Cargo 5DR: $64,990 +ORC

Passenger model is expected to arrive in Q4 2026, Cargo High Roof expected to arrive in Q1 2027.

Specifications:

FWD

120 kW of power

71.2 kWh (Usable) NMC Battery

416 km WLTP range

11 kW AC charging (22 kW optional +$2000)

150 kW DC charging (30 min 10-80%)

4,420L of cargo space

690 kg payload

Features:

V2L

Heat Pump System

Connected Car Services

OTA updates

Source:

https://www.kia.co.nz/vehicles/pv5/

Words: Kyle Cassidy

Published 7 May 2026

Lexus has revealed the TZ, an electric three-row SUV that the company says has been designed to combine the brand’s signature driving character with a spacious, lounge-inspired cabin focused on comfort and relaxation.

Set to become Lexus’ first battery electric SUV with three rows of seating, the TZ has been developed on a dedicated EV platform. It’s said that this has allowed engineers to maximise cabin space while delivering the low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution associated with modern electric vehicles.

The new flagship SUV was previewed to media in Shimoyama, Japan ahead of its global reveal, with Andrew Davis, Vice President of Lexus New Zealand, describing the TZ as a major step forward for the brand’s luxury EV ambitions.

“The TZ really redefines what a luxury SUV can feel like,” Davis said.

He said the dedicated EV architecture also changes the way passengers experience long-distance travel.

Lexus says it developed the TZ around a “Driving Lounge” philosophy, with a focus on creating an open and relaxing environment for families and passengers. A newly developed platform, slim panoramic roof and extensive sound insulation have all been designed to enhance cabin quietness and spaciousness.

The interior also introduces a range of sustainable materials, including forged bamboo and recycled aluminium, as part of Lexus’ wider push toward lower-impact manufacturing and circular vehicle development.

The TZ’s exterior design combines Lexus’ latest spindle-body styling with aerodynamic enhancements aimed at improving efficiency and driving range. Lexus says the SUV balances strong road presence with the aerodynamic performance expected of a modern EV.

Underneath, the TZ has been tuned using Lexus’ “Aji-migaki” development philosophy, which focuses on refining steering feel, ride comfort and overall driver engagement. Lexus says the SUV has been engineered to combine dynamic performance with rear-seat comfort, including a new “Rear Comfort” mode designed to improve ride quality for passengers.

The company also confirmed the TZ will feature “Interactive Manual Drive”, a system intended to create a more engaging connection with the driver by mimicking an auto with a manual mode.

...

More information, including detailed specifications and local market information, is expected closer to the TZ’s New Zealand launch in early 2027.

What is Arcfox?

Arcfox is a brand from recent market entrant, BAIC, owned by the Beijing Municipal Government. It will be distributed by Auto Distribution Holdings (Armstrong's Group), which already distributes brands such as BAIC, Dongfeng and Leapmotor in New Zealand. It was initially said that the Arcfox brand would arrive at the end of 2026 or the second quarter of 2027. I suspect the uptick in demand for EVs has expedited the brand's arrival.

What will they bring?

The brand will debut next month (June), with the first model being a compact EV crossover called the Arcfox T1. It will have over more than 300 km of WLTP range from an LFP battery, for a launch price of $34,990. The vehicles will come with a 6-year, 200,000 km warranty. More models will follow later.

Will NZ be Getting Sodium-Ion Batteries?

According to Motoring NZ, the BAIC T1 will be the first recipient (within BAIC) of a new sodium-ion battery claimed to deliver a full charge in just 11 minutes. It supports 4C fast charging, which according to the Motoring NZ article means a "minimum" of 360kW charging.

A big advantage of sodium-ion batteries is the smaller amount of raw materials required to build them, which provides both environmental and cost advantages.

It is unclear whether these sodium-ion batteries will reach NZ, but we can keep our fingers crossed.

Sources:

Cassidy, K. (2026, May 6). T1 to lead Arcfox entry to New Zealand. Auto Trader NZ. https://autotrader.co.nz/news/t1-to-lead-arcfox-entry-to-new-zealand

Bosselman, R. (2026, May 6). Arcfox first arrival also a pathfinder — Motoringnz. Motoringnz. https://www.motoringnz.com/news/2026/5/7/arcfox-first-arrival-also-a-pathfinder

Update: Pricing to be announced May 27th, info courtesy of u/matt-barx

Likely Specifications (from Australian model):

Drivetrain: FWD
Performance: 150kW, 210Nm, 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds
Battery: 60kWh LFP
Range: 430km (WLTP)
Efficiency: 16.4kWh/100km (WLTP)
Charging: 87kW DC, 11kW AC
Wheelbase: 2750mm
Wheels: 17-inch alloy
Boot Space: 321L / 689L
Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, Wireless phone charger
Seating: 6-way power driver (heated/ventilated), 4-way power passenger (heated)
Features: Powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera
Safety: 7 airbags, AEB, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic braking

Photos and Specifications, Source: https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/gac-aion-ut-luxury-2026-review-151713/

11. Geely Riddara RD6 - 38 registrations

12. Xpeng G6 - 31 registrations

13. Dongfeng Vigo - 27 registrations

14. MG S5 - 25 registrations

15. Toyota bZ4X - 23 registrations

Notable Facts:

- The most popular plug-in vehicle in Apr 26 was the Ford Ranger PHEV, with 219 registrations (the diesel ranger had 496 registrations), followed by the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with 120 registrations.

-Notable registrations include 1 Toyota bZ4X Touring, and 15 of the new Farizon V7E. There were interestingly 29 Denza B8 registrations, and 26 Denza B5 registrations.

Other market stats (source is evdb.nz):

EV Share Mar 26: 16.5%

EV Share Apr 26: 11.3%

EV + PHEV Share Mar 26: 26.6%

EV + PHEV Share Apr 26: 23.5%

Total EV registrations Mar 26: 2,370

Total EV registrations Apr 26: 1,071

Total EV + PHEV registrations Mar 26: 3826

Total EV + PHEV registrations Apr 26: 2221

I suspect that demand hasn’t decreased for EVs as much as the data suggests, and that we will see an uptick in registrations when further deliveries of EVs arrive.

MG U9 BEV, and Model Y rivalling MG S6 confirmed for New Zealand

Another cheap EV!