A Lexus electric SUV may greet us in the future

KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus recently registered a trademark under the name RZ 450e in Australia, Europe, and the US. Unlike most of the trademarks that automakers file this one might actually see the light of the day. However, it is what we think, especially seeing the automaker’s current naming theme.

Let’s now dissect the recently filed Lexus trademaker - the RZ 450e in detail. Starting from the very beginning, Lexus lineup features the letter R in its RX crossover and RC coupe. Then comes the letter Z, it is something new and we are still pounding on what it means as C in Lexus lineup stands from the coupe, S for sedan, and X crossover. So, as Lexus Enthusiast suggests, Z could indicate a new body style like a crossover coupe. Lastly, 450e is undoubtedly pointing towards the car’s electric engine configuration, just like in the case of Lexus UX300e.

The Lexus UX 300e was the automaker’s first EV offering that it introduced last November in Europe, China, and the Japanese market. Also, the company plans to offer each of its models with an electric and plug-in hybrid power plant by 2025. The LF-30 concept that you see here in the pictures was unveiled last year. It’s edgy and sharp, looks all futuristic with its gullwing doors, polarizing styling, and four in-wheel electric motors.

There is no doubt that the upcoming era is of the EVs and almost all automakers are investing their time and energy in the segment. For example, Cadillac recently announced its all-electric crossover, the Lyriq that would be launched in 2023. Also, VW has announced to launch 75 EV and 60 hybrids by 2029, and Infiniti will come up with five new cars by 2022 that’ll include hybrid and new range extender electric vehicles.

Also Read: Lexus first PHEV to be based on Toyota RAV4 Prime