Embracing Electrification: The Lexus TZ – A 3-Row Electric SUV in the Making

Lexus has already made a foray into the three-row TX crossover market in the US. Still, a recently discovered trademark filed with the British Intellectual Property Office, unearthed by CarBuzz, suggests that an electric version, the Lexus TZ450e, is not far behind.

Meanwhile, in other parts of Europe, members of the Lexus RX Owners forum uncovered another trademark with the EUIPO, the Lexus TZ550e, which seems to be a top-tier variant.

While no further details have been provided at this stage, we can speculate about what's to come based on Lexus's usual naming conventions.

Typically, the first letter denotes its rank in the lineup, while the second letter designates the body style. An 'S' signifies a sedan, an 'X' represents an SUV, and a 'Z' stands for Zero, indicating zero emissions. Therefore, the TZ would likely be the zero-emissions counterpart of the Lexus TX three-row SUV.

Interestingly, despite the similarity in their initial letters and size, the TX and TZ are unlikely to share components. The TX is built on the TNGA-K platform, designed to accommodate combustion and hybrid powertrains, but not fully electric vehicles.

On the other hand, the TZ will be built on a new electric platform, confirmed to be under development by Lexus's new CEO Koji Sato in May this year. Expected to be unveiled this year, this new platform will be used for 10 upcoming Toyota EVs by 2026, including a Lexus model that could rival the Porsche Taycan.

Although similarities between the TX and TZ are likely in terms of design, the prospective EV model should showcase a grille-less front fascia and more aerodynamically designed wheels. Toyota and Lexus revealed 16 EV concepts a few years ago, one of which was a sizable Lexus SUV, possibly providing a sneak peek of the newcomer.

Predicting the powertrain specifics at this early stage is challenging as the new EV platform could be accompanied by novel electric motors. Nevertheless, in its 450e avatar, the vehicle might utilize a dual-motor setup similar to the RZ 450e, which offers a combined output of 308 horsepower. The TZ 550e, expected to be a more premium variant, should deliver superior power and range.

Lexus remains tight-lipped on this subject. However, Toyota, Lexus' parent company, stated in its revised electrification strategy that it plans to roll out 10 new EV models by 2026. The trademarked TZ could well be a glimpse into this electrified future.