Lexus TZ: Luxury three-row electric SUV locked in for Australian launch

The Lexus TZ has been confirmed for Australian release, with the large three-row electric SUV set to take on the likes of the Volvo EX90 and Cadillac Vistiq.

It's due to arrive in Australia during 2027, and will slot in above the five-seat RZ electric SUV.

The TZ is closely related to the upcoming Toyota Highlander EV and Subaru Getaway, sharing their TNGA platform and batteries. Unlike those models, however, it's being built in right-hand drive.

Local pricing and specifications, as well as more specific launch timing, will be announced closer to the TZ's local arrival.

In the US, the TZ is offered with a choice of 76.96kWh or 95.82kWh lithium-ion batteries, with the former offering 407km of range under the stricter US EPA test cycle, and the latter offering between 449km and 507km.

Lexus quotes total system outputs of 230kW and 445Nm from the dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, and a claimed 0-60mph (0-96km/h) time of between 6.2 and 6.5 seconds, depending on the variant.

Unusually, the TZ has less power than the upcoming dual-motor all-wheel drive Highlander EV (252kW) and significantly less than the Getaway (313kW), for which Subaru quotes a 0-60mph time of less than five seconds.

The TZ's 'DIRECT4' all-wheel drive system is said to dynamically distribute torque during cornering. A four-wheel steering system is available, a first for an electric vehicle (EV) from Toyota.

In addition to Normal, Sport, and Eco drive modes, the TZ also has 'Range' and 'Rear Comfort' modes – the latter is claimed to coordinate "Dynamic Rear Steering, brake force optimisation, and drive force distribution to minimise pitching and lateral motion" to prioritise passenger comfort.

The TZ rides the same 120.1-inch (3050mm) wheelbase as the Highlander and Getaway, though the TZ's body is the longest of the trio. It measures 200.8 inches (5100mm) long – 50mm more than the Highlander – 78.3 inches (1989mm) wide, and 67.1 inches (1704mm) tall.

Cargo capacity is quoted at 13.8 cubic feet (390 litres) with all three rows of seats in use, and Lexus says it can tow up to 3500 pounds (1587kg) – matching the Getaway.

The TZ's exterior design shares elements with the unrelated GX and is clearly distinguished from the Highlander. There's a panoramic glass roof, and the TZ will be available with either 20-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels, depending on the variant.

Inside, the TZ is claimed to be among the most luxuriously appointed Lexus models to date. The brand says its front passenger and second-row captain's chairs offer ventilation and, in a first for a Lexus SUV, power-adjustable ottomans. The third-row seats "provide sofa-like cushioning" and can be had with heating.

There's also a centre console between the second-row seats with a two-tier tray system, which can be removed for easier access between the second and third rows.

Up front is a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system which includes customisable home screen widgets, an improved 'Hey Lexus' voice assistant, EV charge management with a range map, Spotify integration, and wireless smartphone mirroring, among other features.

Ahead of the driver is an unusually shaped 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that can display maps, while a 12-speaker sound system is standard with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

Lexus says it has integrated "social responsibility into the TZ" by using a raft of sustainable materials. This includes 'forged bamboo' surfaces in the cabin made from Shikoku bamboo, 'bio-based UltraSuede' plant-derived upholstery, and recycled aluminium elements inside and out.

Safety technology includes emergency steer assist, junction assist, adaptive cruise control with lane-centring, traffic sign recognition, lane-change assist, and rear pedestrian detection.

It's unclear how much the TZ will cost here.

For context, the rival Cadillac Vistiq is priced at $116,000 plus on-roads, while the Volvo EX90 range opens at $106,990 plus on-roads.

Lexus Australia earlier this year slashed the RZ's starting price by $36,559, to $84,500 before on-road costs amid slow sales for the electric SUV.

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