A recent announcement from Lexus is the new TZ, a vehicle which is very much designed around the concept of the Driving Lounge, a seamless blending of a relaxing cabin with dynamic performance that delivers an elevated travelling experience for everyone.
The Driving Lounge concept creates a space and ambience that promote relaxation, enjoyment and conversation, enhanced by a wide, opening panoramic roof that extends above all three rows of seats. With a long wheelbase, suspension design and accommodation of the battery entirely beneath the floor ensures there is space to comfortably accommodate six seats arranged in three rows. The second row features individual captain’s chairs while the third row offers generous head and leg room and the absence of a fuel tank allows the rearmost seats to be set lower, so that even taller adults can sit and travel in full comfort. This also makes for easier rear seat access, together with walk-in switches to forward-fold the outer second row seats, tread plates and assist grips. There is a sense of openness and the peaceful, comfortable atmosphere reflect the Zen-like tranquillity found in traditional Japanese homes and architecture. The benefits of the cockpit design concept are enhanced with a hood-less driver’s instrument display, an asymmetric 12.3 inch combi meter and a low, slim, horizontally aligned instrument panel that expands the forward view from the steering wheel. Using a polarised film on the display helps avoid glare and windscreen reflections that can obscure the meters and information read-out.
Further attention to detail includes specific profiling of the front pillars to give the driver a better sightline when turning into a bend, The TZ’s dynamic performance delivers the control, confidence and comfort rewards of the Lexus Driving Signature and the travelling environment is clean and uncluttered, with functionality matched with contemporary style, as seen in the slim instrument panel and Lexus’s Responsive Hidden Switch design. A key for this newcomer is to deliver comfort for all, which is demonstrated by a selectable Rear Comfort mode that adjusts the vehicle’s dynamic systems to minimise disturbance. Design fuses simplicity with sharpness, pursuing the distinctive presence and character that are essentially true of the Lexus brand.
As well as being sleek and elegant, the styling features finely tuned, energy-saving aerodynamic details. A key element is efficient battery management in electric vehicle ownership and those who may decide to own this new Lexus have easy access to end-to-end management of all aspects of their car’s battery performance and charging via the Lexus Link+ app and LexusConnect multimedia system. These two provide live information on available EV range, battery state of charge, charging scheduling and route planning that incorporates charging points as required. Also Lexus Connect multimedia system includes a dedicated EV menu that brings together all relevant data and information relating to the battery and vehicle performance. It’s worth noting the motors have increased power outputs appropriate for the TZ’s size and performance: 167kW/224bhp/227 DIN bhp both front and rear and each eAxle produces 268.6Nm of torque. This stylish newcomer from Lexus employs a lithium-ion battery with an extra-large 95.8kWh capacity, this will deliver an anticipated driving range of up to 531km (330 miles). Finally to safety and as Lexus puts it in its pursuit of a future where there are zero road accidents, this prestige Japanese brand constantly seeks to introduce advanced, intelligent systems and technologies that make driving safer and easier. It was no surprise to learn that the TZ benefits from the latest Lexus Safety System+ package of active safety and driving assistance functions to provide wide-ranging safeguards and support.
Ian Lynas