Lexus offers a dizzying array of hybrids, but a new report is indicating the company will introduce an electric vehicle concept at the Tokyo Auto Show.
According to Motor1, the news was revealed by Lexus officials at a recent media event in Costa Rica. Little is known about the car, but it will reportedly “take the shape of a small hatchback-like vehicle” and have a radical design.
That isn’t much to go on, but the publication says the model will have a bold spindle grille that “totally dominates the front end.” That sounds like an unusual design choice as most electric vehicles have an enclosed grille to help improve aerodynamics and reduce drag.
There’s no word on whether or not the concept could preview a production model, but rivals such as Mercedes have already hinted at electric hatchbacks. In particular, the company used the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show to unveil the EQA concept which featured two electric motors that produced a combined output in excess of 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). The model also had a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which enabled the car to travel approximately 249 miles (400 km) on a single charge.
More recently, Genesis introduced the stylish Mint concept at the New York Auto Show. Featuring a hatchback-like design, the pint-sized electric vehicle was billed as an evolution of the city car and it featured a high-density battery which gave the model a range of around 200 miles (322 km).
Of course, most luxury automakers are focused on electric crossovers. Tesla led the way with the Model X and now there are new entries such as Audi e-tron, Mercedes EQC and Jaguar I-Pace. They’ll eventually be joined by the BMW iX3 and the production version of the iNext concept.
Note: Lexus LF-Ch concept pictured
