The Lexus ZC Is Coming… But What Exactly Is It?
“A concept car unveiled two years ago could soon make its way into production.”
The name of Lexus’s next model might have been revealed, following recent trademark filings with the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office and the European Union Intellectual Property Office. Submitted on August 26, 2025, both applications are currently under review. Toyota Motor Corporation is seeking to trademark “Lexus ZC” for use in “automobiles and structural parts thereof.” While the name ZC may seem entirely new for Lexus, it appears to reference a concept vehicle unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.
Readers with keen memories might remember the LF-ZC, short for Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst. Initially presented as a concept, the vehicle was slated for a production debut in 2026—just one year away—making the recent trademark filing seem perfectly timed. So, what can we expect from the upcoming Lexus ZC?
Better Than the RZ and ES?
The LF-ZC concept showcased a coupe-like electric sedan with what Lexus described as an “emotionally charged” design. It promised roughly double the range of conventional models, leveraging next-generation BEV battery and motor technology along with sleek aerodynamics to boost efficiency. Like the recently refreshed Lexus RZ and the upcoming Lexus ES, the ZC is expected to feature a standard NACS port on U.S. models, enabling native access to Tesla Superchargers. Fans are hoping it will also offer faster charging speeds than the RZ’s 150 kW. The concept teased 20-minute recharge times and a 500-mile range, representing a major leap over Lexus’s current electric offerings.
Based on the name, Lexus appears to continue its pattern of using “Z” to signify an electric powertrain, as seen with the RZ—though the ES will not follow this naming convention. The “C” typically indicates a coupe, as with the LC, RC, and SC. However, the Lexus ZC is unlikely to be a true two-door coupe, since the LF-ZC concept featured four doors. Instead, the C probably refers to a coupe-like roofline. At this stage, it’s unclear whether the model will be larger than the ES, positioned closer to the LS, or smaller, more in line with the IS.
A Sister Vehicle on the Horizon
While the trademark hasn’t appeared yet, it’s likely that Toyota will soon file for “Lexus ZL.” Back in 2023, alongside the LF-ZC, Lexus also revealed the LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury). The automaker described it as a sister vehicle to the LF-ZC, though its specific body style wasn’t disclosed.
The LF-ZL showcased a new Arene Operating System, designed to manage driving characteristics such as sounds and vibrations, along with a steer-by-wire system similar to the one in the RZ, and a bamboo-accented interior reminiscent of the upcoming ES. If the Lexus ZC arrives with a coupe-like roofline—or, less likely, as a two-door—the Lexus ZC could serve as the more conventional four-door luxury EV. Fans are hoping these future EVs continue to refine the RZ’s M Mode, which simulates gear shifts and engine sounds and might one day emulate the LFA’s V10 experience.
