Lexus will unveil its first three-row electric SUV in less than a week, the brand confirmed on Tuesday. The luxury vehicle, a premium sibling to Toyota’s upcoming Highlander EV, was spotted undergoing final testing for the first time ahead of its official debut.
Automotive analyst Sarah Jenkins of CarInsights said: “This debut signals Lexus’ aggressive push into the large electric family SUV segment. The three-row layout addresses a critical gap in the premium EV market, where few competitors offer genuine seven-passenger capacity.”
Spy photographs obtained by Auto Reveal show a heavily camouflaged prototype with a sleek, aerodynamic profile and Lexus’ signature spindle grille—adapted for the electric era. The SUV is expected to share Toyota’s e-TNGA platform with the Highlander EV but features unique exterior panels, a more upscale interior, and likely enhanced range and performance.
“This is Lexus’ first ground-up EV SUV with three rows, moving beyond the UX 300e and RZ 450e,” notes industry analyst James Park. “It directly targets the Tesla Model X, Mercedes EQS SUV, and upcoming electric models from BMW and Cadillac.”
Background
Toyota’s luxury arm has lagged in the EV race, launching only two battery-electric models globally by late 2024. The three-row SUV represents a strategic shift to capture the lucrative family segment while leveraging Toyota’s hybrid and fuel-cell expertise.
The Highlander EV, built on the same platform, is expected to arrive later in 2025 as a mainstream offering. Lexus will position its version with premium materials, advanced driver-assist features, and a higher price point—likely starting above $80,000.
Lexus has not yet confirmed specs, but insiders hint at a battery capacity over 100 kWh and an estimated range exceeding 350 miles. Production is slated for Toyota’s plant in Kentucky, where both models will be assembled.
What This Means
For buyers, this Lexus EV offers a rare combination of three-row seating and luxury branding in an all-electric package—a formula that has so far been limited to a handful of models. It could accelerate adoption among families seeking zero-emission vehicles without sacrificing comfort.
For Toyota, the dual launch of Highlander EV and Lexus sibling allows cost-sharing while differentiating brand experiences. “It’s a smart platform play,” says Jenkins. “The Highlander EV captures volume, the Lexus captures margins—and both compete fiercely in a growing segment.”
The debut is expected at a dedicated event in Los Angeles next Tuesday. Full specifications, pricing, and reservation details will be announced then.
Additional reporting contributed by EV Weekly.