Lexus RZ with 'manual' gearbox, steer-by-wire goes on sale at £68k

Update for SUV brings steering yoke and simulated gearchanges alongside boosts in range and power The Lexus RZ flagship EV has gone on sale from £53,995 – and a new range topping model has become one of the first cars in the UK to be offered with steer-by-wire technology. Priced at £67,795 in that top-rung 550e F Sport guise, the model has no mechanical link between the wheels and the RZ's squared yoke, which is fitted instead of a traditional steering wheel. This yoke, Lexus says, 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 is the first car in Europe to be sold with by-wire steering. 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 top-rung 550e replaces the previous 450e range-topper and gets a series of visual changes, stiffened suspension and 420bhp from an all-wheel-drive system. It is also the only RZ to have the new steer-by-wire yoke system. Another key addition of the 550e F Sport 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 available to order now with deliveries starting in spring 2026. The line-up starts at £53,995 with the 350e Premium FWD (the only non-AWD model offered).

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