Lexus Drives Boldly Into an Electric and AI-Powered Future

Saudi Arabia : Lexus is shaping the future of luxury mobility with a firm push toward electrification, smart tech, and AI integration. The brand’s next chapter is already unfolding.

• Lexus targets full electrification in key markets by 2035.
• Over 2.5 million electrified Lexus cars sold globally.
• Focus on AI, autonomous driving, and solid-state batteries.

As the world moves swiftly toward sustainable transport, Lexus stands out with its forward-thinking approach to luxury and green innovation. The Japanese brand, part of the Toyota Group, is leading a new era of electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, aiming to redefine what luxury means in modern mobility.

Its journey into sustainability began in 2005 with the RX 400h, the first luxury hybrid SUV. Since then, Lexus has grown its hybrid lineup to meet global demands. Today, the brand is making strong moves toward becoming fully electric and carbon-neutral by mid-century, with Saudi Arabia expected to benefit from this shift.

Legacy of Hybrid Leadership and Electric Expansion

Lexus’s path toward electrification started nearly 20 years ago, and it has not slowed since. The RX 400h changed how the world viewed hybrid luxury. Following that, models like the ES 300h, NX, RX, and UX 250h gained popularity, especially across the Middle East. These vehicles brought both fuel savings and refined performance to Saudi drivers.

The real turning point came in 2022 with the launch of the RZ 450e, Lexus’s first fully electric car. Built on a dedicated platform (e-TNGA), it brought technologies like DIRECT4 all-wheel drive and steer-by-wire, enhancing control and responsiveness.

Lexus then introduced the UX 300e to support zero-emission city driving. With over 2.5 million electrified vehicles sold globally by early 2025, about 40% of Lexus’s yearly sales now come from hybrid or electric models.

Lexus Electrification Timeline: Key Goals and Models

• 2005: RX 400h, world’s first luxury hybrid SUV.
• ES 300h / NX / RX / UX 250h: Popular hybrid models in KSA.
• 2022: RZ 450e launched on e-TNGA platform.
• UX 300e: Electric compact for clean urban driving.
• 2035: Full electrification in key markets.
• 2050: Full carbon neutrality goal.

This bold timeline positions Lexus to meet future mobility needs while preserving its luxury DNA.

Beyond EVs: AI and Autonomy Take the Wheel 

Lexus is not stopping at electrification. The brand is exploring advanced in-car AI that studies driver habits and customizes experiences. It’s also investing in Level 4 autonomous driving, where the car can operate independently under certain conditions. Research into solid-state batteries is another major step, offering higher power and range in smaller, lighter packs.

Connected systems are also in development to fully link the car to cloud-based services, making every drive more informed, safer, and smarter.

Vision for Tomorrow’s Luxury 

Lexus’s electric shift is more than a reaction—it’s a clear strategy. By combining clean energy, intelligent design, and future-ready features, the brand is crafting a new standard for luxury.

“We are not just building electric cars, but creating a future where luxury is embodied through intelligence and sustainability,” said Takashi Watanabe, President of Lexus International.

With its strong heritage and modern focus, Lexus is positioned to lead the next era of luxury driving in Saudi Arabia and around the world.