22:31 21-04-2026

2027 Lexus TZ appears in Europe during first road tests

Lexus has taken its new TZ 2027 electric crossover onto public roads, with the prototype now spotted in Europe for the first time. It is a full-size, three-row model designed to carry seven passengers. The newcomer will form part of the global EV push from Toyota and Lexus and enter a segment already occupied by the Kia EV9 and Rivian R1S.

New Lexus TZ: a Toyota-based electric crossover

The Lexus TZ is being developed as the premium counterpart to the upcoming Toyota Highlander EV and the Subaru Getaway. All three vehicles will share a common platform and unified technology, helping cut development costs and speed up their arrival on the market.

Despite the heavy camouflage, the prototype already shows familiar brand cues, including the signature spindle grille and a reworked front bumper. Even so, the design will differ from its Toyota and Subaru sister models.

Powertrain and likely specifications

Official specifications have not yet been released, but the related models already provide some useful pointers. Entry-level versions could offer around 221 hp in front-wheel-drive form and up to 338 hp with all-wheel drive, while more advanced variants may deliver as much as 420 hp.

Two battery packs are also expected, with capacities of 77 and 96 kWh. That should give the model competitive range and position it firmly in the family electric crossover class.

Market and competition: a fight for the premium segment

The new Lexus TZ is expected to compete directly with models such as the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Rivian R1S, as well as Chinese electric vehicles that are rapidly expanding across the European market.

The Lexus TZ shows that even traditionally cautious brands are accelerating their shift to electric vehicles. Seven-seat EVs are becoming the new benchmark for family cars, and competition in this segment is only set to intensify, especially under pressure from Chinese manufacturers.