New Lexus RZ gets 'manual' gearbox, steer-by-wire and up to 420bhp
Update for SUV brings steering yoke and simulated gearchanges alongside boosts in range and power The Lexus RZ flagship EV will be one of the first cars in the UK to be offered with steer-by-wire technology – and a hot new range-topper will use a simulated manual gearbox. Steer-by-wire means there is no mechanical link between the wheels and steering wheel and the RZ’s set-up uses a squared yoke in place of a round steering wheel. For the RZ, the yoke is configured with a lock-to-lock rotation of around 200deg, enabling a full turning circle to be achieved with one movement. A typical set-up with a round wheel requires 720deg of turn, or two full spins. Lexus says this “groundbreaking” addition automatically adjusts to give a lighter weight in town, a heavier feel on motorways and an “enjoyable” set-up on winding roads. It will be the first car in Europe to be sold with by-wire steering, given that laws governing such tech were passed only recently Developed by Lexus parent Toyota, the One Grip system is promised to be offered on other models, such as the RZ’s bZ4X twin. The tech arrives as part of a mid-life refresh for the RZ, which first hit the road in 2023. Alongside the new steering system, the line-up replaces the current 450e range-topper with a more powerful, 376bhp 500e and adds a new performance-focused 550e, which is the RZ’s first F Sport model and its new flagship. The 550e gets a series of visual changes, stiffened suspension and 420bhp, and is the only RZ to have the new steer-by-wire yoke system as standard. It’s an option on lesser variants. Another key addition over lesser RZs is a simulated manual gearbox. Similar to the system used in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, it’s operated by two finger-sized paddles behind the steering yoke and simulates an eight-speed manual gearbox. This includes limiting power when the ‘rev limiter’ is hit. While it’s in use, simulated engine noise is pumped into the cabin to give the driver “a deeper interaction with the car” and “a more exhilarating drive”. Elsewhere, the RZ range has been made more efficient, says Lexus. This is primarily owing to a re-engineered electric system that includes a new motor and new 77kWh battery. The revised RZ has a top-end range of around 360 miles in its most efficient set-up. The new range is due in the UK from the start of 2026. Full details are expected closer to its arrival. The lineup is currently topped by the 450e Takumi at £65,595.
Update for SUV brings steering yoke and simulated gearchanges alongside boosts in range and power
The Lexus RZ flagship EV will be one of the first cars in the UK to be offered with steer-by-wire technology – and a hot new range-topper will use a simulated manual gearbox.
Steer-by-wire means there is no mechanical link between the wheels and steering wheel and the RZ’s set-up uses a squared yoke in place of a round steering wheel.
For the RZ, the yoke is configured with a lock-to-lock rotation of around 200deg, enabling a full turning circle to be achieved with one movement. A typical set-up with a round wheel requires 720deg of turn, or two full spins.
Lexus says this “groundbreaking” addition automatically adjusts to give a lighter weight in town, a heavier feel on motorways and an “enjoyable” set-up on winding roads.
It will be the first car in Europe to be sold with by-wire steering, given that laws governing such tech were passed only recently Developed by Lexus parent Toyota, the One Grip system is promised to be offered on other models, such as the RZ’s bZ4X twin.
The tech arrives as part of a mid-life refresh for the RZ, which first hit the road in 2023. Alongside the new steering system, the line-up replaces the current 450e range-topper with a more powerful, 376bhp 500e and adds a new performance-focused 550e, which is the RZ’s first F Sport model and its new flagship.
The 550e gets a series of visual changes, stiffened suspension and 420bhp, and is the only RZ to have the new steer-by-wire yoke system as standard. It’s an option on lesser variants.
Another key addition over lesser RZs is a simulated manual gearbox. Similar to the system used in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, it’s operated by two finger-sized paddles behind the steering yoke and simulates an eight-speed manual gearbox. This includes limiting power when the ‘rev limiter’ is hit.
While it’s in use, simulated engine noise is pumped into the cabin to give the driver “a deeper interaction with the car” and “a more exhilarating drive”.
Elsewhere, the RZ range has been made more efficient, says Lexus. This is primarily owing to a re-engineered electric system that includes a new motor and new 77kWh battery. The revised RZ has a top-end range of around 360 miles in its most efficient set-up.
The new range is due in the UK from the start of 2026. Full details are expected closer to its arrival. The lineup is currently topped by the 450e Takumi at £65,595.
