Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept: A Look at Lexus’ Electrified Future

Looks like: A lower, more angular RX

Defining characteristics: New electric all-wheel-drive system called Direct4; large rear fin and split rear windscreen

Ridiculous features: Extremely concept-y four-seat interior including a steering yoke in place of a traditional wheel

Chance of being mass-produced: Lexus says it will have 20 new or improved models, including EVs, plug-in hybrids and hybrids, by 2025, so something that looks a lot like the LF-Z Electrified is more likely than not — but it probably won’t be quite so fanciful, especially on the inside.

Lexus announced its commitment to an electrified vehicle future and showed off the LF-Z Electrified concept, a battery-electric vehicle that is a distinctly Lexus take on the increasingly common “Is it an SUV? A wagon? A crossover?” style of electric vehicles (see the recent debuts of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 for the latest examples).

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The LF-Z Electrified details Lexus’ new Direct4 electric all-wheel-drive system, which allows the motors on each axle to control the individual wheels, and boasts concept-appropriate futuristic exterior and interior designs.

Evolutionary Outside

While the exterior design of the LF-Z Electrified is certainly more futuristic than the current lineup of Lexus vehicles, it’s still very much a Lexus. The brand says the look is an evolution of its spindle grille design into a spindle body. Lexus doesn’t provide measurements for the wheels but calls them “large-diameter,” again befitting a concept choosing style over practicality. Visually interesting elements include the large dark sections of the grille where air intakes might go on a gas-powered vehicle and stylized cladding behind the front wheels.

In back, the styling includes a vertical, slightly curved surface running from below the small rear ducktail spoiler all the way to the bottom of the rear bumper. The third taillight is integrated into the large vertical fin extending from the rear windscreen, and the darker bumper area is bisected by another vertical lighting element. The main taillights run across the width of the rear and around to the rear quarter panels, and feature full-text “Lexus” badging.

Tazuna Inside

The interior of the LF-Z focuses on the cockpit area, which is based on the concept of “Tazuna,” Japanese for “rein.” The inspiration is the interaction between a horse and its rider, controlled by the rein — only in this case, the horse is an electric crossover and the rein is a futuristic steering yoke. The LF-Z puts the vehicle controls on the yoke and presents a host of driver-focused information via an augmented reality head-up display.

The rest of the interior is the sort of minimalist concept design that feels very familiar, with four seats total, including rear bucket seats, accent lighting elements and interesting materials. One noticeable touch is the rear windscreen, which looks like a single piece from the exterior but, from the inside, seems to be divided into multiple sections. The roof is also panoramic and features electrochromic glass.

Dynamic Electric All-Wheel Drive

Using the new Direct4 electric AWD system, the LF-Z signals a willingness on Lexus’ part to use all-electric powertrains for more than just efficiency. Direct4 should enable the “high-power” electric motors to control each wheel for better performance in both straight-line driving and around corners. Of course, this is all theoretical for now; the LF-Z is a concept, after all. What Lexus plans to do with the LF-Z Electrified — turn it into a production car or just use it as a design study for future EVs — is up in the air, but the focus on driving performance bodes well for enthusiasts.

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