Lexus steps up pace of electrification

Though Toyota Motor Corp.'s executive leadership has committed its luxury Lexus brand to a fully electric lineup by 2035, the pace of that transition may not be as quick as earlier believed.

Lexus is committed to having an electric vehicle in each of its segments by 2030, and some of its existing nameplates,such as the ES sedan, are likely to jump from combustion to electric, while others will fade away.

But with planning time running out before the deadline and EV sales growth not as strong as it was previously, Lexus' transition may be choppy.

RZ: Lexus' first EV is expected to be reengineered in 2026 to extend its range.

Electric sedan: Lexus will bring a second EV to the U.S., possibly in the second half of 2025, with sources saying it will be an ES-size sedan, similar to the Lexus Electrified Sedan concept shown in late 2021. It is likely to assume the ES nameplate at that time.

Electric sport coupe: A 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 range would rely on the "possible use of solid-state batteries" — an engineering puzzle in development.

LX: The large SUV will be reengineered in the second half of 2025 to add a hybrid powertrain.

GX: With the launch of the redesigned GX this year, the midsize SUV won't be due for a freshening until 2028.

TX: The larger three-row crossover will be due for a freshening in 2027.

RX: The midsize crossover, brand's top-selling nameplate, will be due for a midcycle freshening in 2027.

NX: The compact crossover will be due for a redesign in 2028 after a midcycle freshening due in spring 2025.

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

LS: The large sedan would be due for a midcycle freshening in 2025, but its fate remains in flux, and it could be culled from the luxury brand's lineup.

IS: The compact sedan is scheduled for a freshening in 2026.

LC: The luxury coupe and convertible will receive a midcycle freshening in the second half of 2025.

RC: The low-volume performance coupe may get an extension on life as a combustion vehicle beyond the introduction of an electric sport coupe replacement in 2026, but any product interventions will be minimal.