By Otsile Kadiege

The veils have officially come off the Lexus LF-Z Electrified. It’s a concept battery electric vehicle (BEV) symbolizing the Lexus brand transformation – incorporating driving performance, styling and advanced technology set to be realized by 2025.

Alluring exterior design

The Lexus LF-Z Electrified concept aims for a simple and alluring shape rooted in strong proportions and a distinctive appearance. The Lexus design has evolved the iconic spindle grille into a spindle body which is flanked by patterned L-shaped DRLs.  A sharp line, deep cut-outs and pop-out door handles helps create visual drama and accentuates the LF-Z’s aero dynamism. The rear is dominated by a light bar with Lexus lettering illuminated in white on the centre and a large shark fin with a brake light integrated into the rear window.

An interior with a sense of openness

Inside, the cockpit was designed based on the new concept of Tazuna which means “rein” in English. Lexus says it has been inspired by the relationship between horse and rider, who communicate through a single rein, steering wheel-mounted switches and the vehicle’s head-up display have been highly coordinated to create a space in which various functions, such as the navigation system, audio system, and driving mode selection, can be performed while concentrating on driving and without movement of the driver’s line of sight or need to operate complicated switches.

The augmented-reality head-up display, gauges, touch display, and other information-provision functions are grouped into a single module and driving system functions are concentrated around the steering wheel. Artificial Intelligence in the LF-Z Electrified learns the driver’s preferences and behavioral characteristics, and will provide constant support to the driver. Voice communication contributes to improved operability while driving. The LF-Z Electrified has an electrochromic glass panoramic roof, which gives a sense of openness inside the 4,880 mm long concept BEV.

The next-generation Mark Levinson^®2 audio system can reproduce a concert hall-like audio experience. With the next-generation sound management function, active noise cancellation facilitates interaction or privacy amongst passengers, providing a quiet and comfortable interior space.

BEV driving experience

The LF-Z Electrified is powered an advanced longitudinally assembled lithium-ion battery technology with a 90 kWh battery capacity and 150 kW charging power. According to Lexus, the LF-Z Electrified will be able to travel a distance of 600 km (WLTP) on a single charge. The BEV produces 400 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via a new four-wheel driving force control technology known as DIRECT4. The latter uses the instant responsiveness of an electric motor’s driving force to individually control each wheel for superior and highly flexible driving performance. The LF-Z will sprint to 100km/h in a mere 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h.