Lexus has set out its strategy for a new generation of all-electric vehicles, applying design principles and new technologies that will change the future of cars. At its annual Kenshiki forum in Brussels, the company gave a deeper insight into its roadmap for becoming a 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand globally by 2035, and even earlier in Europe, by 2030 if market conditions allow.

Pascal Ruch, Vice-President, Lexus Europe and Value Chain, said: “Lexus has been a technology pioneer ever since the brand was founded in 1989. It has a proud heritage of challenging the conventions of the luxury car market and consistently delivering new value to customers. When it comes to electrification, we will again push boundaries in the premium automotive world. We will develop a new modular vehicle structure and new-generation batteries, not only to improve the performance of our BEVs but also, and perhaps most importantly, to reinvent driving pleasure.

“There will be a revolution in software too, which will allow us to design vehicles with the highest degree of personalisation, truly making luxury personal for each of our customers.”

The next generation of Lexus BEVs will use the opportunities of downsizing and weight reductions in structural parts to offer more versatile packaging. Advances in electrification technologies will enable further evolution of the Lexus Driving Signature – a constant, rewarding connection between driver and car that gives comfort, confidence and control at all times.

LF-ZL and LF-ZC concepts signal future model thinking

The recently unveiled Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL concept cars demonstrate how Lexus intends to maximise the potential offered by electrification and innovative technologies to deliver new mobility experiences.

The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst), which made its European debut at the Kenshiki event, previews a new Lexus production sedan scheduled for launch in 2026. It reaps the benefits of Lexus’ electrification experience, with sleek proportions, a low centre of gravity, spacious cabin and a design that blends functionality with pleasing aesthetics.

The LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury) is a study for a flagship battery electric SUV that enables seamless connection between people, mobility and society. The driving experience can be tailored to each individual user’s preferences and interaction with the vehicle will reach a higher level with the car making personalised suggestions, based on the driver’s style and habits. The use of bamboo as the signature material in the cabin references Japanese tradition, but also reflects a sustainable approach – industrial use of this fast-growing plant is essential to prevent over-growing and protect nature.

Both concepts combine functionality with beauty with a new “provocative simplicity” design theme. This evolves the Lexus identity, using refined, simple design to create a striking presence. 

The fully digital intelligent cockpit gives the driver quick access to controls in an immersive environment. The central feature is a steering yoke to operate Lexus’ exclusive One Motion Grip steer-by-wire technology. Functions are consolidated on small digital screens either side of the driver.  Operational controls such as shifts, safety and driver assistance (ADAS) systems and drive mode selection are located on the left-hand pad, while convenience features such as audio, climate control phone and AI functions are grouped on the right. The concepts are also fitted with digital rear-view and side mirrors and an ultra-wide monitor on the front passenger side for accessing entertainment and mobility apps.

Arene operating system

Lexus’ new Arene Operating System will open new entertainment and connectivity possibilities. Using AI (artificial intelligence), the voice recognition system will provide swift response to commands and be able to make personalised, flexible suggestions – comparable to having a personal butler on hand.  The system will even be able to learn the driver’s routines and preferred apps and functions and activate them automatically, without having to be asked.

Driving performance

Lexus will leverage the specific performance characteristics of BEVs, such as the powerful acceleration and the smooth drive force control provided by its DIRECT4 all-wheel drive technology to enhance the pleasure of driving and make the driver feel at one with their car.

DIRECT4, already featured on the all-electric Lexus RZ and RX 500 performance hybrid, constantly balances the drive torque between the front and rear axles, according to the load on each wheel. This ensures optimal traction in all driving conditions, with more linear acceleration, improved cornering performance and a more stable vehicle posture. With a steer-by-wire system, future Lexus BEVs will offer a more intuitive steering experience, especially when driving on winding roads. 

The new Arene Operating System will change how the vehicle feels and behaves with different driving modes – luxury car or performance car, for example. Going further, the driver can raise the level of sensory experience, changing the car’s sound and vibrations. These features will be made possible with the adoption of a steer-by-wire system and over-the-air access to software options.

Modular vehicle structure

The next generation of Lexus BEVs will use a new modular structure that divides the vehicle body into three parts – front, centre and rear. This will be made possible by using gigacasting, a system that gives greater freedom in vehicle form. Reducing the number of parts – the front and rear sections of a vehicle structure currently comprise around 175 separate elements – will drastically reduce production time and give the flexibility for speedy development of different vehicle types. The front and rear modules can each be produced in less than two minutes. The modular structure will also being the benefits of higher rigidity and weight reduction, which in turn will contribute to linear, natural-feeling vehicle dynamics. Consideration will also be given to repair costs, ensuring that minor accidents do not result in high repair bills for customers.

The manufacturing process will also be transformed with cars moving autonomously through each stage of production on a self-driving assembly line.

Multi-technology approach and product developments

In the near-term, through to 2026, Lexus will continue with its multi-technology electrification approach, based on three vehicle types: models offering multiple powertrain options, such as the UX, NX and RX SUVs; BEVs using Lexus’ current global architecture platform, such as the RZ; and BEVs constructed using gigacasting on a next-generation platform, such as the future model based on the LF-ZC concept.  Over the next few years, vehicles will be introduced in each of these three categories, including BEVs, to expand and diversify the Lexus range.

They will also all benefit from powertrain enhancements and continuous improvements in battery technology. Lexus will be the first adopter of new battery technologies, including a new lithium-ion performance battery that is expected to offer a 10 to 80% recharging time of about 20 minutes and a cruising range of about 800 km (WLTP cycle). A lower-cost battery will also be made available, increasing customer choice.

In spring 2024, the RZ range will grow to include a new front-wheel drive version. Later, the option of One Motion Grip steer-by-wire will be offered for the first time. Also planned for the future is system replicating the feel and operation of a manual transmission for BEVs – another dimension in Lexus’ mission to focus on driving pleasure. From the outside, the vehicle will be as quiet as any other BEV, but at the controls the driver will experience all the sensations of a manual transmission vehicle, including engine sound and vibrations.

Lexus growth in Europe

This year, the company expects its European new car sales to reach about 74,000 units. This is an increase of about 50% on 2022’s performance, making Lexus one of the fastest-growing premium brands. It will also be a new record total for the region, excluding Russia.

This success is founded on a strong model range that has been almost completely renewed during the past two years. The line-up includes three all-new models in the critical D and E-premium SUV segments – the NX, RX and RZ – offering hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and battery electric powertrain options.

The momentum is expected to continue in 2024, propelling the company towards its future ambition of six-digit sales in Europe. Lexus has revealed two all-new models that are taking the brand into new market segments: the new flagship LM “Luxury Mover” people-carrier and the LBX, the company’s first small urban crossover. The LM takes passenger comfort to an unprecedented level while the LBX challenges the established luxury car hierarchy, proving that prestige features, quality and driving experience can be delivered in a small car package. Additionally, a new-generation GX will be introduced in eastern markets, a large SUV offering supreme luxury with exceptional off-road capabilities.

These models demonstrate Lexus’ growth ambitions and desire to continue to push boundaries with vehicles designed to engage with new consumer demographics.

Lexus has set a course to develop new technologies and vehicles that maximise the potential of electrification not just to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, but also to deliver a higher level of performance, dynamics and driver engagement. At its Kenshiki media forum in Brussels the company provided a progress update on Lexus Electrified, its roadmap for electrification and the journey to carbon neutrality. It also highlighted some of the innovative design and engineering that will feature in its new generation models.

Pascal Ruch, TME Vice President in charge of Lexus Europe, acknowledged that ultimately battery electric vehicles will take the lead, but that while challenges of infrastructure and electricity supply remain, Lexus will continue to develop a range of electrified technologies for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and battery electric vehicles to meet diverse customer needs and driving environments around the world.

He said: “All future development will be based on the principle of leveraging electrification to reinvent the driving experience. We want our vehicles to be truly enjoyable to drive.”

The Lexus technology advantage

Lexus was the pioneer of electrification in the luxury car market, introducing the hybrid electric RX 400h SUV in 2005. Since then, it has pushed the technology boundaries to achieve ever-better performance and efficiency, gaining unmatched experience in developing the principal electric vehicle components – including motors, batteries and power control units. At the same time, it has popularised hybrids with a growing range of models, that has amassed more than 2.3 million global sales. Today, more than 90% of the new Lexus vehicles sold in Europe are hybrids. The company is leveraging this experience to ensure its new generation of electrified models deliver the highest levels of quality, performance and safety.

To help realise its ambitions, Lexus is developing a new global headquarters at Shimoyama in Japan, a car-centric, agile complex that will be home to all its development disciplines, with designers and engineers working side by side in the drawing rooms and on the test tracks.

Lexus Electrified Sport

The Electrified Sport represents Lexus’ vision for a future halo sports car with a battery electric drivetrain. It captures the company’s intention to build electrified cars with an authentic performance dimension. Its sweeping lines – establishing a new Lexus BEV identity, inspired by the speed and smoothness of aerobatics – are matched by its power. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h acceleration is expected in around two seconds.

Superior battery design

The batteries deployed in the latest Lexus hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles provide practical, all-electric EV driving capability, but are kept compact to avoid penalties of weight, cost and intrusion into the cabin and load space. The same principle is applied to battery electric models, with the smart-sized 71.4 kWh battery in the upcoming RZ 450e SUV set to provide an optimal combination of range and efficiency.

The all-new RX hybrid introduces a new bi-polar nickel-metal hydride battery, a technology that reduces resistance, giving higher load and unload capacity. This increases output from each cell by 70%, so more power can be obtained without increasing the battery’s dimensions. Lexus is also researching the next generation of lithium-ion batteries and the potential of solid-state battery technology. The bi-polar nickel-metal hydride battery is available on the RX 350h and on the RX 500h, Lexus’ first turbocharged performance hybrid.

The quality and safety of Lexus’ new battery units are founded not only on the design and structure of the battery, but also on a monitoring system that detects any abnormal heating, all the way down to individual cell level. The use of non-conductive coolant prevents the risk of fire should a problem occur, while the battery design prevents degraded substances forming on the anode and compromising battery life. Thanks to these measures, Lexus is confidently targeting the new RZ to maintain 90% of its battery capacity after 10 years of use, adding to customer peace of mind.

Dynamic rewards with DIRECT4 and One Motion Grip

Lexus is introducing new systems that optimise the dynamic potential of electrified powertrains. DIRECT4, featured in the new RX 500h and RZ 450e models, is a Lexus-exclusive technology that instantly balances the drive torque delivered to the front and rear axles, giving optimum traction in all driving conditions, linear acceleration and enhanced cornering and vehicle posture. As well as performance and handling it will also contribute to greater ride comfort, particularly for rear seat passengers.

One Motion Grip is a steer-by-wire system that dispenses with mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Set for introduction on the new RZ 450e, it will transform the driving experience, eliminating the need for hand-over-hand turns of the wheel so manoeuvres are made easier and more precise. Low-speed agility and highway stability are also improved. The system makes automatic micro-corrections when driving over uneven surfaces.

An EV powertrain with manual transmission

For many drivers, the control and engagement provided by a manual transmission is an important part of an enjoyable driving experience. Lexus has investigated how a battery electric vehicle might be equipped with a manual transmission – a project that has progressed to focused development using a research prototype based on the UX 300e compact SUV, equipped with a gear lever and a clutch pedal.

Takashi Watanabe, Lexus Electrified Chief Engineer, explained: “From the outside, this vehicle is as quiet as any other BEV. But the driver is able to experience all the sensations of a manual transmission vehicle. It is a software-based system, so it can be programmed to reproduce the driving experience of different vehicle types, letting the driver choose their preferred mapping.”

With the DIRECT4 and One Motion Grip systems also being software-based, Lexus will be able to explore new opportunities for performance customisation to provide a personalised experience for each driver.

Lexus has revealed a new ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle) Concept, a unique hydrogen-powered vehicle offering near zero-emissions driving combined with extreme off-road capability. It reflects a commitment by Lexus to ensure exhilarating driving can co-exist with a carbon-free society centred on responsible mobility.

Adventurous looks inspired by bold Lexus design

For the Lexus ROV Concept, the design team developed a vehicle that would look good in all kinds of natural environments. The car bears all the true hallmarks of an off-road vehicle with its exposed suspension, protective cage and chunky off-road tyres for driving along muddy tracks. Dimensions are: 3,120 mm (length), 1,725 mm (width), 1,800 mm (height).

With the Lexus’ "human centred" philosophy as their starting point, the design team wanted to create the kind of vehicle people would expect from a luxury carmaker yet without losing the rugged performance of an ROV. They designed a body that could protect passengers, incorporate the iconic Lexus signature grille and preserve enough travel for the front suspension. In addition, the front fenders were conceived to offer protection against any stray rocks and mud.

The suspension cover, connected to the rear hydrogen fuel tank, protects functional parts as well as conveying the sense of durability inherited from Lexus SUVs. The dark bronze paint is carefully crafted along with a lightweight body and suspension designed for both comfort and fun off-road driving. Lexus ‘L’-motif front and rear lights and the rear LEXUS badge express the latest Lexus design language.

Inside, based on the Tazuna concept, it has a simple meter that instantly reads the information the driver needs while the driver concentrates on driving.

Feel the Lexus quality and craftsmanship

The new concept showcases outstanding build quality with the luxury feel of Lexus craftsmanship in both the interior and exterior, as never been seen before in a ROV. Luxury details include a leather steering wheel and a sculpted shift knob and seats which feature suspension elements that smooth bumps out of the ride. The seats are upholstered in hard-wearing synthetic leather. For demanding off-road driving, the first Lexus hydrogen ICE will meet all the carmaker’s stringent requirements for QDR (Quietness, Durability, Reliability).

Clean yet exciting hydrogen power

While tackling its carbon neutrality goals, Lexus is passionate about the enjoyment of driving cars. This ROV Concept embodies the exciting sound of an ICE and the responsive rise in torque that comes from the fast combustion speed of hydrogen, which Lexus believe is highly compatible with the ROV.

This hydrogen powered ROV concept is the result of Lexus’ desire to preserve true off-road pleasure in tomorrow’s low carbon society. To power this off-road fun, the 1.0-litre hydrogen engine works just like a petrol engine, but with a high-pressure tank for compressed hydrogen which is delivered precisely by a direct hydrogen injector. Importantly, Lexus’ new hydrogen engine produces close to zero emissions, with a negligible amount of engine oil burned during driving.

Developed with its own ‘Lexus Driving Signature’

With a lightweight body composed of a strong pipe frame and suspension that boasts a large amount of travel, the driver will enjoy the car's natural movements, the distinctive ‘Lexus Driving Signature’ and the possibility to go anywhere they desire. Designed for dynamic and comfortable driving, the agile design and the responsiveness of the hydrogen engine make the Lexus ROV a fun vehicle to drive with exceptional off-road capability.

Spiros Fotinos, Head of Lexus Europe, comments: “The Lexus ROV is our response to the growing passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit of luxury consumers. As a concept, it fuses our desire to also develop lifestyle-oriented products with our ongoing research into new technologies that contribute to carbon neutrality. As well as delivering a concept that is thrilling to drive, it has near zero emissions thanks to its hydrogen powered engine.”