Japanese luxury carmaker Lexus is set to join the electric vehicle trend that is now becoming a catchphrase in the global motoring industry as the company has inadvertently confirmed that an electric-powered LX SUV is about to come out soon.
The disclosure came in a press package for the currently twin-turbocharged V8-only fifth generation model, the Lexus LS, reports Stuff of New Zealand.
Lexus has snubbed its trademark hybrid efficiency for primed petrol power for the launch of the new LS at the Detroit motor show, with only a 310kW per 600N-m, 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that powers the LS 500 model.
However, company executives have been adamant in refusing questions with regards to the lack of electric vehicle on its roster.
But following the recent reveal of the LS, showed a prominent ‘EV only’ button on the lower console, the same as that used in the Toyota Prius hybrid to allow the driver to prioritize electric running over petrol power at certain times. It has subsequently sparked speculations that an electric LX is coming out soon as well.
Rectifying the oversight
Realizing that they might have revealed a little too much by showing a photo of the Lexus LS interior, the image has since been removed from the Lexus’ press website.
Nonetheless, it has already sparked rumors that hydrogen would power an electric motor in the new LS, although given the outgoing model already has a battery-powered hybrid model, the electric Lexus LX could arrive first.
The 2018 Lexus LS 500 was introduced during the North American International Auto Show held recently in Detroit, Michigan.
The plug-in 740e iPerformance mixes a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to offer 240kW/500Nm and 48km EV range between recharging.
The S500e includes a 3.0-liter turbo V6 petrol and an electric motor for 325kW/650Nm and 32km EV range between power-point top ups, reports News Summed Up.
Lexus’ product plan for the future
When it was pointed to him recently that it seemed rather unusual for a company known for hybrids that is not debuting an electric drivetrain for its technological flagship car, LS chief engineer Toshio Asahi said that they are looking into it at the moment as part of the company’s product plan for the future.
Lexus obviously needs to cope up as both the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class now offer plug-in EVs.
Asahi also said that they will be disclosing more details once they already have sufficient information to do so.
The Lexus LS is built on a Global Architecture for Luxury Vehicles (GA-L) platform that debuted in the LC coupe, a model available in LC 500h specification with a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol V6 and electric motor. But it lacks plug-in charging or extended ‘EV only’ running.
Of the possibility of the LC 500h powertrain transferring to the LS, Asahi said that from a platform standpoint that would be feasible.
Creating an LS 500h from the LC 500h powertrain would, however, see the Lexus limousine lag behind the technology already offered in the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Asked what rivals the Lexus targeted with the LS, Asahi explained that the competitors in the segment would be considered BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and the Tesla Model S as well.
The Tesla Model S is singularly available with battery power and a 500km-plus EV range.
Despite starting seemingly behind the competitor set, Asahi said that the global pinnacle must go far beyond what the world expects from a luxury car.
Meanwhile, Lexus Australia CEO Peter McGregor also rejected the suggestion that the LS could be seen as falling behind its competitor set in terms of drivetrain technology.
However, he strongly hinted that more was to come, leaving them waiting for a hydrogen or hybrid model.