Lexus has unveiled two new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Concepts at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show – the LF-ZC and the LF-ZL. While the LF-ZC previews a new premium electric sedan due to arrive in 2026, the latter previews a future electric SUV that might go on to become a Lexus flagship when it enters production. Its launch timeline is yet to be confirmed. The LF-ZC’s production version is rumoured to be a rival to the likes of the BMW i4. Here’s a look at what we know about each one so far.
Lexus BEV LF-ZC Concept
Design
The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) Concept measures about 4,750mm long, 1,880mm wide and 1,390mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,890mm. This makes its size comparable to that of the Lexus ES sedan. However, the concept is a bit shorter than the ES. The exterior is characterised by sleek proportions, low-slung styling and an aero-optimised design. The combination of a low hood and accentuated rear wheel arches gives the concept a wide stance. Thanks to the low-slung hood and a smooth, sloping roofline, the LF-ZC boasts a Cd (Coefficient of drag) value of approximately 0.2. Lexus’ signature ‘Spindle’ design theme can also be seen not just at the front but through the side and rear.
Interior / Cockpit
Inside, the front occupants sit low, and thanks to a fully flat floor and panoramic roof, the cabin feels quite roomy. The cockpit features a consolidated design, with most functions and features (like ADAS, drive mode selector, climate control, and infotainment) packed into digital pads set within arm’s reach. A metre display projects information onto the windshield using the same concept as a Head-Up Display (HUD), and digital outer rear-view mirrors help promote the ‘eyes on the road’ principle.
The LF-ZC’s ‘digitalised Intelligent Cockpit’ features Lexus’ new Arene OS platform that can basically allow to replicate various car operations using a single vehicle. Coupled with features like steer-by-wire and over-the-air updates (OTA), customers will be able to engage in e-sports and then transfer those gaming preferences into the real world and experience them in their vehicle.
Also on display here is an AI-utilising voice recognition system called ‘Butler’. Essentially, Butler, using self-learning functions, will be able to collect data and set optimal personal settings for each customer based on their vehicle usage pattern. For example, going beyond conventional navigation features, it can provide route and mode recommendations that align with the driver’s preferences by considering their daily activity patterns and mood.
Throughout the interior of the LF-ZC, Lexus has shown its sustainability philosophy with the use of the Bamboo CMF (Colour, Material, Finish) Concept. Elements incorporating bamboo fibre and fabrics woven with bamboo thread represent the brand’s commitment towards building a circular economy.
Technology
In terms of tech, the LF-ZC features a steering yoke, which represents the use of steer-by-wire tech first used on the Lexus RZ. And speaking of the RZ, the new concept also borrows the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system from it.
Lexus also claims the LF-ZC will be powered by its ‘next-generation’ prismatic high-performance batteries that ‘aim to achieve approximately twice the range of conventional BEVs’. These batteries will be engineered to increase range through improved aerodynamic integration and weight reduction, enhancing vehicle efficiency and battery performance.
The LF-ZC, along with other next-generation BEVs, will be manufactured using a process called ‘gigacasting’. This process effectively divides the modular structure into three parts (front, centre and rear), to allow more freedom of form. The batteries will be set in the centre section of the car, making the front and rear structures independent.
Lexus BEV LF-ZL Concept
Unlike the LF-ZC, the LF-ZL is more of a large-sized coupe-styled SUV. At 5,300mm long, 2,200mm wide and 1,700mm tall, with a long wheelbase of 3,350mm, the LF-ZL concept is significantly longer than the new Lexus LM luxury MPV and even the LX crossover, which hints at a very airy lounge-like interior.
In terms of its construction, interior, ergonomics and tech though, the LF-ZL shares common bits with the LF-ZC. For example, both vehicles are based on Toyota’s next-generation modular electric architecture which is meant to underpin more Toyota BEV models in the future. Both vehicles will be powered by Toyota’s next-gen prismatic cell batteries and also feature a steering yoke, which indicates the use of Lexus’s steer-by-wire system, and two digital pads on either side of the yoke that feature common car controls. Like the LF-ZC concept, the passenger in the LF-ZL gets a large infotainment touchscreen to access key car functions. The two rear seats seem to be integrated into the bodywork and look like reclining lounge chairs.
The AI-enabled Arene OS in the LF-ZL offers an ‘Interactive Reality in Motion’ feature. In essence, to get information and voice guidance on anything the drivers see during the journey, they simply need to point at the object or place, and the system screen will come up with the relevant information about it.