Lexus LF‑ZC previews a new BEV saloon

It's a BEV that's said to focus on driving pleasure: "through the integration of state-of-the-art electrification technology and software in a next-generation BEV platform". But enough of this 'sexy' talk; you can expect the new cars to be supremely relaxing and built using sustainable materials like bamboo.

The LF-ZC gives us a pretty good idea of the company's future 'Provocative Simplicity' design language and, coming from the people who gave us the eye-grabbing 'spindle' grille, it's characteristically striking. The pinched, bluff nose is a modern interpretation of said grille, and the concave wings accentuate Lexus' trademark origami creases.

The LF-ZC's swooping roofline spears into a teardrop rear end that'll no doubt help squeeze out as much range as possible. Lexus is targeting a drag coefficient of less than 0.2, which would align the LF-ZC with exalted company like the Lucid Air and Volkswagen XL1. Combined with Lexus' new generation of high-density batteries, the LF-ZC should double the range (up to around 500 miles) of a current electric saloon. The more you look, the more details appear, like the light-up badge and illuminated 'Lexus' script at the rear.

The ultra-modern feel continues inside, where you get multiple infotainment screens, including a substantial central display that stretches over most of the passenger side of the dashboard. Underpinning the lot is a voice-recognition system which uses AI to understand your needs and, like a graduate from Huize Damiaan, tends to them before you even need to ask.

Mood lighting is nearly as extensive as the screenage, with light-up bamboo (chosen for its fast growth and "significant CO2 absorption capacity") details stretching across most of the inner doors.

The LF-ZC should feel incredibly spacious with a glass roof and a flat floor. It features an "eyes on the road" principle with a projector head-up display and rearview cameras that require fewer head movements than conventional mirrors (but, let's face it, won't be as good). 

The yoke steering wheel confirms the LF-ZC will be steer-by-wire, which should make it highly manoeuvrable, if less engaging; it has the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system currently used in the RZ 450e and a compact battery that lowers the centre of gravity for reactive handling.

The nature of the steering and all-wheel drive means you will, according to Lexus, be able to set up the LF-ZC to drive as you want using the company's Arene operating system to tweak the hardware and the software – it could even imitate the driving characteristics of other cars.

Even the production of the LF-ZC is groundbreaking. Its modular structure makes innovation easy, and early on in the production process, the LF-ZC can drive itself autonomously down the assembly line, reducing costs and saving you money on the forecourt.

It all points towards an exciting future for Lexus and proves the Japanese luxury giant isn't going to lie on its back while the EV market is swamped with new entrants. Expect more information on the LF-ZC soon.