Lexus executives, industry insiders, and by piecing together the brand’s recent announcements and concept unveilings, a clearer picture is emerging of how the Japanese luxury marque intends to electrify its lineup while maintaining its distinctive character in an increasingly crowded premium EV landscape.
Beyond the RZ: Lexus’ Expanding Electric Ambitions
The current RZ450e crossover sits somewhat awkwardly as Lexus’ sole dedicated electric vehicle – a competent but not revolutionary entry into the premium electric SUV segment. Based on the e-TNGA platform shared with the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra, it offers a solid if somewhat conservative interpretation of electric luxury.
“The RZ was always intended as a first step rather than a definitive statement,” explained a Lexus product planner during a recent background briefing in Sydney who requested anonymity as they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about future products. “It allowed us to enter the market while we developed our next-generation dedicated EV architecture, which will enable much more dramatic advances in terms of performance, efficiency, and design freedom.”
This next-generation architecture appears to be the key to understanding Lexus’ true electric aspirations. Unlike the e-TNGA platform, which was adapted from existing Toyota architecture to accommodate electric powertrains, Lexus’ forthcoming dedicated EV platform is being developed from the ground up specifically for premium electric vehicles.
During Toyota’s announcement of its updated battery electric vehicle strategy last December, the company revealed plans for a dedicated Lexus EV platform that would debut around 2026, bringing with it significant advances in battery technology, packaging, and performance. This platform will apparently support a diverse range of vehicles, from sleek sedans to larger SUVs, with varying battery sizes and motor configurations.
“The beauty of a dedicated EV platform is the freedom it gives our designers and engineers,” noted the Lexus product planner. “Without the constraints of accommodating internal combustion components, we can reimagine what a Lexus should look like and how it should perform in the electric era.”
The Upcoming Lexus EV Lineup: What We Know So Far
Through various concept unveilings, trademark filings, and industry sources, we can begin to piece together the likely composition of Lexus’ expanding EV portfolio. While exact timing and specifications remain closely guarded, several key models appear to be in advanced stages of development.
Lexus LF-ZC: The Electric Sedan Reimagined
Perhaps the most intriguing upcoming Lexus EV is the production version of the LF-ZC concept (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) revealed last October. This sleek, low-slung sedan represents a radical departure from traditional three-box design, featuring an elongated cabin, minimal overhangs, and an aggressive, forward-leaning stance.
“The LF-ZC isn’t just a styling exercise – it’s very close to a production model we’ll see in 2026,” revealed a senior designer from a major supplier to Lexus whom I met during an industry event in Melbourne. “What you’re seeing is the new design language that will define Lexus electric vehicles going forward. It’s much more expressive than the relatively conservative RZ.”
The production version of the LF-ZC is expected to compete with vehicles like the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE, offering a more emotional alternative to those somewhat traditional interpretations of the electric sedan. Lexus claims the concept features next-generation battery technology with greater energy density, enabling a sleeker profile without compromising range.
During a brief conversation at the Tokyo Mobility Show last year, a Lexus engineer hinted that the production LF-ZC would offer “performance that redefines expectations for an electric sedan in this category,” suggesting that Lexus is targeting class-leading acceleration and handling to complement the striking design.
Trademark filings suggest this model might reach production as the “RZ Sedan” or possibly revive the “IS” nomenclature in electric form, though Lexus may also introduce entirely new naming conventions for its dedicated EVs.
Lexus LF-ZL: The Flagship Electric SUV
Alongside the LF-ZC sedan concept, Lexus also unveiled the LF-ZL concept – a large, luxurious electric SUV that points toward the brand’s vision for a flagship utility vehicle in the electric era.
Standing beside the concept during its Australian preview earlier this year, I was struck by its imposing presence. Despite the shift to electrification, Lexus appears determined to maintain the commanding road presence that has defined its successful SUV lineup, albeit with a more futuristic aesthetic featuring sharper lines, a dramatic lighting signature, and more progressive proportions.
“The LF-ZL represents our interpretation of ultimate electric luxury in the SUV segment,” explained the Lexus Australia executive hosting the preview. “While the production version will naturally be toned down in some respects, the fundamental character and presence will be maintained.”
Industry sources suggest the production LF-ZL will arrive in late 2026 or early 2027 as a spiritual successor to the LX, offering three-row seating and positioning itself as a more luxurious alternative to vehicles like the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. The electric architecture should allow for a more spacious interior than even the current LX, despite a potentially lower overall height.
The flagship electric SUV is expected to feature the most advanced technology in the Lexus lineup, potentially including augmented reality interfaces, advanced driver assistance systems approaching Level 3 autonomy in certain markets, and next-generation battery technology offering ranges exceeding 600km.
The Compact Crossover: Electric UX Successor
At the more accessible end of the spectrum, Lexus is reportedly developing a compact electric crossover to succeed the current UX300e – the somewhat compromised battery-electric version of the primarily hybrid UX compact crossover.
Unlike the current UX300e, which was adapted from a platform designed primarily for hybrid powertrains, the new compact EV will utilize dedicated electric architecture, allowing for a more spacious interior, longer range, and more competitive performance.
“The compact premium EV segment is becoming fiercely competitive,” noted an industry analyst I consulted for this article. “Vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Volvo EX30, and upcoming Audi Q4 e-tron are establishing new expectations for what a small luxury EV should offer. Lexus needs a purpose-built competitor rather than a conversion of a hybrid model.”
Spy photographs circulating in automotive publications show what appears to be a compact Lexus crossover testing under heavy camouflage, featuring proportions that suggest a dedicated EV platform with short overhangs and an extended wheelbase relative to its overall length.
This model is expected to arrive sooner than the LF-ZC and LF-ZL production versions, potentially launching in late 2025 as Lexus’ second dedicated EV after the RZ. It would likely utilize an evolution of the e-TNGA platform rather than the all-new architecture being developed for the later models.
The Sports Car Question: Electric LFA Successor?
Perhaps the most tantalizing possibility in Lexus’ electric future is a potential successor to the legendary LFA supercar. The brand has dropped several hints about such a vehicle, most notably with the stunning Electrified Sport concept revealed in 2021.
With its low-slung proportions, dramatic surfacing, and promised supercar performance, the Electrified Sport concept suggested Lexus has not abandoned its performance aspirations in the electric era. The concept claimed a 0-100km/h time of under two seconds and a driving range of over 700km, positioning it as a halo product for Lexus’ electric technology.
“There’s definitely a desire within Lexus to create an emotional, high-performance electric sports car,” confirmed a Lexus dealer principal I’ve known for years during a candid conversation at a golf event last month. “Whether it reaches production in the form we saw in the concept is another question, but the intention to have a halo performance EV in the lineup is very real.”
If produced, such a vehicle would likely arrive after 2027 and in limited numbers, potentially utilizing solid-state battery technology that Toyota has been developing for several years. This advanced battery chemistry promises greater energy density, faster charging, and better performance in extreme driving conditions – making it particularly suitable for a high-performance application.
Batteries and Technology: Lexus’ Electric Advantage
Behind Lexus’ ambitious EV plans lies parent company Toyota’s increasingly aggressive battery development strategy. After being criticized for its relatively cautious approach to battery electric vehicles, Toyota announced a dramatic acceleration of its battery technology roadmap last year, with specific advantages earmarked for the Lexus brand.
According to industry sources, Lexus vehicles will receive priority access to Toyota’s most advanced battery technologies, including high-nickel cathode chemistries for performance applications and eventually solid-state batteries when they reach production readiness.
“Toyota’s strategy is to position Lexus as the showcase for its most advanced EV technology,” explained an automotive engineer with connections to Toyota’s battery development program whom I consulted for this article. “This makes sense from both a business and technical perspective – the higher price points of luxury vehicles can better absorb the cost of cutting-edge battery technology, and luxury customers expect the very latest innovations.”
During a technical workshop I attended earlier this year, a Toyota battery engineer (who requested anonymity as he wasn’t authorized to speak about future products) highlighted several key advances coming to Lexus EVs in the next generation:
- Structural battery packs that contribute to vehicle rigidity, enabling better driving dynamics while reducing weight
- Cell-to-body construction that eliminates the traditional module layer, increasing energy density and reducing weight
- Advanced thermal management systems that enable faster charging and more consistent performance
- New electrode materials that reduce dependency on constrained minerals like cobalt
These technologies are expected to deliver tangible benefits for Lexus customers, including faster charging (0-80% in under 20 minutes), longer ranges (500-700km depending on model), and better performance sustainability during spirited driving.
The Australian Context: Lexus’ Electric Future Down Under
For Australian luxury car buyers, Lexus’ electric plans promise to significantly expand the options available in the premium EV market over the next few years. Currently, the brand offers only the RZ450e alongside the UX300e in the electric space, with the majority of its sales still coming from hybrid models.
During a recent Lexus Australia event in Sydney, I had the opportunity to speak with several company executives about their electric vehicle strategy for our market. While carefully avoiding specifics about future products, they emphasized Australia’s importance in the global Lexus EV rollout.
“Australia is consistently among the top markets globally for Lexus in terms of luxury market share,” noted one executive. “Our customers here have embraced our hybrid models enthusiastically, and we expect a similar reception for our upcoming EVs, particularly as the charging infrastructure continues to improve.”
Lexus Australia has been laying the groundwork for its electric expansion, investing in dealership infrastructure, technician training, and customer education programs focused on electric vehicles. The brand has also been working closely with charging providers to ensure a seamless experience for Lexus EV owners.
Pricing remains a key consideration for its electric ambitions in Australia. The current RZ450e starts at around $123,000 before on-road costs – positioning it above most mainstream electric SUVs but below the premium European alternatives from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
“We expect to maintain our traditional positioning as offering strong value within the luxury segment,” hinted the Lexus Australia executive. “Our goal is to provide a compelling ownership proposition not just through initial purchase price, but through the complete ownership experience including running costs, reliability, and customer service.”
For the upcoming models, industry analysts suggest the compact electric crossover might start around $80,000-90,000, the LF-ZC sedan derivative around $130,000-150,000, and the flagship LF-ZL SUV production version potentially exceeding $200,000 when they eventually reach our shores.
The Challenge: Maintaining Lexus’ Identity in the Electric Era
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing Lexus as it expands its electric lineup is maintaining the brand’s distinctive character in an era where traditional differentiators like engine refinement and mechanical reliability become less relevant.
During a fascinating discussion over coffee with a former Lexus engineer now working as a consultant, I gained some insight into how the brand is approaching this challenge.
“Lexus has always been defined by a certain serene refinement – what we call ‘omotenashi’ or Japanese hospitality,” he explained, carefully stirring his flat white. “In combustion vehicles, this was expressed through things like the meticulously refined V8 in the LS or the perfectly balanced hybrid system in the ES. In electric vehicles, we need new ways to express that same philosophy.”
According to my source, Lexus is focusing on several key areas to maintain its distinctive character in electric vehicles:
- Cabin quietness that goes beyond the inherent silence of electric motors, with extensive sound insulation and active noise cancellation targeting road and wind noise
- Uniquely calibrated power delivery that provides instant response but maintains the smooth, progressive character Lexus is known for
- Interior materials, designs, and atmospheres inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics rather than the tech-focused minimalism of many EV competitors
- Attention to tactile details like switch feel, door closing sounds, and material textures that convey quality in subtle but meaningful ways
“The risk for luxury brands going electric is homogenization – that all EVs end up feeling fundamentally similar because they share basic technical characteristics,” the consultant noted. “Lexus is very conscious of this risk and is working to ensure its electric vehicles maintain a distinct personality.”
This challenge was evident during my time with the RZ450e last month. While fundamentally competent, it lacked some of the distinctive character that has defined the best Lexus models over the years. The upcoming dedicated EV platform and the more expressive designs it enables may prove crucial in establishing a stronger identity for electric Lexus models.
Lexus’ Electric Reinvention
As our coffee concluded and Melbourne’s persistent drizzle finally subsided, I reflected on what Lexus’ electric plans reveal about the brand’s future direction. After decades of careful evolution and cautious technology adoption, Toyota’s luxury division appears ready for a more revolutionary approach – using electrification as an opportunity to redefine what Lexus represents in the luxury market.
The upcoming electric models – from the sleek LF-ZC sedan to the imposing LF-ZL SUV and the potential LFA-inspired sports car – suggest a bolder, more distinctive Lexus that leverages the design freedom of dedicated EV platforms while maintaining the brand’s core values of quality, reliability, and refinement.
For luxury car buyers, particularly those in Australia where Lexus has built a strong reputation over three decades, this electric reinvention promises to deliver compelling new options in the premium EV space. While European competitors currently dominate this segment, Lexus’ methodical approach to electrification – backed by Toyota’s advanced battery technology – could yield vehicles that offer a distinctly Japanese interpretation of electric luxury.
As I handed back the keys to the RZ450e and headed for my train home, I couldn’t help but feel that despite its competence, Lexus’ current electric offering is merely a placeholder – a necessary first step while the brand prepares its true electric statement pieces. The RZ gives us hints of Lexus’ electric personality, but the full expression of the brand’s electric ambitions remains just over the horizon, set to arrive in the form of these more dramatically conceived dedicated EVs.
For a brand that built its reputation on quiet refinement, Lexus is preparing to make quite a lot of noise in the electric vehicle space. The luxury market – and competitors who may have underestimated the Japanese brand’s electric resolve – should take notice.
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