Lexus' Upcoming Lineup Features Supercar-Level Speeds and an SUV That May Take the Place of a Gas-Powered Behemoth | Carscoops

      In addition to its forthcoming EVs, Lexus is anticipated to unveil several refreshed SUVs by 2028.

      Lexus is currently working on a sports car inspired by the LFA and a three-row SUV powered by electricity.

      Key models like the ES sedan and possibly the next IS will continue to offer hybrid options.

      The SUVs, including the RZ, UX, NX, RX, GX, TX, and LX, will receive updates over the next three years.

      For the latter half of the decade, Lexus is adopting a more adaptable strategy, focusing on its established hybrid lineup while gradually moving toward full electrification. The company has stepped back from its original goal of being completely EV by 2035, but several battery-powered models are still in development, such as a sports car, a sedan, and a three-row SUV.

      This strategy allows Lexus greater flexibility to cater to diverse customer demands and market trends while still aiming for its long-term electrification objectives. Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming models, ranging from performance-oriented coupes to family-friendly SUVs, and how each aligns with the brand’s evolving vision.

      Sports Coupe Inspired by the LFA

      One of the forthcoming models appears to significantly take cues from the 2021 Lexus Electrified Sport Concept, created to embody the spirit of the V10-engine LFA supercar in the era of zero emissions. As reported by Auto News, the unnamed coupe could be released by late 2026, coinciding with the expected phase-out of the V8-powered LC 500.

      Reports indicate that Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda is directly involved in the electric sports coupe’s development, focusing on ensuring it offers genuine driving thrills even without a gasoline engine. The concept featured solid-state batteries with a range of 430 miles (700 km) and electric motors capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just over two seconds. Whether the production version will achieve these performance figures remains to be seen.

      Earlier this year, Japanese media suggested that Lexus might be developing a hybrid sports car that could be linked to the next-generation Toyota GR Supra, although the lack of official confirmation keeps the speculation ongoing.

      Hybrids and Sedans Persist

      Although Lexus has notably moderated its previous ambitions to become a solely EV brand by 2035, this shift doesn’t hinder the development of future electric vehicles. Instead, models like the ES sedan will provide both hybrid and electric options, broadening market coverage.

      As for the new generation of the Lexus ES, which debuted earlier this year in China and Europe, it is anticipated to reach U.S. dealers in the latter half of 2026.

      The smaller IS sedan will phase out the V8 powertrain (IS 500) next year, though hybrid variants are expected to remain available in North America for some time. Most of the IS series will cease production in Japan by November 2025; given that the current model is already 12 years old, indications suggest a new-generation IS could launch in 2026, featuring both hybrid and electric power options. Conversely, the RC and RC F coupes are likely to be discontinued without successors.

      There is still no information on the future of the Lexus LS flagship sedan, which was introduced in 2017 and received a mid-cycle refresh in 2020.

      Facelifted SUVs and Fully Electric TX

      On the SUV front, Lexus is planning significant updates. Notably, the smaller UX is set to be "re-engineered" for 2026, with its fully electric option confirmed to end production in November 2025.

      Moreover, the NX and RX are scheduled to receive mid-cycle updates in 2028, along with the more rugged GX and LX models. Crucially, Lexus is reportedly developing a fully electric three-row SUV expected to debut in 2027.

      The production version of the 2021 Lexus Electrified SUV concept may serve as an eco-friendly alternative to the similarly-sized TX, which also may get a facelift in 2027.

      Finally, the Lexus RZ, currently the only electric model in the automaker’s North American lineup, has recently undergone a mid-cycle update in Europe. It is expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships before the year ends, featuring simulated gear shifts and a steer-by-wire system, while a more powerful F-Sport variant is set to follow in 2026.