Lexus' vision of the future of electric vehicles bears little resemblance to the near-future automobile vision of cyberpunk 2077. However, the Japanese automaker's LF-Z Electrified is more a statement of intent for the next EV or hybrid car than a sci-fi concept.

The LF-Z Electrified will be the base model for about 20 Lexus EV and hybrid cars by 2025. And if this concept is any indication, they will be technology-laden vehicles.

The LF-Z Electrified itself is a low-slung SUV design with sharp angles on the sides, lights, and rear, much like Lexus' recent sports cars.

However, the traditional door handles have been eliminated in favor of a sort of electronic steering wheel. Sensors around the vehicle's body detect bicycles and other approaching vehicles, preventing passengers from inadvertently getting stuck in traffic.

A huge panoramic glass roof made of electrochromic glass, which can be dimmed on command for privacy or illuminated to reflect the night sky, is a real luxury touch.

But there are a few features that are especially nice for technology enthusiasts. For example, instead of the steering wheel being mechanically attached to the steering shaft, there is a fly-by-wire system that uses electronics to "more directly correlate steering operation and driving force." In other words, the car can turn with less steering input, depending on driving conditions.

On the other hand, this electronic system filters out unwanted bumps and vibrations from the road surface, but still apparently conveys a "steering feel" so that the driver does not lose the dynamics of spirited steering maneuvers. How this will work in practice remains to be seen, as electronic steering can sometimes leave the driver feeling disconnected from the driving experience.

Speaking of driver-centric technology, AI systems learn the driver's preferences and characteristics and tailor route planning and destination information to the driver. And through voice control, drivers will be able to use AI as what Lexus calls a "lifestyle concierge."

There is also an augmented reality heads-up display supported by a series of information displayed on a single module. In this module, the display is positioned in easy view of the driver, and the system controls are grouped around the steering wheel in a kind of compact touch screen. Whereas the Mercedes EQS EV's hyperscreen is designed to engage both the driver and front passenger, the design of the "Tazna Cockpit" concept appears to be more driver-centric.

As for the actual driving system, the LF-Z Electrified is powered by Lexus' DIRECT4 system. This allows power from the electric motor to be redirected to all wheels at once or independently to the front or rear wheels, allowing for a flexible all-wheel drive system to suit different driving conditions.

In the case of the LF-Z Electrified, this system delivers a range of 600 miles and a top speed of 200 km/h (about 124 mph). That does not make it the fastest EV, but it is not a car packed with technology and features.

In short, the LF-Z Electrified is a pretty impressive and attractive EV. Certainly, there is nothing special about it that makes it stand out from the EV crowd, and many of the features this car offers are either present in cars today or will be in the near future. For example, the lack of any new self-driving features is a bit of a surprise, since the EV is not a new car, but rather a new car that will be a part of the EV's future.

But it's not a bad thing that so much technology is packed into such an eye-catching and luxurious package. And a well-specified, nicely designed, powerful electric car is one way to get more people interested in EVs.

In their current form, however, they will not be on the road. Rather, many of these features will be integrated into future Lexus EVs. However, the LF-X Electrified suggests that future Lexus EVs and hybrids will offer environmentally friendly vehicles while still providing plenty of comfort and luxury.