New 2021 electric Lexus LF-Z revealed

• Mix of saloon and crossover design cues
• Four-wheel drive and 0-62mph in three seconds
• New version of Lexus grille

A new Lexus LF-Z concept has been unveiled, after several dark teaser images. The LF-Z is a curious mix of saloon and SUV; it’s nearly as long as a Lexus RX but with a much lower roofline. It’ll preview Lexus’ next-generation electric and hybrid vehicles.

The LF-Z features Lexus’ ‘Direct4’ four-wheel-drive system, while we’re told that it has electric motors producing 536bhp. That would be enough to get the car from 0-62mph in just three seconds, so it would have similar performance to a range-topping Tesla Model S or Porsche Taycan.

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The powertrain also includes a 90kWh battery, which is said to be capable of 373 miles between charges. Fast-charging at up to 150kW will be possible, which should allow an 80% recharge in under half an hour.

The front end will feature a new version of Lexus’ large spindle grille - fared-in because the car is electric - plus sharp LED elements like the ones on other Lexus models. At the rear, there will be slim light clusters and a small boot spoiler, plus an interesting shark-fin antenna splitting the rear windscreen. The ‘L’ logo has been replaced with Lexus lettering across the tailgate, and there’ll be intricately creased body panels.

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If it’s based on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, the 2021 Lexus concept will share its powertrain and parts with two SUVs: the upcoming Toyota BZ, and an as-yet-unnamed Subaru EV. It’ll be able to switch power between the front and rear axles depending on the situation. Like many electric cars, the Lexus will be quick off the line but we’re told the priority will be on refinement and comfort.

Rivals will include the Volkswagen ID.4, Mercedes EQC and BMW iX3 when the Lexus reaches showrooms next year. A smaller electric SUV, the Lexus UX 300e, is already available to order, with a near-200-mile range.

Read about the Lexus range here, or see how the brand fared in our latest Driver Power standings.