Lexus has unveiled their new concept battery electric vehicle (BEV), the LF-Z Electrified1.
This vehicle signals the direction in which the brand is moving, which is to “deliver the significant evolution of vehicle performance using electrification technology”.
The LF-Z Electrified1 is a study model for the brand, and suggests the direction in which they are taking their future design language.
They aim to create captivating designs through the use of simplistic and bold proportions.
As such, the LF-Z is composed of a continuous silhouette around a smooth cabin, with a low front and peaked rear.
The large wheels were also positioned as close as possible to the edges of the SUV to keep the centre of gravity low and the stance wide.
“The aim was to create a three-dimensional design that transforms the form of the vehicle body itself into the icon of the Lexus brand.”
Full of features
The cockpit of the LF-Z Electrified1 was designed according to the concept of Tazuna (Japanese for “rein”).
This translates to a single point of control between the driver and vehicle, similar to how a rider communicates with his horse through a single rein.
As a result, nearly all cabin features can be controlled through the steering wheel, and viewed through the virtual cockpit and heads-up-display.
The rest of the interior was kept minimalist through the low positioning of instrument panels, a panoramic roof, and the seamless connection of the cowl to the cabin.
Features are plenty in the minimalist space, though, with a large emphasis placed on artificial intelligence.
AI system learn driver preferences and behavioural characteristics through advanced algorithms, and will then recognise and adapt to these patterns as it sees fit.
The car’s digital key also provides many benefits, such as locking and unlocking the vehicle through your phone, and enabling service providers to have access to the vehicle via the digital key.
This will open up possibilities like package delivery directly to the vehicle, as well as car sharing.
Furthermore, the LF-Z gets an electrochromic sunroof that can go dark or transparent at the passenger’s whim, reclining rear seats with massaging features, and a Mark Levinson 2 audio system.
Quite quick
This BEV aims to deliver a linear driving response, in accordance to driver intentions, said Lexus.
This is achieved through optimal positioning of the battery and motors, and a new four-wheel drive force control technology called DIRECT4.
The latter allows the drive force of the motors to be individually controlled and sent to the wheels that need it most.
Powering the LF-Z is a 90kWh lithium-ion battery that drives motors which produce 400kW of power and 700Nm of torque.
The liquid-cooled battery provides enough juice to send the 2.1-tonne Lexus to 100km/h in 3.0 seconds flat.
It also opens up a top-speed of 200km/h, and has a maximum cruising range of 600 kilometres.
The Lexus LF-Z Electrfied1 stands at 4,880mm long, 1,960mm wide, and 1,600mm tall – making it about as large as the current Mercedes-Benz GLE.
At the moment, however, this vehicle is only a concept.
Consequently, there has been no release dates or pricing made available.
Lexus LF-Z Electrified1 – Photos
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