RZ, Meet Your Larger Brother
Whereas Toyota is not precisely going all in on electrical autos, it is nonetheless churning these out infrequently. That mentioned, its luxurious division has just one EV providing: the RZ. Properly, that adjustments immediately as Lexus has simply launched the TZ, a bigger, three-row battery-powered crossover.
In some ways, it enhances the fuel-fed TX and serves as an possibility for Lexus loyalists who’ve been wishing for a bigger EV crossover from the corporate. On the similar time, the TZ has two most important rivals it has set its sights on: the Cadillac Vistiq and the Volvo EX90.
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2027 Lexus TZ: The Fundamentals
To oversimplify the TZ, it is the posh model of the new-generation Highlander, itself going EV-only, leaving hybrid powertrains to the bigger Grand Highlander. On the similar time, it shares the identical platform because the Subaru Getaway, which was revealed at the New York Auto Present.
For dimensions, the TZ measures 200.8 inches lengthy, 78.3 inches extensive, and 67.1 inches tall, and rides on a prolonged 120.1-inch wheelbase. It is over an inch longer than the Highlander EV, and ever so barely decrease, though width and wheelbase are precisely the identical. Behind the third-row seats, Lexus claims a cargo capability of 13.8 cu. ft.
As for powertrain choices, there are two battery sizes accessible. On this case, there is a alternative between 76.96 kWh and 95.82 kWh. It is nonetheless unclear whether or not two energy output choices might be supplied. The corporate did reveal that the mannequin it offered makes 402 hp and it lays it down by way of a DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system. The estimated vary is rated at 300 miles.
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What Else Does it Supply?
Lexus says the TZ is constructed round its Driving Lounge Idea. In different phrases, there are acres of house, soothing earth tones within the cabin, and heaps of consolation. The model is kind of happy with utilizing bamboo for its inside trim and of its panoramic sunroof, which stretches all the best way to the third row to let much more mild into the cabin.
What Lexus confirmed was a six-seater model with the center row consisting of captain’s chairs. It is attainable {that a} seven-seater is likely to be supplied for decrease trims. Additionally thrown in as customary is Lexus Security System+ 4.0, which comes with the standard array of superior driver assists, plus emergency steering help, intersection flip help, and a level of semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
As for infotainment, it options the model’s newest software program, which additionally consists of 5G connectivity. Enhancements embrace extra personalization, EV cost administration choices, and enhanced processing energy.
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Different Highlights
One of many attention-grabbing choices for the TZ is four-wheel steering. It may well flip the rear wheels by as much as 4 levels, and adjustments angle relying on pace. One other worthwhile possibility is the ability captain’s chairs that additionally embrace air flow. Further leisure options are additionally accessible, together with SiriusXM with 360L and built-in Spotify streaming.
The TZ also can pipe in sounds if issues get a bit of too silent inside. Dubbed Lively Sound Management, it could possibly channel ‘musical chord sequences’ and even the V10 wail from the LFA…in a household crossover. This luxurious EV additionally goes past the standard drive modes by coming with what’s referred to as Rear Consolation Mode. In essence, it places the accelerator on a extra relaxed setting, and the electronically-controlled dampers work extra time to maintain these seated on the again as indifferent from any street harshness as attainable.
Pricing has but to be revealed, and so too are the trims. We’ll know the complete story as soon as Lexus publishes these, and the 2027 will attain showrooms by late 2026.
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