2026 Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL concepts: Next-gen EVs promise 900km driving range

Lexus has debuted two never-before-seen concepts at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show; the LF-ZC grand tourer and the LF-ZL luxury SUV.

According to the Japanese brand, the two vehicles are "pushing the boundaries of the electrified experience", and represent the next step in Lexus's electrification journey.

Following the RZ, the two new models will be based on an all-new modular platform, which the LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) will debut in 2026.

Lexus chief branding officer Simon Humphries said the new vehicles "will change the paradigm, not just for BEV but for what an automobile can be."

Efficiency will be built into the light and streamlined cars as well as the production process with parts minimisation across the range, and smaller more efficient batteries offering more power and range than the RZ.

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2023 Lexus LF-ZC concept | click any image for full gallery

The sleek concept has a low roofline, almost-hidden rear doors, drastically flared rear wheel arches and a sharp front end; it takes the RZ's crisp lines and dials them up to 11.

Beyond the future BMW i3 rival's good looks, Lexus says the production version of the IS sedan-sized LF-ZC will slide through the air with its 0.2C_d which, combined with new in-house developed prismatic batteries, ought to give the LF-ZC around 900km of driving range.

That's twice that of conventional BEVs, as Lexus puts it, so we're estimating that means the 440km (WLTP) of the RZ 450e.

Although the eye-catching concept looks dramatic, its proportions are close to what you'd expect from a production vehicle.

It measures 4750mm long, 1880mm wide, 1390mm wide and rides on a 2890mm wheelbase.

Like the RZ 450e did with the BZ4x, the LF-ZC is likely to share key components with Toyota's next-generation EVs (shown off as the FT-Se and FT-3e) such as battery design, a modular platform that uses three cast sections and a development of the Direct4 all-wheel drive system.

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2023 Lexus LF-ZC concept | click any image for full gallery

Inside, the cabin features weaving bamboo in its fibres and threads, both reducing CO₂ and exemplifying Japanese takumi craftsmanship.

New Arene software drives the HMI inside with over-the-air software updates, including those for the steer-by-wire system that will remain for the next-gen Lexus EVs - and which will likely feature the controversial steering yoke.

Finally, AI technology will be built into the software so that next-gen Lexus products can optimise settings for each vehicle occupant by learning their preferences over time.

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2023 Lexus LF-ZL concept | click any image for full gallery

Lexus LF-ZL – an electric LS SUV

The Japanese luxury brand's future electric flagship, the LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury) is a spiritual successor to the LS for our electric SUV-crazed age.

With sliding rear doors, individual bucket seats and huge internal screens, the LF-ZL is a look at what future BEVs will offer occupants.

It's built around the same Arene operating system that not only updates automatically and has built-in AI for voice commands, but it will also connect with surrounding networks.

The idea is that the car can become a part of charging and battery storage infrastructure when not in use.

Inside, Lexus has reprised its touchpads for the modern screen-heavy consumer with digitised pads – which look very similar to the FT-Se's – for gear shifting and drive mode selection on the left, and audio, phone, and climate controls on the right.

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2023 Lexus LF-ZL concept | click any image for full gallery

Beyond the technological advances inside, under the skin the latest concepts promise to offer the most freedom and adaptability of the lot.

By gigacasting the front, middle and rear sections of the vehicle's platform, Lexus says it will streamline production.

Additionally, driver aids such as low-speed adaptive cruise control and autonomy can be activated when the battery, motor, tyres, and wireless terminal components are installed, so the vehicle can navigate the production line without the use of conveyors.

Lexus has not put a date on the LF-ZL's release yet but it's likely to spawn a high-end production model similar in size to a Range Rover.

The full-size SUV concept is 5300mm long, 2020mm wide, 1700mm tall, and sits on a lengthy 3350mm wheelbase.