Lexus is set to unveil a new concept car at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, scheduled from October 26th to November 5th. This concept car is poised to offer a sneak peek into the automaker’s first next-generation Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), slated for production in 2026. While specific details remain under wraps, Lexus has tantalised enthusiasts with a solitary teaser image that showcases the car’s distinctive lighting signature and aerodynamically designed silhouette.
It remains unclear whether the enigmatic vehicle featured in the cryptic teaser is connected to the Lexus-branded sketch unveiled by Toyota in April 2023. Nevertheless, discerning observers have noted shared characteristics, including sharp lines adorning the front fenders, slender headlights, prominent bumper openings, mirror-replacing cameras, and a sleek aerodynamic windshield.
Lexus is boldly asserting that its forthcoming next-generation BEV will usher in a “revolution” in the modular structure of the vehicle’s body, encompass significant changes in production methods, and orchestrate a comprehensive overhaul of the software platform. Moreover, the design philosophy will be meticulously aligned with the quintessential Lexus characteristics.
The exterior aesthetics of the upcoming BEV will underscore the paramount importance of aerodynamics, while the interior will feature sustainable yet high-quality materials. Weight reduction measures will be integral to enhancing performance and efficiency. Notably, Hiroki Nakajima, Executive Vice President of Toyota, has previously hinted that the design and driving performance of their next-gen BEVs are destined to “set hearts racing.”
Lexus is unwavering in its commitment to delivering a captivating driving experience in its future fully electric models, coupled with innovative services. Key technologies that will underpin this vision include the Direct4 four-wheel-drive system and steer-by-wire, aimed at delivering a “linear steering feel.” It is anticipated that this BEV will ride on a novel modular architecture that will eventually underpin multiple new models across the Toyota and Lexus brands. While specific power output figures remain undisclosed, expectations are high for the inclusion of a yet-to-be-revealed number of electric motors, promising impressive performance.
In a recent development, Toyota divulged details about its next-gen battery technology, a revelation that is likely to reverberate through the Lexus lineup. The Performance lithium-ion battery, set to debut in production models in 2026, is a prime contender for the upcoming BEV. It boasts a remarkable range of 497 miles (800 km) and offers a rapid 10-80 percent charge time of just 20 minutes, all while being 20 percent cheaper to produce compared to current battery packs. The next evolutionary step is the High-Performance lithium-ion battery, expected to make its debut between 2027 and 2028, providing over 612 miles (1,000 km) of range and further cost savings of 10 percent. Finally, Toyota’s solid-state battery is anticipated to make its debut in 2027-2028, with a rapid 10-80 percent charge time of as little as 10 minutes. The driving range is projected to eventually surpass an impressive 746 miles (1,200 km), with even greater milestones on the horizon, reaching as far as 932 miles (1,500 km) in the future.
Enthusiasts and industry observers are eagerly awaiting the Lexus concept’s debut, with hopes that it will shed more light on the forthcoming production model. However, it is expected that the focus of this unveiling will lean towards providing insights into the exterior and interior design, leaving further specifications to be unveiled in due course. Lexus had previously declared its intent to transition into an exclusively Electric Vehicle (EV) brand by 2035. Beyond the RZ, the solitary BEV offering in the current Lexus lineup, the automaker has teased electric concepts spanning various body styles, including sportscars, large SUVs, and low-slung models available in sedan, hatchback, and cabriolet forms.
