In the Indian luxury car industry, luxury automaker Lexus has set aggressive targets for substantial growth in both sales and market share. The similar architecture among these ideas will act as the basis for a future collection of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) from Toyota and Lexus. In a market for luxury cars that is seeing a major electrification change, the Japanese luxury brand views this new electric platform as a strategic advantage. compared to its parent firm Toyota, which uses a variety of powertrains, Lexus is resolute in its resolve to transition to an all-EV luxury product by 2035.
Lexus’s Next-Gen EV Strategy in India’s Basic Features
1. Acceleration of Sales Growth
In the premium automobile market, Lexus India has progressively gained interest since its formal launch in 2017.
2. EV Launch Scheduled for 2026
The introduction of the LF-ZC in production is expected to mark an important turning point for Lexus in India in 2026.
3. Concept Preview for LF-ZC
Displayed at the Japan Mobility Show, the LF-LC concept offers an early look at Lexus’s upcoming design language, which includes the recognizable spindle’ grille.
4. Cutting-edge steering and interior technology
The futuristic interior of Lexus, which includes a unique yoke steering system, a state-of-the-art Heads-Up Display (HUD), and cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), is seen in the LF-LC concept car.
4. Having a competitive position
The LF-ZC is anticipated to compete in the premium sedan class, taking on rivals such as the Mercedes-E-Class.
With its modern and inventive products, Lexus hopes to not only catch up with but also redefine the luxury vehicle market as it sets out for an EV-centric future in India.
5. LF-ZL SUV Concept and Electrified Future
Lexus unveiled the LF-ZL, an SUV concept sharing the modular architecture of the LF-ZC.
Cutting-Edge Battery Technology
Lexus aims to distinguish itself through a new-generation battery featuring compact yet energy-dense prismatic NMC cells. The brand is optimistic about gaining a competitive edge with this advanced battery technology, offering superior performance and a charging time of 20 minutes from 10-80 percent SOC.
Strategic Lineup Decisions
Until the new-generation BEVs hit the Indian market, Lexus will maintain a hybrid-only lineup. Plans for introducing the all-electric UX have been shelved due to concerns about its rear seat space and pricing.
But a lot will depend on the price, and to be competitive, Lexus will need to locally assemble its range of products. Watanabe says that is a possibility: “We would have to look at the proper time to do that, but that is definitely a possibility. We are going to take these best manufacturing practices to other markets and apply them at the right time. Hence, the ease of manufacturing of the new BEVs will come through.”
LF-ZL concept
Lexus also previewed the LF-ZL, an SUV concept built on the same modular architecture as the LF-ZC, but it hasn’t announced when a production model will arrive in showrooms. With the demand for SUVs showing no signs of being satiated, these will form an important part of Lexus’ electrified future, especially in India. “Like in the global market, the potential for SUVs in India is undeniable. So we see a lot of potential for SUVs in your market,” says Watanabe.The LF-ZL is an SUV concept based on the same architecture as the LF-ZC.
The LF-ZL gives an idea of what that future all-electric SUV could be. At 5,300mm long, the LF-ZL is bigger than even the flagship LX, and with a 2,020mm width and 3,350mm wheelbase, the interior room is cavernous and swathed in tech and luxury. Again, with the LF-ZL, Lexus is confident of mounting a strong challenge in the luxury SUV space. Where Lexus hopes to get a strong edge over its rivals is with a new-generation battery that uses a new structure of prismatic NMC cells that are compact yet energy-dense to achieve more efficient packaging and a 1,000km range with a charging time of 20min from 10-80 percent SOC.
UX not coming to India
Until the first of the new-generation BEVs arrives, Lexus will continue with a hybrid-only line-up. Plans to launch the all-electric UX have been shelved as the cramped rear seat and a Rs 60 lakh-plus tag would have found very few takers. Besides, the UX is already looking dated in the hyper-fast-moving EV world. “If I introduced the UX four years ago, it would have been a very good car, but [not] now when technology and batteries are evolving and cars are going beyond a 600km range,” says Soni. Also, the first EVs Lexus brings to India need to reflect the pioneering and cutting-edge role for EVs the brand has been entrusted with in the Toyota world.
2023-12-04 19:37:02
