The new Lexus LF-ZL concept showcases a future premium electric flagship SUV that, the carmarker claims, will use next-generation hardware and software to offer a “personalised” experience. The LF moniker stands for Lexus Future and has been used for a series of concept cars in recent years.
The concept was unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show. Lexus has yet to indicate when a production vehicle based on the LF-ZL might arrive, or any information on performance, range or the likely price.
- Sits on Toyota’s next-generation modular electric architecture
- Could use Lexus’ steer-by-wire system
- Could get a range of more than 900km
Lexus LF-ZL platform and design
Although the LF-ZL features design elements seen on the current RZ electric SUV, it showcases a new form and identity for the brand. There is a reworked grille, but the body of the car takes the form of a sleek SUV, with a long bonnet and a large, rounded cabin area that leads to a very short rear end.
The LF-ZL is 5,300mm long, which is significantly longer than even the new Lexus LM luxury MPV. The new concept is also 2,200mm wide and 1,700mm tall, with a huge wheelbase of 3,350mm in order to maximise interior space.
In common with the LF-ZC and the Toyota concepts unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-ZL sits on Toyota’s next-generation modular electric architecture, which is intended to offer significant flexibility in the size, shape and powertrain layout of vehicles based on it.
Lexus LF-ZL interior and features
The concept's interior is even more futuristic and is accessed by wide-opening front doors and rear doors that appear to pop out and slide back. The front of the cabin features a driver-focused dashboard with a steering yoke – indicating the use of Lexus’s steer-by-wire system – and there are two digital control panels on either side.
The left panel is used to control the car’s main systems such as the drive modes and driver assistance and safety systems, while the right panel controls the infotainment and ventilation, among other features. The passenger gets a large infotainment touchscreen to access key car functions. The two rear seats appear set into the bodywork of the car and take the form of large ‘business class-style' reclining lounge chairs, complete with pop-out leg rests.
The concept is designed to make heavy use of a next-generation voice recognition system that will use AI to offer a service that is claimed to be “like talking to an attentive and accommodating personal servant”.
Lexus LF-ZL battery, range and powertrain
The new concept showcases next-generation prismatic battery cells that, combined with improved energy efficiency, are intended to offer “approximately twice the range” of a conventional BEV – suggesting around 960km for the LF-ZL. Lexus confirmed that the smaller LF-ZC will offer a range of 1,000km in production form and that variants with lower ranges will also be available.
Lexus claims that the Arene OS software that it will use in future vehicles will also have a dramatic impact on driving dynamics by enabling the car to replicate the characteristics, sounds and vibrations of different types of vehicle to suit a driver’s preference. That could be combined with the ‘manual’ EV transmission that Lexus is developing.
The firm also says on-board sensors on the LF-ZL will power a system called Interactive Reality in Motion by drawing on digital data from the car’s surroundings. This means that when a driver points to a place of interest on a journey, the car display and voice guidance will offer information about it.
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