My First Look At The Lexus TZ! I Am Thoroughly Whelmed

TL;DR

The Lexus TZ is a prototype three-row electric SUV arriving fall 2026 with up to 300 miles range and 408 horsepower.

Key Points

• 1.The Lexus TZ is the brand's first three-row all-electric AWD SUV. Built on a TGA-derived BEV platform, it seats six, measures 121-inch wheelbase, weighs 5,800 lbs, and is expected to arrive fall 2026 or early 2027 badged as the 450e.
• 2.Two battery options offer up to 300 miles of range. The smaller pack is 76.96 kWh and the larger is 96.82 kWh (~90 kWh usable); both support NACS charging, with the port moved to the correct starboard side for production.
• 3.The dual-motor Direct4 AWD system produces 408 hp with torque vectoring. It achieves 0–62 mph in 5.4 seconds — matching the ES 500 electric — with variable front/rear torque distribution up to 0/100 split for cornering.
• 4.A 0.27 drag coefficient sounds impressive but CDA matters more for EVs. As the reviewer explains, the coefficient of drag alone ignores frontal area; CDA (CD × frontal area in square meters) is the real-world aerodynamic drag figure that determines EV efficiency.
• 5.Expected pricing starts around $65,000–$70,000, competing with the Ionic 9, EV9, Volvo EX90, and Cadillac Vistiq. Interior highlights include a 14-inch center screen, Mark Levinson audio, forged bamboo trim, heated third-row seats, and a large panoramic roof.