Lexus adds more EVs to its lineup

Lexus' transition to a full-electric brand in North America began this year with the RZ450e. But the transition to the company's 2035 target date isn't expected to pick up steam until at least 2025, when a second electric vehicle, an ES-size sedan, is due.

Toyota Motor Corp. has committed Lexus to have an EV in each of its segments by 2030 and sell only EVs by 2035. 

That means its current internal combustion engine and hybrid products will have only one or perhaps two full product cycles left before they switch powertrains or are replaced by similar battery-electric models.

RZ: The electric compact crossover is powered by a dual-motor powertrain that pairs two new e-axles developed by   Aisin Corp. — a 150-kW motor in the front and an 80-kW counterpart in the back, resulting in output of 230 kW, or 308 hp. It arrives at U.S. dealerships this year and would be due for a freshening in 2027. 

EV sedan: Lexus will bring a second EV to the U.S. in 2025, with sources saying it will be an ES-size sedan, similar to the Lexus Electrified Sedan concept shown in late 2021.

EV sport coupe: The third Lexus EV, due in 2026, could be a stunning LFA-inspired sport coupe that would have a 0-to-60 mph time in the low two-second range and be a halo vehicle. However, the brand said the car's estimated 400-mile-plus battery range would rely on the "possible use of solid-state batteries" — an engineering puzzle in development.

LX: The large SUV will be due for a reengineering in 2027.

GX: The next three-row midsize SUV will be larger and more luxurious when it is redesigned onto the luxury GA-F body-on-frame platform in the first half of 2024. It will also receive the Lexus interface infotainment system and new driver-assistance and safety technology.

TX: The three-row crossover debuting this year gives the brand a rival to Infiniti's QX60, Cadillac's XT6 and BMW's X7, which is assembled in Indiana alongside the new Toyota Grand Highlander, and features a Level 2 automated driving-assistance feature called Lexus Teammate that will allow for hands-free driving in certain conditions. It will be due for a midcycle freshening in 2027.

RX: The three-row version of the RX will sunset with the introduction this year of the TX. The redesigned version debuted in 2022, and will be due for a midcycle freshening in 2027 on a lengthened product cycle. 

NX: The compact crossover will be due for a midcycle freshening in 2025, and a reengineering in 2027 on an extended product cycle. 

UX: The compact crossover will be reengineered in 2026 and exclusively hybrid. 

LS: The large sedan is due for another midcycle freshening in 2025. 

ES: The midsize sedan is due for a redesign in 2025.

IS: The compact sedan is scheduled for a freshening in 2026, though an earlier intervention is possible, as the IS is one of only two Lexus vehicles — along with the RC — not equipped with the Lexus interface multimedia system. 

LC: The luxury coupe and convertible will receive a midcycle freshening in 2025.

RC: The low-volume performance coupe will be due for a midcycle freshen in the second half of 2024, when it will add the Lexus interface multimedia system. It also will add the new Lexus interface multimedia system  and new driver-assistance and safety technology.