Lexus has revealed the wild LF-30 Electrified compact crossover at the Tokyo Motor Show. Seriously, just look at it.
The second model to debut carrying a “30” name in Tokyo this week—hello, Mazda MX-30—the LF-30’s meaning is two-fold: a look at what Lexus deems possible for 2030, and a celebration of the brand’s 30th anniversary. Suitably, it’s a lot wilder, both inside and out.
Lexus arguably kicked off the luxury hybrid movement with 2005 RX400h. The marque’s current lineup is curiously absent of fully-electric models however. That’s set to change as early as next month, when the company plans to reveal its first battery-electric vehicle for global markets. The LF-30 previews a future 10 years on from that, when Lexus predicts most of its lineup will be electrified.
It’s a massively different form compared to existing Lexus models. Up front the signature spindle grille evolves. Thanks to a blacked-out hood section and full-length glass roof, the shape appears to cover the entire height of the car when viewed from the front. Sharp lines give the LF-30 an aggressive look, particularly with its unusual, pointed tail. The enormous gullwing doors feature special glass, allowing occupants to adjust the opacity as they see fit.
The two-tone interior adopts the “Tazuna” philosophy, which Lexus says is about “how a single rein can be used to achieve mutual understanding between horse and rider”. There are multiple controls on the steering controller—don’t call it a wheel, because Lexus doesn’t—and a heads-up display to keep drivers focused on the road ahead without looking elsewhere in the cabin. Passengers are able to relax with next-gen gesture controls for the infotainment and even the roof, which uses augmented reality so showcase videos or navigation. It’s all very Tony Stark futurist, especially the luggage-carrying drones Lexus foresees loading your trunk for you.
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Sustainable materials make up the rest of the interior. Traditional Japanese charred cedar is used on the steering controller and floor, and recycled metal provides fibers for the wave-like door trim.
The LF-30 features an in-wheel electric motor at each corner. Not only does that provide plenty of power—536hp and 516lb-ft delivers 0-60mph in under four seconds—but it means the it can operate as front-, rear, or all-wheel drive. Lexus states this setup will also allow for what it calls Advanced Posture Control. In its own words, APC “regulates the drive-power output from high-torque electric motors to adjust vehicle posture in tune with human sensibilities”. From the sounds of it, the LF-30 can adjust the ride/handling balance to suit individual drivers’ tastes.
It wouldn’t be an electric future concept without some level of autonomous driving features. Lexus says the LF-30 would be capable of advanced actions like self-parking and a Chauffeur mode, which picks owners up right at their doorstep. The LF-30 signals the switch to autonomous mode with different exterior and interior lighting.
Don’t expect the LF-30 to be a production model, even in 2030. Do expect hints of its design to trickle down to the regular model range over time however, and for aspects of its four-corner EV system to arrive in the afore-mentioned dedicated Lexus battery vehicle.
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