Get ready to say goodbye to traditional steering wheels—Lexus New Zealand is about to shake up the luxury car scene with its next-generation RZ EV-SUV, and it’s bringing steer-by-wire technology to the forefront. But here’s where it gets controversial: instead of a classic wheel, Lexus is opting for a yoke-style design. Is it a game-changer for space and functionality, or just a flashy gimmick? Let’s dive in.
The RZ’s steer-by-wire system eliminates the physical connection between the steering input and the axles, relying entirely on electronic signals. This isn’t entirely new—Infiniti introduced a similar concept in NZ back in 2017 with its Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), though it kept a mechanical backup. But Lexus is taking it a step further with a bold, yoke-inspired wheel that’s sure to spark debate. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about looks. The yoke design is paired with 'dynamic gear adjustment,' which tweaks the steering ratio based on your driving conditions. At high speeds, it’s less direct for stability, but when you need to maneuver tightly, it can go from neutral to full lock in just 200 degrees—no awkward arm-crossing required.
For the nostalgic, the yoke might remind you of Knight Rider’s iconic KITT car. If you’re too young to know what that is, do yourself a favor and binge-watch it immediately. The RZ is set to debut late this year and will make its grand appearance at the Auckland ASB Classic in January 2026. While Lexus NZ hasn’t revealed all the local specs yet, we know steer-by-wire will be standard on the RZ 550e F Sport and optional on the RZ 500e AWD.
Lexus promises the system eliminates unwanted vibrations while maintaining crucial driver feedback through electronic calibration. Safety is a priority, too—every component is duplicated in case of failure, and there’s a backup power supply for the steering system. But here’s the question: will drivers trust a system with no physical connection? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The yoke isn’t a Lexus original—Tesla famously uses it in the Model S and Model X Plaid (not available in NZ). However, Lexus’s dynamic gear adjustment sets it apart. Beyond steering, the RZ gets a 77kWh battery upgrade, revised eAxles with more power, and a new 22kW onboard charger. The RZ 350e FWD delivers 165kW, the 500e AWD hits 280kW, and the 550e peaks at 300kW.
Another exciting arrival for NZ is the updated ES sedan, landing mid-2026. It’s Lexus’s first model to feature connected car services, including a live SIM for over-the-air updates, remote functions, and seamless integration with your digital life. But here’s where it gets interesting: as cars become more connected, how much control are we willing to hand over to technology? Share your thoughts below.
Meanwhile, Lexus NZ is celebrating a record-breaking year, surpassing 2024’s sales with 1352 registrations by November. ‘This has been a challenging market, so we’re truly grateful to our customers,’ says Vice President Andrew Davis. ‘Their trust in our quality and craftsmanship has driven this success.’
So, what do you think? Is the yoke-style wheel the future of driving, or a step too far? And how do you feel about cars becoming more connected than ever? Let’s start the conversation!
