WeeklySA_AdminSLEEK ELEGANCE: Lexus all-new electric three row/six-seat SUV designed to support a variety of lifestyles and adding new value of spending time inside the vehicle…
By Ali Mphaki
Have you noticed how people who own a Lexus like to imagine themselves as individuals who value time and authenticity?
This notwithstanding results of a recent British survey which shows Lexus drivers tend to be the boring type, a curious proposition my cynic nature is most likely to agree with. I have a couple of living examples, if you so wish.
The Lexus “chip on the shoulder”, if you like, can be traced to way back to its founding days in 1989, somewhat disrupting the market in taking on established brands by offering customers new technologies and new forms of value.
No doubt brand Lexus has since remained committed to the spirit of innovation, even if at times one may be tempted to say they are trying too hard.
At the same time, it would be folly to deny that Lexus has managed to snap some sizeable chunk of buyers from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and in some extreme cases even Porsche.
What seems to work for Lexus, unlike its German competitors, is not so much high performance but comfort and sensible driving experience.
And just as we woke up on Monday this week we were privy of the world premiere of the all-new Lexus TZ, a six-seat, fully electric premium SUV.
The jury may be out as to whether the styling would stand out in the expanding luxury mid-size SUV market, but obvious is how the TZ’s design fuses simplicity with sharpness.
Its designers further want us to believe the TZ features a design born from functional beauty that harmonizes typically conflicting engineering and styling demands.
As earlier alluded to characteristics of a Lexus owner, this quest of being unique gets further credence with the new Lexus brand vision “Discover” and commitment to “imitate no one,”.
To this effect, we got to learn the TZ is designed around the concept of the “driving lounge” an interior development targeted lounge-like comfort in every seat.
The long wheelbase and accommodation of the battery entirely beneath the floor, ensure there is space to accommodate six seats arranged in three rows. The second row features individual captain’s chairs while the third row thanks to the absence of a fuel tank allows the rearmost seats to be set lower, so that even taller adults can sit in relative comfort.
The front and second row seats have integrated heating and ventilation, and seat heating is also available in the third-row grade – a rare feature in six or seven-seat SUVs.
The cabin’s open feel is enhanced with a panoramic roof. It is the largest yet featured on a Lexus model, extending above all six seats.
Banging of the doors is also a thing of the past. The doors have an easy-closing system. This detects when a door is half-closed and completed the action, quietly and with light force.
For audio excellence, the TZ can be specified with a bespoke 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
A Smart Digital Key+ will be available, integrated into the wallet on the owner’s smartphone or watch and shareable with up to six other users.
Details include semi-flush door handles, strong character lines, textured surfaces and boldly styled alloy wheels (20 or 22-inch according to equipment grade).
Powered by a dual-motor AWD system producing 300kW, the TZ is said to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds. It also offers rapid DC charging with a 10 – 80 percent charge achievable in approx. 35 minutes, as well as an estimated driving range of up to 640km.
Importantly for SA, the TZ is currently under study for possible introduction to the local market.
The growing legion of Lexus enthusiasts can’t wait!
