Lexus’ Three-Row Electric SUV ‘TZ’ Spotted Testing: Luxury Highlander EV Sibling Takes Shape

The three-row all-electric SUV from Lexus, a sub-brand of Toyota, is spotted testing, which will be the luxury sibling of the Highlander EV. Reports say that it is the Lexus TZ, an all-electric version of the TX, which is available with ICE, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

It is spotted testing in Germany, highly camouflaged yet revealing much about its exterior. In the Japanese market, it will make its debut in May 2026 with a price of 9.5 million yen; but in the US market, it may be introduced in early 2027 with a price of $60,000.

Back in 2023, it was patented with the European Union Intellectual Property Office in two variants, which are the Lexus TZ450e and the Lexus TZ550e. Globally, it will compete with the Kia EV9, Volvo EX90 and Rivian R1S.

Flush-type Door Handles & Large Alloy Wheels

As the Lexus is yet to reveal the TZ, details regarding its exterior are uncertain. However, the spy shots have revealed some details about it. It has a sporty rear profile with a sloping roofline that improves aerodynamics, and the windscreen at the back is quite small but gives a sleek and premium look. 

It has a full-width LED taillight bar, which creates a wider and more planted stance. There’s a large glass area near the third row for better visibility of rear-seating passengers. The door handles are flush-type for a premium look and feature large alloy wheels that improve efficiency. 

Large Touchscreen Infotainment System & Caption Seats 

The interior of TZ is set to feature a Tazuna cockpit with a driver-focused layout. Inside the cabin, there will be a very few buttons. All the controls will be through the infotainment system, which is likely to be 14-inch. There will also be a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for drivers, which shows all driving dates.

It is certain that it will get a head-up display, which will project the driving data onto the windscreen. The wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, voice assistant, and connected car tech are to be available. Seating for 6 people is available with a layout of 2-2-2 and for 7 people with 2-3-2.

One with a seating capacity of 6 people with a featured caption seat in the second row, which gives a more comfortable seating position. The seats are likely to be made up of semi-aniline leather and trims with metal but with the soft-touch materials. Ventilated and heated seats are expected only in the front row.

To enhance the mood during the night, the cabin will feature multi-colour ambient lighting, and the 20-speaker Premium Mark Levinson sound system is also expected to give an immersive sound experience inside the cabin. It will also get a panoramic glass roof that makes the cabin airy and gives a spacious feel.

AWD Drivetrain & Large Battery Pack

The Lexus TZ is going to be based on the modified TNGA-K EV platform, which is also used in the Highlander EV. It is expected that it will feature two electric motors, one on the front axle and the other on the rear; the setup makes it an all-wheel drive vehicle. The transmission will be single-speed automatic.

It is expected to come with a 95.8 kWh battery pack, whose range will be around 515 km (320 miles). The report says that the TZ450e and TZ550e power outputs will be 338 hp and 420 hp, respectively. The acceleration timing for 0-100 km/h is set to be quicker for the TZ550e compared to the TZ450e.