Electric Lexus TZ SUV arrives in April 2027 at €92,790

Does the Lexus TZ go far on a charge?

The official figures have yet to be finalised, though Lexus expects this model to hit 544 kilometres on the official WLTP cycle. That’s thanks to a large battery under the floor, with a 95.8kWh capacity.

As standard, the TZ can make use of three-phase AC chargers of up to 22kW, though some may be disappointed by its relatively low peak-DC charging speed, which is limited to 150kW. Lexus says that equates to a 10-80 per cent charge in about 35 minutes.

Is the Lexus TZ powerful?

It’s no slouch, though if you saw earlier reports on the TZ, which was purported to have 408hp, you need to realign your expectations, as the variant coming to Ireland is pegged at 313hp. More than adequate by any measure.

That comes from an electric motor front and rear, which Lexus says allows for adjustment of the balance of power front to back as needs be using its ‘Direct 4’ control system. Saying that, the front motor is more powerful than the one on the rear axle, so there are limits.

A 0-100km/h time of 6.6 seconds is quoted, though of more relevance is the fact the TZ can tow up to 1,500kg of braked load.

On the subject of practicalities…

Smooth segue there. The boot of the TZ holds 257 litres when all seats are in use, with space under the floor to stash the unused luggage cover and more besides. There’s no frunk up front, though.

A six-seat layout is standard in the TZ and there’s no sign of any seven-seat option on the horizon. The front seats get electric adjustment, ventilation and heating.

Elsewhere, there’s a new Lexus infotainment system called Arene, accessed via a 14-inch touchscreen with navigation and smartphone mirroring included.

The instrumentation is digital too – on a 12.3-inch display – and two wireless device chargers are included. As is three-zone climate control, a massive opening glass roof, powered tailgate, digital key tech and a head-up display.

Greyscale ‘Tahara’ leather is the only upholstery, though there is an interesting trim material called Forged Bamboo throughout the cabin.

What about the exterior?

As you can see, the Lexus TZ is a blocky big SUV. It’s more than five metres long, two metres wide and the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear axles) measures over three metres.

All Irish cars will be fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels featuring matte-black ‘aero’ covers for a distinctive appearance.

Five paint colours will be available: Sonic Tellus (the green hue shown on all the promotional material so far), F White (that’s presumably F for Fuji rather than anything naughty), Skylight Blue, Graphite Black and Sonic Grey.

What does "TZ" mean anyway?

You'll be sorry you asked. Lexus says it stands for "Thoughtfully designed. Zero emissions." Making up for that cheesiness somewhat is the impressive warranty package - up to 10 years or one million kilometres.

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