Lexus TZ three-row electric SUV teased ahead of global debut

Key takeaways

• Lexus TZ three-row electric SUV revealed May 7
• Based on Toyota Highlander EV with up to 515km range
• Australian launch unconfirmed, but RHD production looks likely

Lexus has dropped a shadowy teaser of its upcoming three-row electric SUV with the global reveal locked in for 11.30am AEST on Thursday, May 7. The new model, widely expected to be called the Lexus TZ, will sit at the top of the brand's EV lineup as a luxury alternative to the Toyota Highlander EV. Australian availability remains unconfirmed.

What we know about the Lexus TZ

Lexus TZ Spyshot

The TZ name was hinted at by European trademark filings for "TZ450e" and "TZ550e" lodged in mid-2023, and prototypes have been spotted testing at the Nürburgring in recent weeks. Lexus has only said "something new is coming," but the silhouette in the teaser image points squarely to a Highlander EV-based platform.

Expect the usual Lexus design upgrades over its Toyota sibling including a sculpted spindle grille, split LED headlights, and more aggressively shaped wheel arches. The interior should carry over a 14.0-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with six and seven-seat layouts likely on offer.

Expected powertrain and battery

Powertrains are expected to mirror the Toyota Highlander EV, with a front-wheel drive entry point and a dual-motor all-wheel drive flagship. Two battery sizes are anticipated. Final Lexus TZ figures will be confirmed at the May 7 reveal.

Figures based on the Toyota Highlander EV, which shares the TZ's expected platform.

Toyota Highlander

A higher-output variant tipped at around 313kW has also been floated for the TZ550e, which would give the Lexus a clear performance edge over the Toyota.

Will the Lexus TZ come to Australia?

Local pricing and availability have not been confirmed. Toyota has all but ruled out the Highlander EV for Australia which casts some doubt on the TZ's chances here. However, Japanese reports suggest a right-hand drive version is being readied for the Japanese market, which would clear the biggest hurdle for a local launch.

Thursday's reveal will tell Australian buyers exactly what they might be missing, or what's coming their way.

Frequently asked questions

When will the Lexus TZ be revealed?

Lexus will unveil the TZ on Thursday, May 7, with the global debut scheduled for 11.30am AEST.

Is the Lexus TZ coming to Australia?

Australian availability has not been confirmed. Reports suggest a right-hand drive version is being built in Japan, which would make a local launch more feasible.

What is the Lexus TZ's expected range?

The TZ is expected to share its battery options with the Toyota Highlander EV, offering up to a claimed 515km from the larger 95.8kWh pack.