Lexus embraces innovation and advanced technology to become battery-electric premium brand

Published

04 December 2023

Author

Louwman Exclusive

Share this story

Lexus has defined its strategy for a new generation of battery-electric cars. In doing so, it is applying design principles and new technologies that are changing the future of the car. At the annual Kenshiki forum in Brussels, Lexus gave deeper insights into its plans to develop into a global brand with battery-electric-only (BEV) models by 2035 and even earlier in Europe: by 2030, market conditions permitting.

Pascal Ruch, Vice-President Lexus Europe and Value Chain, says: “Lexus is a technology pioneer, ever since the brand was founded in 1989. The brand prides itself on challenging the conventions of the luxury car market and consistently offering new value to its customers. When it comes to electrification, we are once again pushing the boundaries of the premium car world. We are developing a new, modular vehicle structure and new batteries, not only to improve the performance of our BEVs, but also – perhaps more importantly – to reinvent driving pleasure. A revolution in software is also coming. This will allow us to develop cars with unprecedented personalisation capabilities, making luxury truly personal for our customers.”

Downsizing and weight reduction

Lexus’ next-generation BEVs benefit from the opportunities offered by downsizing and weight reduction of structural components, allowing cars to become more versatile. Advances in electrification enable further development of the Lexus Driving Signature – a constant, pleasant connection between the driver and the car that offers comfort, confidence and control at all times. The concept cars LF-ZC and LF-ZL show how Lexus intends to make the most of the potential of electrification and innovative technology to offer new mobility experiences.

LF-ZC

The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst), which made its European debut at the Kenshiki event in Brussels, is a preview of a new sedan that Lexus will launch in 2026. The car benefits from Lexus’ experience in electrification. Its clean proportions, low centre of gravity and spacious interior combine functionality with pleasing aesthetic design.

LF-ZL

The LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury) is a concept for a premium electric SUV that seamlessly connects people, mobility and society. The driver can tailor the driving experience to his individual preferences; interaction with the car reaches a higher level as the car makes personalised suggestions to its driver, based on his (driving) style and habits. The use of bamboo as a signature material in the interior refers to Japanese traditions and also reflects Lexus’ sustainable approach: industrial use of fast-growing bamboo is essential to prevent overgrowth and protect nature.

‘Provocative simplicity’

Both concept cars combine functionality and beauty with ‘provocative simplicity’ as a new design theme. This further develops Lexus’ identity, using sophisticated, simple design to create a striking presence.

Intelligent cockpit

The intelligent, fully digital cockpit gives the driver quick access to the controls. The central element is the steering wheel with which the driver controls the exclusive One Motion Grip-steer-by-wire technology. All functions are brought together on small digital screens on either side of the driver. Controls such as gearshifts, safety and driving assistance systems (ADAS) and driving mode selection are on the left screen, convenience functions
such as audio, air conditioning, telephone and AI functions are grouped on the right. The concept cars also feature digital mirrors and an extra-wide monitor on the passenger side for access to entertainment and mobility apps.

Operating system Arene

The new operating system Arene offers new entertainment and connectivity options. Using AI (artificial intelligence), voice recognition responds quickly to spoken commands and can also make personalised suggestions – just like a personal butler. The system can even learn the driver’s routines and preferred apps and functions and activate them automatically, without the driver having to ask.

Enhancing driving pleasure

Lexus exploits the specific performance characteristics of BEVs – such as powerful acceleration and smooth drive power control thanks to DIRECT4 all-wheel drive – to enhance driving pleasure and make drivers feel at one with their cars.

DIRECT4, already present in the battery-electric Lexus RZ and the sporty RX 500, continuously balances the front and rear axle drive torque depending on the load on each wheel. This ensures optimum traction in all conditions, with more linear acceleration, improved cornering and even greater stability. With a steer-by-wire system, future Lexus BEVs will offer more intuitive steering, especially on twisty roads.

The new Arene control system changes the way the car feels and reacts in various driving modes – for example, as a very luxurious car or, on the contrary, as a sports car. Furthermore, the driver can increase the level of sensory experience, which changes the car’s sound and vibrations. These features are made possible by the introduction of a steer-by-wire system and wireless software options.

Modular vehicle structure using gigacasting

Lexus is adopting a new modular structure for its next-generation BEVs in which the car’s body is made up of three parts: front, centre and rear. This is made possible by ‘gigacasting’ that gives more freedom for the shape of the car. Gigacasting allows the number of parts – the front and rear of a car currently consist of about 175 separate elements – to be reduced. This drastically reduces production time and creates flexibility for
rapid development of diverse vehicle types. The front and rear modules can each be produced within two minutes.

The modular structure also delivers the benefits of increased rigidity as well as weight reduction. This in turn contributes to linear, natural-feeling driving dynamics. Lexus also pays attention to repair costs, so that minor accidents need not lead to high repair costs. In addition, the production process is also being transformed: cars will move autonomously through each stage of production on a self-driving assembly line.

Multi-technology approach and product development

Through 2026, Lexus will continue its multi-technology electrification approach. This is based on three vehicle types:
1. Models with multiple powertrain options, such as the UX, NX and RX SUVs.
2. BEVs based on Lexus’ current global platform, such as the RZ.
3. BEVs produced using gigacasting on the next-generation platform, such as the sedan Lexus will launch in 2026, which is based on the LF-ZC concept car.

Over the next few years, Lexus will introduce new models in each of these three categories, including BEVs, to expand its model range. The new models will also all benefit from powertrain improvements and ongoing development of battery technology. Lexus will be the first to adopt new battery technology, such as a new lithium-ion battery that is expected to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in about 20 minutes and with a range of about 800 kilometres (WLTP). A cheaper battery will also be available, expanding customer choice.

In spring 2024, Lexus will expand the RZ range with a new front-wheel-drive version. After that, the One Motion Grip steer-by-wire option will become available for the first time. Also planned is a system that mimics the feel and operation of a manual transmission for BEVs – an extra dimension in Lexus’ mission to increase driving pleasure. Outside, the car is as quiet as any BEV, but the driver experiences all the sensations of a manual transmission car, including engine noise and vibration.

Lexus’ growth in Europe

Lexus expects to sell about 74,000 new cars in Europe this year. That is an increase of about 50% compared to 2022. This makes Lexus one of the fastest-growing premium brands. It will also be a new record total

for the region excluding Russia. This success is partly due to the model range, which has been almost entirely revamped over the past two years. The range includes three all-new models in the key premium D- and E-SUV segments – the NX, RX and RZ – with hybrid-electric, plug-in hybrid-electric and battery-electric powertrains.

Lexus expects the momentum to continue in 2024 and comes out with the LBX, Lexus’ first compact crossover. The LBX challenges established luxury car hierarchy and proves that prestigious features, quality and driving experience can also be offered in a compact car.