The 2026 Lexus RZ electric SUV has arrived in Australia with a groundbreaking feature: an aircraft-style yoke replacing the traditional steering wheel. This marks the first time such a system has been offered on a production car in the country, beating Tesla and Mercedes-Benz to the punch.
While the yoke may look futuristic, it raises the question of whether drivers actually want it. After all, round steering wheels have been the norm for over a century. On first impression, the yoke encourages proper hand placement at 9 and 3 o'clock, and its limited 200-degree turning angle eliminates the need for hand-over-hand steering during maneuvers. However, long drives may tempt drivers to revert to a single-handed grip, which is impossible with the yoke.
The yoke is only available on the range-topping RZ 550e F Sport, priced at $105,000, and cannot be swapped for a conventional wheel due to its steer-by-wire system. This technology replaces the mechanical steering column with electrical signals, featuring triple redundancies for safety. Lower grades—the 500e Luxury ($84,500) and 500e Sports Luxury ($91,000)—retain a traditional round wheel.
Lexus has also slashed prices significantly compared to the previous model, which started at $123,000. The updated RZ now undercuts the Luxury Car Tax threshold, making it more competitive. However, the electric range remains modest: 460km for the 500e and 437km for the 550e. Charging tops out at 150kW, which is average for the segment.
The 550e F Sport features an Interactive Manual Drive system with eight simulated gears and paddle shifters, mimicking a manual transmission. It also produces a synthetic engine sound that can be turned off. Dual electric motors deliver 300kW combined, propelling the SUV from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.
Inside, the cabin is luxurious with Ultrasuede seats, a 14-inch infotainment screen, Mark Levinson audio, and acoustic glass. However, the 550e only offers black interior trim, while lower grades can be had with a more upscale hazel option.
On the road, the RZ delivers a smooth, quiet ride with decent space for passengers and luggage. The steer-by-wire system provides tight, responsive handling, though it feels unnatural at first. The yoke's Star Wars-inspired design adds novelty, but its practicality for daily driving remains questionable.
Verdict: 3.5/5
The Lexus RZ finally offers a sensible price and retains its luxury appeal, but the yoke may be better suited to race tracks than public roads.
2026 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport
- Price: From around $116,000 drive-away
- Powertrain: Dual 167kW/269Nm electric motors (300kW combined); 77kWh battery
- EV Range: 437km
- Warranty/Service: 5 years/unlimited km; $1,975 for 5yr/75,000km
- Safety: AEB, intersection collision avoidance, emergency steering assist, radar cruise control, lane trace, road sign assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, driver monitor, panoramic view monitor
- Cargo: 522L/1,451L
- Spare: Repair kit
