- Steer-by-wire has no physical connection between steering wheel, axles.
- Yoke-style wheel claimed to free up space (or is it just to look cool?).
- RZ features updated battery, eAxle technology and more power.
Kiwi luxury-car buyers, your sci-fi dreams could come true next year. Lexus New Zealand's updated RZ EV-SUV will offer steer-by-wire technology, with no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and axles. Steering signals are sent electronically, from one actuator to another.
Steer by wire is not a completely new feature for the Kiwi market. Infiniti's Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) featured on some NZ models from 2017, although the cars retained a conventional physical backup mechanism.
The Lexus system is a whole new generation and - here's the fun bit - it comes with a yoke-style steering wheel. If you're over a certain age, you'll think immediately of the 1980s TV series Knight Rider. If you're under a certain age and don't know what Knight Rider is... go and watch Knight Rider imediately.
The new RZ is arriving late this year and will be shown at the Auckland ASB Classic in January 2026. While Lexus NZ is yet to reveal local specifications, factory information states that steer-by-wire will be standard on the top RZ 550e F Sport and available as an option on the RZ 500e AWD.
Lexus says the technology eliminates unwanted vibration, but maintains feedback to the driver thanks to its electronic calibration. Each component is duplicated for safety in case of failure and the steering system is also connected to a backup power supply.
The yoke-style steering wheel is also not a Lexus first. It's most famously used by Tesla on the Model S and Model X Plaid (not sold in NZ). However, the Lexus system differs in its use of "dynamic gear adjustment", meaning the ratio varies according to the driving situation. It's less direct at high speed, but can go from neutral to full lock in only 200 degrees when needed, meaning no crossing over of the driver's arms.
Other changes to the RZ include an updated 77kWh battery pack, revised eAxles with increased output and and new 22kW onboard charger. The RZ 350e FWD makes 165kW, the 500e AWD 280kW and the 550e 300kW.
The other new model inbound for NZ is the updated ES sedan, set to arrive in mid-2026. It will be the first Lexus to feature connected car services, with a "live" SIM that will facilitate over-the-air (OTA) updates, remote functions and "seamless integration with the driver's digital world" says the company.
Lexus NZ is celebrating a new annual sales record, even though there is still a full month to go, surpassing 2024's total of 1327 vehicles with 1352 registrations to the end of November. It's NZ's second most popular luxury car brand.
“This has been a challenging market, so we are genuinely grateful to the customers who chose Lexus this
year," says Lexus NZ vice president Andrew Davis. "Their confidence in our quality, our craftsmanship and our long-term value is what has driven this performance. Lexus exists to serve its owners, and we are proud to have earned that loyalty.”
