Lexus is rolling out a new steer-by-wire system in the latest RZ electric SUV, aiming to make the car feel more direct to drive while also rethinking how the cockpit looks and works. It is a proper tech milestone for Lexus, and one the brand also links to its longer-term ambitions around advanced driver assistance and future autonomous tech.
What is steer-by-wire, in plain English?
Most cars have a mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Lexus steer-by-wire removes that physical connection.
Instead, when you turn the wheel, your input is sent electronically to actuators that steer the front wheels. Lexus says the system includes built-in safeguards, including an immediate back-up system designed to keep steering performance uninterrupted if a fault is detected.
A new steering wheel design (and why it matters)
Because the system is electronic, Lexus can rethink how much steering movement you actually need.
The RZ gets a compact, “aircraft-style” steering wheel shape (so not a traditional circular rim). Lexus says lock-to-lock is set to plus or minus 200 degrees, which should mean far less hand-over-hand shuffling in tight turns. The idea is simple: smaller movements, with you aiming the car where you want it to go.
There is also a practical benefit. A smaller wheel can open up your forward view and add more space around your legs. Lexus says this supports its “Tazuna” cockpit layout, designed to help you keep your eyes on the road with controls and displays needing less hand and eye movement.
Steering that changes with speed
Lexus says the system uses a variable steering gear ratio that adapts depending on speed:
- Low speed (parking, junctions): a lower ratio for easier manoeuvring
- Medium speed (winding roads): minimal inputs for a more nimble feel
- High speed (motorway): a higher ratio for added stability
If it works as described, the RZ should feel light and easy around town, then more settled and calm at higher speeds.
Does it still feel connected to the road?
This is always the big question with steer-by-wire.
Lexus says its system filters out unwanted vibration (for example harsh jolts from uneven surfaces), but still feeds back “authentic and accurate” information through the wheel. The aim is to keep a natural sense of what the car is doing, without the irritating buzz and kickback you can sometimes get through traditional steering.
How it works with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive
Lexus also highlights how steer-by-wire works alongside its DIRECT4 electric all-wheel drive system. The brand claims the two systems can better synchronise what you do at the wheel with how the car responds, with a focus on control and driving enjoyment.
Which model gets it in the UK?
Lexus says steer-by-wire is available now and comes as standard on the new RZ 550e F Sport and F Sport Takumi. Lexus also notes it is paired with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive and a feature called Interactive Manual Drive.
Ben Talks Auto take
Steer-by-wire is one of those technologies that sounds futuristic until you try it. Done well, it can make an EV feel sharper and more precise without sacrificing comfort. Done badly, it can feel numb or odd.
Lexus is clearly aiming for the sweet spot: fast, faithful responses, less faff in tight turns, a calmer feel on rougher roads, and the kind of driver confidence you would want in a premium electric SUV.
If the real-world steering feel matches the promise, this could be one of the most interesting upgrades on the new RZ.
