Lexus, a brand known for its steady, incremental improvements and conservative approach, has taken a bold step with the latest RZ. They’ve essentially chopped the steering wheel off, replacing it with a "steer-by-wire" system. This review dives into that radical change and other updates.
Key Takeaways
- Steer-by-Wire: A decade in development, this system uses electronic signals instead of a physical column to control the front wheels.
- Battery Upgrade: A new 77 kWh battery offers improved range, with front-wheel drive models aiming for up to 560km (WLTP).
- Faster Charging: DC fast charging now reaches 150 kW, and standard AC charging is boosted to 22 kW.
- Refined Performance: Upgraded e-axles promise more efficient power delivery.
- Interior Touches: New materials like laser-cut ultrasuede and an optional split panoramic roof add a premium feel.
What’s New with the Lexus RZ?
Visually, the changes aren’t drastic, especially on the standard models. However, the F Sport version gets some cosmetic tweaks, including up to 20-inch alloy wheels. While 18-inch wheels offer better comfort, the larger ones certainly look sharper. The battery has been upgraded to a 77 kWh unit. Lexus didn’t physically enlarge the battery pack or its housing, but they’ve tweaked the cell configuration for better performance. The big news, though, is the steer-by-wire system, which has been in development for about ten years. It’s a co-production with Toyota, but Lexus fine-tuned it themselves.
Lexus calls its refined electric drive units "e-axles." These have been made more efficient, reducing power loss and improving the car’s overall range. In theory, the front-wheel drive versions should now achieve around 560 kilometers on a full charge. We’ll see if that holds up in real-world driving.
Charging speeds have also seen a significant boost. Customers complained the previous charging was too slow, so now you can get up to 150 kW DC fast charging. The old 11 kW AC charging is gone, replaced by a standard 22 kW AC charging. This means charging times have been cut dramatically. What used to take up to 55 minutes to go from 10% to 80% can now be done in under 30 minutes, even in colder temperatures.
The Steer-by-Wire Experience
So, what’s the deal with steer-by-wire? Imagine telling the Lexus board you want to remove the steering wheel’s physical connection to the wheels. It’s a bold move, similar to how aircraft like the Airbus use electronic signals instead of cables and pulleys. In the RZ, electronic signals are sent from the steering unit to the front wheels. This setup saves weight because there’s no traditional steering column. The system allows for a full lock without the usual hand-over-hand steering. For those used to feeding the wheel, this takes some getting used to. However, on the move, the steering has a nice weight to it.
While the exact motivation for this change might be to simply be different, it does work from a driving perspective, though it’s definitely an adjustment. The indicator and wiper stalks are now smaller, almost too short, and some might prefer them integrated into the steering wheel like Tesla does. The light switch has moved lower down, and wiper intensity is controlled by a dial. There are also paddles, but in Ireland, they’re just for adjusting regenerative braking, not for manual gear shifting.
Parking and tight maneuvers require more conscious effort due to the reduced steering lock. However, most drivers will likely adapt within a few days. The rest of the interior remains classically Lexus, featuring a large central screen. Some versions will include a head-up display and a digital rearview mirror. The door cards lack soft-touch materials, which might lead to some rattling, but overall, the interior is well-built.
Driving Impressions
From a driving standpoint, the steering feels more weighted, giving a sense of being more involved. You find yourself making smaller adjustments when cornering because less physical input is needed. It’s a calm, precise way of steering, much like a rally driver’s smooth movements. The RZ 500e offers immense grip, refinement, and quietness. Even with the air conditioning and cooled seats on, the cabin remains remarkably silent.
However, the small indicator stalks can be a bit fiddly, requiring you to reach for them. Despite the radical steer-by-wire system, the car exhibits very little body roll. It feels planted, with tons of grip, even when pushing the tires to their limit. You do notice the need for less physical input to achieve the same steering effect. Rejoining traffic requires a different approach to steering than traditional hand-over-hand methods.
With over 380 horsepower, the RZ 500e is powerful. Whether the average Lexus customer needs this much power in a family car is debatable. The front-wheel drive version might be sufficient for many. The car is comfortable, quiet, and holds the road exceptionally well. If you’re drawn to cutting-edge tech and want maximum grip and power, the 500e is the version to consider.
Final Thoughts
Lexus has a reputation for ensuring things are right before release, and the steer-by-wire system, after ten years of development, seems to reflect that. While I like the weighted feel of the steer-by-wire, parking can be a bit tricky. The standard 350 model might be the sweet spot for many, offering improved range and refinement. The RZ’s quietness is a standout feature, and the handling is great across all versions. The grip is fantastic. The main draw for the 500e is the technology, extra grip, and the nearly 400 horsepower. Lexus Ireland is doing well in the premium market, holding a significant share. The RZ 500e is expected to cost around €70,000, with the base 350 model starting around €63,000. Lexus also offers a 10-year, 1 million km warranty if serviced within their dealer network, which is a strong selling point.