Lexus refreshes RZ with company’s first drive-by-wire system
According to Lexus, its new drive-by-wire system will be the first of its kind in Europe following new legislation to permit the technology on public roads at the start of 2025.
Already a feature of some American EVs – including the Cybertruck- steer-by-wire sees the mechanical steering column removed with steering functions handed over to the onboard computer.
Lexus hopes that, along with some tweaks to its AWD software, this will provide a ‘completely new driving experience’ with ‘smooth, easy and more intuitive operation’. It enables drivers to adjust steering ratios based on speed, which Lexus says will deliver better agility and stability as road conditions change.
The RZ 550e F SPORT variant is completely new in the range of Toyota’s luxury brand. It is equipped with more powerful front and rear engines and achieves a maximum system output of 300 kW for a powerful driving experience. Lexus also introduces Interactive Manual Drive for the first time in this model variant. It gives drivers the option of using a virtual 8-speed gear system, which can be used to control power delivery via the drivetrain output. The system also plays engine sounds to replicate the experience of changing gears in a manual stick shift car.
The RZ 350e is also new, as the RZ was previously only sold with all-wheel drive as the RZ 450e. The 350e is a 165 kW front-wheel drive model, which is why it is also the most efficient and longest-range variant. The RZ 500e has a 280 kW all-wheel drive with two electric motors, while the RZ 550e F SPORT has the aforementioned 300 kW.
The redesigned BEV system features a new higher-capacity battery with an increased number of cells, as well as a high-output motor with an eAxle implemented on both front and rear axes. Overall, the new battery reportedly supports drive motor output of 167kW at the front and rear. The AWD model is billed as having a 14% increase in range, up to 500km, while the FWD model has been given a 20% boost up to 575km.
| RZ 350e | RZ 500e | RZ 550e F SPORT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Power | 165 kW | 280 kW | 300 kW |
| Acceleration | 7.5 s | 4.6 s | 4.4 s |
| WLTP range | 575 km | 500 km | 450 km |
| Battery | 77 kWh | 77 kWh | 77 kWh |
| Charging capacity DC | 150 kW | 150 kW | 150 kW |
The new RZ range is tipped for an autumn 2025 release, with a ‘gradual roll out’ planned across regions.
Lexus introduced the RZ two years ago at prices starting at 59,650 dollars, whereby it is a sister model to the Toyota bZ4X. The latter also received an update this week.
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