The global online debut today of the LF-Z Electrified concept signals future initiatives and the start of an era of brand evolution for Lexus.
Lexus has gained a unique market position through the concurrent development of the world’s most extensive range of premium hybrid electric vehicles and the production of the LFA supercar and other thoroughbred “F” performance models. Its hybrid-electric strategy has yielded almost two million sales globally since the introduction of the RX 400h in 2005, while today it offers nine hybrid electric and battery, electric models, for sale in around 90 countries worldwide. Its distinguished record as a technology innovator and world leader in electrified powertrains gives it the perfect platform from which to meet new challenges.
The automotive industry is in a once-in-century period of transformation in which it has to address unprecedented changes in people’s lifestyles and values, delivering mobility while also meeting the urgent social mission of carbon neutrality and embracement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Drawing on its experience and embracing innovation through its Lexus Electrified vision, Lexus will apply its research and development strengths to the maximum to achieve these goals while continuing to exceed customer expectations with premium quality cars that deliver great driving engagement and luxury craftsmanship.
The new LF-Z Electrified concept incorporates driving performance, styling, and technologies that Lexus plans to realize by 2025. It will further advance the Lexus Driving Signature, bringing together expertise gained in performance car development with new opportunities offered by electrified powertrains to give the driver exceptional responsiveness and a sense of being fully connected with their car.
The LF-Z Electrified delivers this through its use of advanced technologies and a dedicated EV platform. For example, it achieves superior dynamic performance, thanks to the ideal location of the battery and electric motor, DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive technology, and other features that ensure a high degree of mobility freedom that sets it apart from conventional vehicles. It also provides advanced infotainment functions that will be available to Lexus customers in the near future.
By 2025, Lexus will introduce 20 new or upgraded models, including more than 10 battery-electric (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric (PHEVs), and self-charging hybrid electric (HEVs) to meet the needs of different countries and regions around the world. It will strengthen its core saloon and SUV ranges and also explore the possibility of introducing new vehicle types, such as sports models, cars appropriate for chauffeur driving, and models in entirely new categories. Throughout, Lexus will rise to the challenge of delivering new premium values, while exceeding the diverse expectations of its customers worldwide.
Lexus intends to offer electrified versions of all its models by 2025, by when it also expects electrified vehicles to account for more than half its global sales. It further aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the entire lifecycle of all its models by 2050, including in materials manufacturing, parts, and vehicle logistics and disposal and recycling. In addition to the careful selection of the materials used in its vehicles, Lexus will also consider the environmental impact of how those materials are made.