The dynamic focus will carry over to the interior, where Lexus EVs will adopt the brand’s new “Tazuna” approach to cockpit design. As a pioneer of the new NX, this places a strong focus on improving the driving experience. Large windows, a curved dashboard and sports seats are said to be the hallmarks of the EV family, while advanced driver and navigation aids are supposed to enable a high degree of autonomous driving.
As part of the transformation of its image, Lexus will attempt to radically diversify its product range in order to gain a foothold in the premium segment, particularly in Europe, where it aims to achieve a market share of 3% with six-digit annual sales. Ruch said to Autocar: “We cover the most important segments that we want to cover, but of course we always look at what would make sense, or are there other ways to expand our range?”
He confirmed that Lexus is considering models in new segments and suggested a replacement for the CT 200h hatchback, which was withdrawn from the UK last year after a decade on sale, is being planned. A new generation hatchback would offer Lexus a rival to the best-selling Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but Ruch said Lexus was considering “different options – nothing decided,” suggesting the CT should be in its second generation .
Lexus hydrogen fuel cell possible
Lexus parent company Toyota remains committed to developing hydrogen fuel cell technology as an alternative to battery electrification and recently launched the second generation of its Mirai FCEV sedan. The Mirai uses the same elongated version of the GA platform as the Lexus LC coupe and LS sedan, suggesting that the fuel cell powertrain could also find its way into one of the premium brand’s models.
Pascal Ruch said: “You may one day see a Lexus fuel cell. It is not impossible. “However, he did not let go of which segment such a vehicle could occupy and emphasized that it had to be” different “from the Mirai.
In 2016, Lexus showed off the sleek, hydrogen-powered LF-FC sedan concept (above) as a preview of a production model that was originally slated to hit the market by 2020. More recently, Toyota has emphasized that hydrogen will play a key role in electrifying the group.