# 2027 Lexus TZ: Lexus Prepares Premium Electric Crossover to Challenge Tesla and BMW
Lexus plans to launch the TZ, a new premium electric crossover, by 2027. The vehicle represents the Japanese luxury brand's push into the high-stakes EV market where Tesla, BMW's iX, and Mercedes EQE already command significant buyer attention.
The TZ will slot into Lexus's expanding electrified lineup alongside the RZ 450e, which debuted in 2023. Where the RZ targets mid-size buyers, the TZ appears positioned as a larger, more premium offering. Lexus has not yet released full specifications, but industry sources expect the TZ to compete directly in the three-row luxury electric crossover segment. That space remains less crowded than mid-size EV markets, giving Lexus room to differentiate.
Toyota's luxury division has accelerated its EV strategy under parent company Toyota's broader electrification push. The 2027 timeline aligns with Toyota's plan to launch 30 new electrified models globally by 2030. Lexus specifically targets battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell options. The TZ will carry Lexus's full-electric badge, marking another step toward the brand's stated goal of electrifying its entire lineup by 2035.
Lexus faces real competitive pressure. BMW's iX has captured premium EV buyers with its spacious cabin, advanced technology, and starting price near $85,000. Mercedes-Benz positions the EQE sedan and upcoming EQG SUV as luxury alternatives. Tesla's Model X remains the segment's sales leader despite rising competition. For Lexus to succeed, the TZ needs compelling range, charging speed, interior craftsmanship, and pricing that undercuts German competitors while offering more prestige than Tesla's utilitarian approach.
The TZ will use Lexus's own battery platform, likely shared with other Toyota group EVs. This approach controls costs and ensures Lexus can deliver competitive pricing. Toyota has invested heavily in solid-state battery development, though those cells probably won't reach production vehicles until the early 2030s. The 2027 TZ will likely use conventional lithium-ion chemistry.
Design language matters for premium EVs. Lexus designers will balance the brand's signature spindle grille (which requires reinterpretation for zero-emission vehicles) with aerodynamic efficiency. The RZ 450e offers clues: bold front fascia, LED lighting, and futuristic proportions that appeal to affluent buyers seeking something different from German designs.
Lexus has not confirmed pricing, powertrain options, or detailed features. The brand typically launches new models at auto shows or digital events, so official reveals could come in 2025 or early 2026. Production will occur at a Toyota facility, likely in Japan, though Lexus has not announced final assembly locations.
The 2027 launch date gives Lexus time to refine battery technology, software, and manufacturing processes. By then, the EV market will include new competitors like Cadillac's Escalade IQ and Genesis's expanding luxury electric range. Lexus's success depends on delivering a vehicle that matches German engineering standards while offering Japanese reliability that buyers associate with the brand.