New Lexus Luxury Limo is a 6 -Seat Electric SUV
The all-new Lexus TZ electric executive SUV promises lounge-like space and an ambience that promote relaxation, enjoyment and conversation, according to Lexus.
Whether you’re a Chauffeur, or run executive transport to airports, or just enjoy providing luxurious transportation with an air of serenity for your family, Lexus may have the answer for you with their 5.1 meter long, all-electric TZ executive SUV.
Lexus is focusing a lot of attention on the interior ensuring its customers are happy and comfortable whichever seat they’re in, focusing on lounge levels of comfort and space.
A large, opening panoramic roof extends over all three rows of seats with Lexus stating “the sense of openness and the peaceful, comfortable atmosphere reflect the Zen-like tranquillity found in traditional Japanese homes and architecture”.
All it needs to complete the tranquility is a ‘do not disturb’ sign for passengers to fully commit to the peaceful space the TZ aims to bring.
Chief Engineer Takeshi Miyaura explains: “We envisioned the Lexus target brand value – customers who value time and choose authenticity – and aimed to deliver a new Lexus experience. Electrification – a battery electric vehicle – emerged as the method for realising these values because it offers an ideal blend of driving enjoyment and evolution. In addition to the Lexus experience of ‘seeing, riding and driving,’ we now offer the new value of ‘spending time’ inside the vehicle.”
Interior
The supreme comfort, quietness and luxury features, is said to be curated with Lexus’s unique “Omotenashi hospitality and Takumi craftsmanship principles”.
The 3 meter long wheelbase comfortably accommodates 95.82 kWh battery beneath the floor to maximise the sense of space inside the cabin.
The second row comprises of individual captain’s chairs with the third row claiming generous head and leg room thanks to the rearmost seats set low, so there is little sense of a cinema-like seating arrangement at the back which allows taller adults to travel more comfortably.
And with the two middle seats being Captain’s chairs, access the back row is considerably easier thanks to space between the two middle chairs, or by using the walk-in switches that fold the outer second row seats.
Both the front and second row seats are heated and ventilated, with seat heating available in the third row – a rare feature.
For those that like to put their feet up, Lexus says there are “ottoman-style leg rests for the front and second row passengers”.
Lexus showcases its new Responsive Hidden Switch technology in the instrument panel with a clean, seamless upholstered finish. But waft your hand over it and a series of switch function icons illuminate with the switches providing physical responsive feedback when touched.
The same Responsive Hidden Switches are also found on the TZ’s steering wheel, which could be a little frustrating when quickly glancing down first, as a glance will not highlight what’s available and where.
The doors are semi-self closing detecting the halfway point and then providing the soft close. Despite their size, only a gentle force is required.
For those that appreciate fine sound quality, there’s an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system that provides a 3D sound stage with pure, distortion-free sound quality with rear-seat-specific tuning.
Up front there’s a 12.3 inch driver’s instrument display with a polarised film on the display to avoid glare and windscreen reflections so not to obscure the information. This also has navigation mirroring from the central display.
And the central display is an agreeable 14-inch multimedia screen with in-car functionality such security, connected services and convenience features, with some subscription services that are managed via the LexusLink+ app.
Standard Services package includes the essential such as maintenance reminders, cloud-based navigation, a voice agent, access to remote services for your app to lock/unlock doors, turn on the climate control as well as managing over-the-air software updates.
A Smart Digital Key+ will be available thats integrated into the owners smartphone wallet - or smartwatch - that can be shared with up to six other people. It means the physical key does not need to be present when boarding the car and driving off, for example.
Connect & Drive bundle provides an enhanced navigation and ‘voice agent’ functions, plus music streaming (Spotify) is available.
Connect & Secure provides an additional layer of security with a dashcam and a remote immobiliser and anti-Theft system.
Ride
A new “Comfort” mode optimises comfort for rear passengers by integrating the optional Dynamic Rear Steering with front-rear braking balance which allows the rear wheels to turn in by up to four degrees, either in synchronisation with the front wheels, or opposing the angle of the front wheels. This is said to avoid unnecessary movement of the car’s body for a smoother ride with less side-to-side head movement for the passengers. This system also provides great high speed stability.
A further benefit is a reduced turning radius of 5.4 metres with the optional DRS and 5.8 metres without DRS.
Lexus has an all-new technical centre in Japan called Shimoyama that has extensive simulated and on-track testing programmes allowing design and engineering teams to collaborate on producing the best customer experience for quietness, comfort and a smooth ride.
However, with front MacPherson struts and multi-link rear suspension, it suggests a compliant ride vs a serene ride that air suspension could offer.
The Specs
With Lexus’s DIRECT 4 all-wheel drive system, power is rated at a mighty 402 bhp enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in a very athletic 5.4 seconds, which, given its size is quite the achievment.
The 95.82 kWh battery provides a driving range of up to 330 miles which Lexus states is “cruising range”, but has not yet revealed official WLTP figures yet.
DC rapid Charging is limited to 150 kW taking 35 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, and - like the Lexus ES 350e - this is a little disappointing as rivals with 800v architecture offer much fast charging speeds.
Although, the AC charger is rated up to 22 kW, suitable for three-phase supplies.
Load space is enormous with 290 litres behind the 3rd row of seats in their upright position, stretching to a van–like 2,017 litres with the second and third row of seats folded down.
Full specifications, prices and launch dates will be released in due course.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.