Lexus pulled the wraps off its flagship TZ electric SUV with little warning. The premium six-seat model promises a “driving lounge” experience built around comfort, quietness, and luxury.
The company hasn’t announced pricing or a specific launch date for the TZ. It’s confirmed for UK sales next year, where it’ll sit above the RZ as Lexus’s top electric model.
At 5.1 meters long, 1.9 meters wide, and 1.7 meters tall, the TZ competes directly with the Kia EV9, Volvo EX90, Mercedes EQS SUV, and BMW iX.
Interior Design and Features
The TZ adopts a minimalist cabin design that Lexus calls “zen-like tranquility.” A 14-inch touchscreen dominates the center console, with ‘Hidden Switches’ underneath that light up when touched.
These switches sit flush with the surface but provide physical feedback when pressed. The steering wheel uses a similar setup on both sides.
The driver faces a 12.3-inch instrument display with polarized film to cut glare. Lexus introduced new ‘bamboo layering’ trim panels throughout the interior.
These panels use a film-layering technique that’s new for Lexus. They look like natural bamboo in daylight but change to illuminated color patterns when synced with the ambient lighting.
The interior follows the Japanese hospitality principle of Omotenashi – creating a “driving lounge” experience. The TZ seats six passengers across three rows, with individual captain’s chairs in the second row and what Lexus promises is “generous head and leg room” in the third.
All three rows get heated seats. The front and middle rows also have ventilation built in.
Front passengers and middle-row occupants get ottoman-style leg rests. The panoramic roof extends over all six seats – the largest Lexus has fitted since the brand launched in 1989.
A 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system comes as an option. The 3D sound stage includes a Position Mode that focuses on rear passengers with dedicated tuning.
Exterior Design
Lexus has moved away from the sometimes overstyled look of recent models. The TZ uses what the company calls “Provocative Simplicity” design – elegant with an edge.
Despite its blocky combination of sharp surfaces and geometric shapes, the TZ achieves an impressive 0.27Cd drag coefficient.
Lexus achieved this aerodynamic performance through details like semi-flush door handles and 20 or 22-inch aero wheels, depending on trim level.
Up front, new twin-L lights handle daytime running lights and turn signals, paired with a large panel grille. At the rear, L-shaped lamps flank the tailgate while a lightbar with central ‘Lexus’ lettering completes the look.
Color options include single-tone and two-tone finishes. A new 3D-effect ‘Sonic Tellus’ khaki green joins the palette.
Performance and Technology
European TZ models come with one battery option – a 95.8kWh unit that delivers up to 330 miles of range. The SUV supports 150kW fast charging, which means 10-80% charging takes around 35 minutes.
The TZ uses a single powertrain setup: 402bhp from twin motors backed by Lexus’s Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. Despite weighing over two tons, the TZ hits 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds.
Dynamic Rear Steering comes as an option. The system turns the rear wheels up to four degrees – either with or against the front wheels.
At low speeds, this improves steering response and tight-space maneuvering. At highway speeds, it boosts stability. The system also cuts the turning radius from 5.8 to 5.4 meters.
Lexus includes a simulated engine note and matching eight-speed manual mode operated through paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The paddles also switch between five regenerative braking modes.
Availability
The Lexus TZ debuts sometime in 2027. Before then, Lexus will launch its first all-electric ES executive sedan.
UK order books for the ES opened recently. The model starts at £59,345 with deliveries beginning later this year.
