New Lexus RZ finally gets groundbreaking steer-by-wire tech in the UK

• Upgrades for Lexus RZ electric SUV
• Bigger battery and more performance
• Steer-by-wire with ‘yoke’ steering wheel

The Lexus RZ has been given a serious tech overhaul for 2026, with a host of updates aimed at keeping it at the forefront of the electric SUV pack. Things look pretty much the same from the outside, but step inside and you’ll find one of the most interesting new features fitted to a modern car.

That’s right, Lexus has swapped the traditional circular steering wheel for a futuristic rectangular ‘yoke’. But that’s just scratching the surface – the yoke is just one component of a groundbreaking new steer-by-wire system that replaces a traditional, mechanical steering column with an electronic connection.

Elsewhere, the RZ has picked up a new battery, a more powerful F Sport model and even a virtual gearshift mode – much like that in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. UK prices are yet to be confirmed, but it’s scheduled to go on sale in the UK early next year.

What’s so special about steer-by-wire?

The highlight of the new RZ is its steer-by-wire system. Lexus is said to have been developing it for a decade, and while it was shown off in 2023 at the original RZ launch, only now has it been put into production. In fact, the RZ is one of the only cars in Europe with the tech.

Steer-by-wire replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels with an electrical connection. Your steering wheel inputs are digitally sent to a motor on the steering rack, which turns the wheels. This allows the computer to adjust and vary the sensitivity of the steering at different speeds. 

But why bother with all that complication? Lexus claims “it provides easier manoeuvrability at low speeds; agility for smooth driving on winding roads; and a high level of stability in high-speed motorway driving”. You should be able to manoeuvre the RZ at parking speeds without having to go hand-over-hand, while feedback from the road is transferred to the wheel by a special motor without “unpleasant vibrations”.

What about battery and range specs?

There are a few key upgrades in this area, too. Despite sharing its platform with the Toyota bZ4X – which has just received an update of its own – the RZ gets a new, bigger 77kWh battery. Official range figures are yet to be confirmed, but Lexus claims an increase of up to 60 miles over the old car for certain models – that could mean a maximum range of around 330 miles.

A new 22kW onboard charger and a battery pre-conditioning system should help to improve charging times according to Lexus. The latter can pre-heat the battery to its optimum temperature before charging – something that should make a big difference in winter.

What about performance updates?

Lexus hasn’t ignored this department, either. The RZ is now available with three different power outputs, with a new RZ 550e F Sport model sitting at the top of the tree.

The entry-level RZ 350e replaces the 300e and gets a 221bhp single-motor setup – that’s a 20bhp boost. The 450e has been replaced by a new 500e model, with 376bhp versus the 308bhp from before. Lexus hasn't quoted performance figures yet, but we expect both models to be a bit nippier than before.

Then there’s the RZ 550e F Sport. This gets a 402bhp dual-motor setup, making it the most powerful of the trio. But there’s more to it than just the beefier motors – it gets unique styling, interior trim, retuned suspension and Lexus’s brand-new ‘Interactive Manual Drive’ mode.

What is Lexus Interactive Manual Drive?

Only available in the RZ 550e F Sport, ‘Interactive Manual Drive’ is a system that simulates the feel and experience of a petrol car, with fake gearshifts and engine noise pumped into the cabin.

That’ll sound familiar to anyone who’s driven the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, as South Korea’s hot electric hatchback uses a similar system to add a bit of excitement to the driving experience. The Lexus system has eight simulated ‘gears’, complete with a rev limiter and a change in the acceleration mapping. Of course, if that all sounds a bit much, you can turn it off.

How much does the new Lexus RZ cost and when can I buy one?

Lexus hasn’t confirmed pricing for the new RZ yet, but it’s due to go on sale in the spring of 2026.

New Lexus RZ exterior and interior images

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