2026 Lexus RZ Facelift Brings Steer-by-wire And A Yoke Wheel For A Whole New Driving Experience

Lexus has really taken its time with the steer-by-wire system, and it looks like all that patience is paying off with the 2026 RZ facelift. The big news is that this updated RZ will come with that advanced steer-by-wire system, paired with a yoke steering wheel, which should bring a whole new level of driving experience.

No physical connection between the wheel and the front wheels means it’ll have variable steering ratios, giving it a more responsive feel.

Lexus is also adding simulated gear shifts to the mix. This is their Interactive Manual Drive system, designed to make driving feel sportier and more engaging. You’ll get the feel of shifting gears and even some synthetic engine sounds to make things feel a bit more lively. It’s definitely something we’ll need to try ourselves to see how much it changes the driving experience, but it sounds promising!

So far, Lexus has shared specs for Europe, and we're still waiting to hear about the U.S. version. The base RZ 350e will have a single electric motor making 224 hp, and Lexus is estimating a range of up to 357 miles (575 km) on a full charge. If you're after more power, the RZ 500e has dual motors that deliver 375 hp and can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds, though it sacrifices a bit of range, down to about 311 miles (500 km).

For those who want even more performance, the new RZ 550e F Sport steps it up to 402 hp, shaving the 0-100 km/h time down to just 4.4 seconds, but range drops a little more to 280 miles (450 km). Pricing is still a mystery, but we should hear more soon about the U.S. version. It seems like Lexus is pushing the RZ into the luxury electric SUV space in a big way, combining new tech with a sportier, more engaging ride. It’ll be interesting to see how it all comes together on the road.