Lexus previews next-gen EV model for 2026 launch

Like Toyota, Lexus has been developing an entirely new line-up of models for launch during this decade – all powered only by electricity. While it has already been selling electrified models for some years, this new range has more advanced technologies which have become available in recent times.

In 2026, the brand will introduce a new model from this line-up and is previewing it at the Japan Mobility Show as the LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) concept. Characterized by sleek proportions, low centre of gravity, spacious cabin, and an emotionally charged design that seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics, the future BEV (battery electric vehicle) achieves more versatile vehicle packaging.

Unique BEV design elements
Focusing on aerodynamics and incorporating unique BEV functional and structural elements, the design team pursued an eye-catching, elegantly condensed form with a low centre of gravity. By crafting a sleek 0.20 Cd silhouette extending from the low-slung bonnet and tapering the cabin towards the rear, the prominent rear wheel flares are accentuated, achieving a balance between high aerodynamic performance and a wide stance.

The spindle body design extends beyond the front face and seamlessly continues along the door sides and rear bumper, symbolizing the all-encompassing evolution of function and design through electrification.

Functionality has been transformed into distinctive design features by integrating aerodynamic elements like air intakes and outlets. This has resulted in an emotionally engaging and unique exterior that delivers no compromise between aesthetics and efficiency.

Digitalized Intelligent Cockpit
Positioning the front occupants in a low, forward position creates a sense of spaciousness in the interior. The fully flat floor and panoramic roof add overhead expansiveness, resulting in an open interior design not evident from the exterior.

Various functions that were previously spread across a wide area of the cockpit have now been consolidated into the digital pad within arm’s reach. The controls for vehicle functions like shifting, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems), and Drive Mode selection are all located within the left digital pad. Convenience features such as music, climate control, phone and AI functions have been grouped within the right digital pad, designed for an intuitive and easy-to-use layout.

The ‘eyes on the road’ principle is applied by adopting a set-back meter display that projects information on to the windscreen using the same concept as an HUD. Additionally, digital mirrors are installed on both sides of the vehicle. By projecting images of the vehicle’s surroundings, shifts in the driver’s gaze, focus, and head movement during driving are minimized, achieving an unobstructed cockpit view that promotes concentration.

The expansive monitor on the front passenger side functions as a highly programmable open platform for entertainment and diverse applications, broadening the prospects for future mobility.

‘Butler’ AI technology
The next-generation voice recognition system utilizes advanced AI technology called ‘Butler’, using self-learning functions for software customization and allowing the vehicle to automatically set optimal personal settings for each customer with every drive.

Butler also aims to provide a more personalized driving experience through the accumulation of driving data. It goes beyond just understanding the occupants’ characteristics and providing suggestions that address their immediate needs, but also identifies preferences that customers may not be aware of, offering new experiential value.

The adoption of the all-new Arene OS will provide an unprecedented experience in terms of vehicle driving dynamics. It will make possible replication of various car operations, driving characteristics, sounds, and vibrations tailored to individual preferences.

The combination of Steer-by-Wire and OTA (over-the-air updating) will allow Lexus to bring vehicle settings from the virtual space into the real world. Drivers will be able to engage in e-sports using Steer-by-Wire technology inside the vehicle, for example, then implement their preferred settings through OTA to allow them to experience it in the real world. With the aid of such OTA updates, the car can then ‘grow’ with the owner, enhancing the ownership experience over time.

Bamboo CMF Concept
Throughout the interior, the Bamboo CMF (Colour, Material, Finish) Concept represents Lexus’s unique sustainability efforts, focusing on circular resource use while delivering fresh experiential value to the occupant through an innovative interior design. By incorporating bamboo into the design of its next-generation BEVs through various techniques, Lexus aims to elevate electric vehicles to a new level of luxury and beauty.

Bamboo has been chosen as the signature material to exemplify the commitment to a circular economy that efficiently reduces, reuses and recycles valuable environmental resources. Bamboo strikes a balance between its fast growth, significant CO₂ absorption capacity, and the enduring beauty it has offered in Japan for centuries as a material for construction and crafts.

The features have both practical and decorative appeal: elements incorporating bamboo fibres, and fabrics woven with bamboo thread, open the door to captivating experiences as they interact with light.

Next-generation production technology
For its next generation of BEVs, Lexus BEVs will adopt a new modular structure formed through gigacasting. This splits the vehicle body into 3 parts: front, centre, and rear. Casting provides greater freedom of form, while the integration of parts also increases rigidity, for linear and natural vehicle dynamics.

Positioning the battery pack in the central section of the vehicle body ensures that the front and rear remain structurally independent, enabling the rapid integration of battery advancements into the vehicle and contributing to more agile future development.

The production process introduces a self-driving assembly line, where vehicles can autonomously move to the next stage of assembly. This enables the vehicle to drive itself with only the battery, motor, tyres, and wireless terminal components in the front, centre, and rear sections. The elimination of conveyor belts from the production line provides more flexibility in rearranging the factory layout as necessary, enabling a reduction in the production preparation period. It will also significantly reduce factory investment costs and allow for quicker response to changing market trends.

More advanced batteries
The LF-ZC and other next-generation Lexus BEVs will use more advanced high-performance batteries. Made with a prismatic structure, the batteries are engineered to increase range through improved aerodynamic integration and weight reduction, enhancing vehicle efficiency and battery performance.

The low profile of the battery contributes to increased design flexibility for the vehicles, resulting in a more attractive silhouette. Furthermore, it offers a low centre of gravity for improved driving dynamics. Additionally, high energy density is achieved by simplifying and compacting the battery structure, allowing for the integration of more energy into the vehicle.

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