Toyota’s New Trademark Electric Lexus Three-Row SUV Signals a Paradigm Shift in Luxury EVs
It appears that a new electric Lexus three-row SUV is on the road. Toyota submitted four trademark applications with the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIO) this week for a new Lexus TZ model.
Lexus trademark application for a three-row electrified SUV
Toyota filed four applications, including one for a Lexus TZ450e and a premium TZ550e trim, as reported by Lexus Owners RX.
Although no other information was provided, we can piece together the information based on how Lexus names its cars.
Lexus employs the letters “S” for sedan, “X” for SUV, “M” for MPV, and so on. Lexus, like Toyota, utilizes the letter “Z” to denote zero-emission. Lexus changed the “X” with a “Z” for an EV in its first all-electric SUV, the RZ 450e.
With the introduction of the Lexus TX this year, the Japanese automaker’s largest Lexus Three-Row SUV to date, the TZ implies that an electric version is on the way.
The trademark registration makes no mention of it, but the TZ will most certainly borrow aspects from the RZ 450e, such as a “Spindle Body,” which will replace the RZ’s iconic spindle grille to improve aerodynamics.
Also read: Toyota Creates New Role to Boost EV Production in North America
The TZ will also most likely be powered by Toyota’s future dedicated EV platform rather than the E-TNGA seen in the RZ 450e. Toyota announced plans for a “completely new platform designed exclusively for BEVs” in May. The platform will be available in 2026.
The Japanese carmaker stated that new EV models will be produced on three new platforms beginning in 2026: the body and chassis, the electronic platform, and the software platform.
Lexus debuted its first all-electric model, the 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, last April under the tutelage of parent firm Toyota.
The Lexus RZ has a range of up to 220 miles and 308 horsepower thanks to a 71.4 kWh battery. The RZ is available in two trim levels: Premium and Luxury. The premium model begins at $59,650, while the luxury variants begin at $65,150 (Lexus is now offering up to $10,000 discount until the end of the month).
Despite the fact that the filing is with the EUIO, selling a Lexus Three-Row SUV in the US makes sense. Consumers continue to favor larger vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks.
Toyota has confirmed that its new three-row electric SUV will be built in the United States for the first time. Beginning in 2025, it will be assembled at the automaker’s Georgetown, Kentucky plant. Meanwhile, the company’s new battery factory in North Carolina will supply batteries.
At the same time, various automakers, including Rivian, Tesla, Mercedes, Kia, Hyundai, and others, have already released or plan to introduce a three-row electric SUV. Lexus may find that waiting until 2026 is once again too late.
