The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e will only be available with traditional steering, but the automaker still wanted to show off itsthat might arrive in time for 2024. The production-intent prototype I drove boasted an unusual steering apparatus mated to a variable-ratio steering rack.
Since the not-a-yoke only rotates about 270 degrees, the steering rack responds aggressively to driver inputs at low speeds, eliminating shuffle-steering when performing U-turns and parking maneuvers. As vehicle speed increases, steering response goes down for stability, with the same inputs resulting in less yaw.
The net effect of this techno-wizardry is a steering system that requires far less effort at low speeds – no hand-over-hand panic when pulling into tight spaces or turning around in front of traffic – but still maintains a sense of straight-ahead stability on the freeway. I was deeply skeptical that the steer-by-wire system would feel intuitive and normal, but I was wrong. Within a few minutes, the fast-when-slow/slow-when-fast steering becomes downright fun, with zero intimidation factor.
Otherwise, the styling is very similar to that of other Lexus crossovers, with flowing body contours, L-shaped taillights, and a scripted wordmark across the rear hatch. If you’re the type who wants more flash from your family car, Lexus will happily option your RZ with two-tone paint featuring a black hood and upper body structure. But in my opinion, the EV looks best in the pale blue, single-tone Ether paint scheme.The cabin of the RZ feels familiar thanks to its fine 14.
The design is great, especially since the cabin is rendered in such pleasant materials. The RZ 450e Premium gets NuLuxe faux leather seats, while the Luxury gets microfiber suede upholstery, and a supple NuLuxe steering wheel and microfiber door panels make an appearance on both. Soft-touch plastics are everywhere your hands will regularly fall, with hard surfaces showing up at knee level and below.
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