Recent trademark filings confirm that Lexus officially registered the names TZ450e and TZ550e, signaling the launch of a new electric SUV lineup. These upcoming models will be positioned above the current RZ series and offer high-performance, three-row configurations. The use of Z in the names indicates that they are fully electric vehicles.
According to Lexus and Toyota Group statements, the TZ series will be built on the company’s dedicated EV platform, making it Lexus’s first three-row electric SUV. It is expected to compete with full-size electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X, BMW iX, Mercedes EQS SUV, and Genesis GV90.
LF-ZL Concept Offers Glimpse at Future Design and Tech
The LF-ZL concept, which debuted at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, previews the design direction of the TZ series. This concept showcases Lexus’s vision for a flagship electric SUV with a spacious three-row layout and rear-hinged coach doors. Signature elements, including a sloped roofline and integrated taillights, will appear in the final design.
The LF-ZL also introduced advanced features like an AI-driven voice assistant, over-the-air software updates, a flat floor, and front-wheel steering. Lexus will implement many of these features in future production models, starting with the TZ series.
At the same time, digital renderings by artists have illustrated what a production-ready LF-ZL could look like. These renderings incorporate practical design cues like standard side mirrors, visible door handles, and defined body lines, which gained significant attention within the automotive industry. Features like bold fender styling and a streamlined roof hint at the potential appearance of the TZ450e and TZ550e.
Lexus Makes a Bold Move in the Electrified SUV Market
Lexus is now expanding its EV strategy with the more upscale TZ series. Following the earlier launch of the mid-size RZ, the TZ aims to serve as the brand’s electric flagship. While the RZ received mixed reviews, the TZ is expected to deliver greater performance and refinement.
If the TZ450e and TZ550e are equipped with three-row seating, a large battery pack, dual-motor setups, and advanced driver assistance systems, they could become strong contenders in key large-SUV markets like the U.S., the Middle East, and China. Key rivals include the BMW iX, Cadillac Lyriq, and Volvo EX90, as more consumers become interested in how traditional brands adapt to electrification.
Although no official launch date has been announced, industry analysts expect a global debut between late 2025 and early 2026. Test drives are currently underway in North America and Japan, with production preparations nearing completion. Whether the TZ lineup can reshape Lexus’s image in the EV space remains to be seen, but expectations are high.
