Lexus has two important concepts at this year’s Japan Mobility Show. The LF-ZC looks more production-ready and previews a battery-powered liftback that is supposed to go on sale in 2026. The vehicle you see here – the LF-ZL – is a different thing though, as it foretells the brand’s flagship EV product that will go “beyond just the car.”
Lexus is keeping most (if not all) technical specifications in secret. The company only says the concept will ride on a next-generation EV architecture and from the LF-ZC concept we know this new platform will position the front occupants in a low, forward position space. The underpinnings also combine a fully flat floor with a panoramic roof for both overhead spaciousness and a lower drag coefficient.
Another big novelty will be the Arene OS, which is Lexus’ latest software tech with over-the-air updates and advanced AI features. The firm will also put a focus on the quietness inside the cabin. With a length of 5,300 mm (208 inches), there is plenty of room for the passengers and their luggage.
One particularly interesting detail regarding the production version of this vehicle – and all other electric products from Lexus – is that it will feature a new modular structure. It splits the vehicle into three main parts – front, center, and rear, and each one of them is produced through gigacasting. If this sounds familiar to you, this is a very similar approach to what Tesla is doing. Lexus says casting provides more freedom of form and the structure generally has increased rigidity. We’ll just add that this is a generally less complex and cheaper method of producing electric vehicles.
Lexus also highlights the extensive use of artificial intelligence. In the LF-ZL, AI is implemented to help improve the connection between occupants and their surroundings. For example, when the driver points to an object of interest during the journey, the car provides additional information regarding this location with voice guidance. This is possible thanks to the car’s onboard sensors, which work in conjunction with digital data from the surroundings.
