SPIED: Lexus Working on Highlander-Based EV to Rival the Kia EV9 for Big Families

The Nürburgring is open for industry testing pool evaluations, and Lexus has been spied taking advantage by giving its upcoming electric full-size three-row SUV a workout around the Nordschleife. It’s called the Lexus TZ, and it’s widely expected to be an upmarket version of the Toyota Highlander BEV, giving the award-winning Kia EV9 yet another rival to contend with. According to trademarks uncovered in 2023, it will be available in TZ450e and TZ550e forms, but before we discuss predicted output and range, let’s take a closer look at the new spy shots to try unpack its styling.

2027 Lexus TZ Looks Smart Despite Camouflage

With plenty of vinyl camouflage disrupting the lines, it’s tough to get a clear understanding of the styling, but the rear three-quarter angle is particularly attractive, showing a slanted window behind the C-pillar, indicating that those in the third row will have a decent view out. From this angle, the slant of the window gives a bit of Escalade IQ flavor, and like that vehicle, the rear windshield is relatively small, thanks to a sudden sloping of the roof. This helps create a sporty feel, but it appears that there’ll be plenty of headroom and cargo space. Muscular rear haunches draw the eye to a full-width taillight bar, but the side indicator lights are placed lower down and nearer the extremities of the rear fascia. Also apparent is a low tailgate opening that will make loading easy.

Up front, it’s even tougher to make out details, but we needn’t guess because the Lexus BEV SUV concept (not a particularly inspiring name, but it gets the job done) previews what to expect. Revealed in 2021, the concept shows angular lines and a sheer front end framed by small headlights that are not connected by an LED strip of lighting. Flush door handles also carry over from the concept to this prototype, but the wheel arches are more rounded than on the concept. We can also see a panoramic glass roof, and given how resolved this development mule looks, it likely won’t be long before the end result is revealed. Until then, the image below shows the aforementioned concept. Now, let’s talk about power and range.

2027 Lexus TZ SUV Coming in Two Flavors

According to the rumor mill, the TZ450e is likely to produce in the region of 338 horsepower, and the TX550e is expected to make up to 420 hp. The former figure is the same as the AWD Highlander EV, which gets a 95.9kWh battery pack rated at up to 320 miles. We expect at least that, but more is also possible given how quickly EV technology advances. Either way, the figures should be competitive with others in this segment; the Hyundai Ioniq 9 manages up to 320 miles in AWD form, and the Kia EV9 achieves up to 305 miles. Expect more info on the Lexus TZ to be revealed in the coming months, with a reveal before the end of the year.