The Lexus LF-ZC Concept is Coming to Production in 2026

Lexus brought two concept EVs to the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. The LF-ZL is a look at an electric flagship that the automaker is seriously considering, but the LF-ZC is already scheduled for a launch in 2026.

It's easy to look at Lexus as being a conservative brand, but, as the company correctly points out, it started off by pushing boundaries. By going after well-established luxury players and delivering things that they couldn't.

With that in mind, Lexus says it will continue to push boundaries, following its commitment to becoming fully electric by 2035. The Lexus LF-ZC is the latest step in that direction.

The name means Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst. No, that doesn't make much sense, but does it really matter? The vehicle that wears the badge is a sleek design that will be based on a new architecture. With increased integration between software, hardware, and the chassis, and an entirely new software architecture that Lexus says will open it up to development like a smartphone operating system.

It's too early for Lexus to talk about range, but the company went into more detail about big plans for the EV. Plans that include a more natural-feeling steer-by-wire system a lower center of gravity thanks to thinner battery packs, and a more spacious cabin. It will also use new manufacturing techniques, which split the body into three large parts.

The LF-ZC will use a new generation of battery cells that Lexus says should double range compared with what it calls "conventional" EVs. That's combined with a coefficient of drag expected to be an exceptional 0.2.

With all of the major parts made smaller, Lexus says the LF-ZC will have better driving performance. It called the vehicle "engaging and exhilarating.

Lexus is using lots of bamboo in the car, part of a concept of its own. The use of the material is meant to show off the automaker's sustainability efforts, which it is working to combine with the levels of luxury its customers expect.

LF-ZL stands for Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury. This one is intended to offer a new flagship model for Lexus. But while the design might end up influencing future production models, this is more about the Arene OS software suite.

The digital cockpit in the ZL shows off the new Arene OS software system that supports over-the-air updates but can also allow for more extensive changes to drive modes and behaviour by the driver. It has a new AI system that Lexus says will advance its voice recognition, describing it as "a service experience reminiscent of conversing with an attentive and accommodating butler."

The software is meant to anticipate what you want. Showing options and information when you need them rather than wasting space all of the time. It can also use gesture-based controls that go beyond the car. The example Lexus gave was the ability to respond to a driver pointing at sights outside the vehicle with relevant information. Imagine pointing at a restaurant and the vehicle helping you make a reservation. Or giving you facts about a landmark.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.