Lexus has moved its electric SUV push into a bigger space with the new Lexus TZ, a three-row electric SUV built for buyers who want luxury, range and family-use practicality in one package.
The model comes with six seats, an all-wheel-drive electric setup and a reported range of up to 620 kilometres. It also shares a wider product link with Toyota’s electric SUV plans, but Lexus gives the TZ its own design, cabin feel and premium features.
Lexus TZ Brings Six Seats, 620km Range and More Cabin Comfort
The Lexus TZ electric SUV is expected to sit as a more premium option in the growing three-row EV market. Reports had earlier linked it to the Toyota Highlander EV and Subaru Getaway, with the TZ positioned for buyers who want more comfort, better cabin materials and a more refined driving feel.
Lexus has now revealed more of what the SUV brings. The TZ uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and a 95.82kWh battery. It produces 403hp, with the front and rear motors each making 269Nm of torque.
The SUV also adds some lifestyle-ready features. It comes with vehicle-to-load capability, which means owners can power external devices from the car. Lexus also gives it a 1,500 kg towing capacity, pointing clearly at drivers who may want an electric SUV for outdoor use, light towing or weekend trips.
Inside, the Lexus TZ focuses on quietness, comfort and space. Lexus says the cabin is designed as a ‘driving lounge’, with ambient lighting, bamboo-style finishes and a more detailed sound setup. For drivers who want more drama, Lexus offers an optional LFA-inspired sound package that simulates a V10 engine note through paddle shifters.
The SUV measures 5,100mm in length and has a 3,050mm wheelbase, giving it enough room for six passengers. Cargo space starts at 290 litres with the third row in use and expands to 2,017 litres when the second and third rows are folded.
In design, the TZ carries a clean electric SUV shape with sharper Lexus styling. The brand is using it to show how electric family SUVs can still feel premium and engaging.
Toyota’s EV Gap in Africa Is Giving Rivals More Space
Toyota remains one of the strongest car brands across Africa, with a deep presence on the road in markets like South Africa, Nigeria and other major economies. But in the electric SUV space, the brand is still moving slowly. Its EV presence is still at an early stage, with the bZ4X and a few planned models carrying much of the push.
That slow start is creating room for Chinese and European brands. In South Africa, electric and hybrid sales are rising, and Chinese carmakers are already filling part of that gap by bringing more electrified options into the market. They are not just selling new cars but are also shaping what buyers expect from EVs and hybrids in terms of access and everyday use.
European brands are also building from another angle. Renault plans to deepen its Morocco base and grow hybrid and electric vehicle production by 2030. If that plan reaches full scale, Morocco could become one of Africa’s strongest auto production hubs for new-energy vehicles.
But global trade pressure could affect how far that African push goes. Trump’s latest tariff pressure is aimed at getting more carmakers to build in the U.S., and that could pull some auto investments away from Africa.
As this plays out, the auto industry will have to respond on two fronts. Legacy brands like Toyota will need to take Africa’s EV shift more seriously, while European carmakers must decide how to handle global trade pressure without slowing their longer-term plans for the continent.
