First Lexus built on dedicated EV platform to be released in 2022

Lexus has confirmed it will launch its first EV underpinned by a dedicated electric car platform in 2022.

While the UX-300e compact crossover, due on Aussie shores in November, is already all-electric, it’s built upon existing hybrid architecture rather than a bespoke EV base.

The upcoming standalone EV was previewed with the stylish LF-Z concept, which features a lower stance than existing Lexus SUVs and a number of performance-oriented design cues, reports Autocar.

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It’s believed the production version of the Lexus EV will use Toyota’s bZ (Beyond Zero) platform, which underpins the 2022 bZ4X. The new Toyota is powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system which will likely be carried over to the new Lexus, though power, range, and charging specifics are yet to be revealed.

The as-yet unnamed SUV will be the first of several new EVs from the luxury Japanese brand, which plans to have 10 hybrid or fully-electrified models on offer by 2025. While most talk so far has surrounded SUV and crossover body styles, Lexus says every car in its line-up will have some form of electric assistance within the next four years.

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The PHEV Lexus NX hasn't been confirmed for Australia

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Lexus NX SUV will also be released this year, based on the RAV4 PHEV’s architecture.

The NX will be the first PHEV to wear a Lexus badge, though so far only the internal combustion models are locked in for Australia. PHEV technology has been slower to reach Lexus than parent company Toyota, which unveiled its plug-in Prius back in 2011.

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The Lexus CT will no longer be available from November

Recent changes to the Lexus range extend beyond the EV sphere, with new Australian Design Rules forcing the CT, RC and almost-new IS off the market from this November.

Aside from the new UX and NX models, Aussie consumers can expect Lexus product launches in January and February 2022 - one of which will be the LandCruiser 300 Series-based LX off-roader.