The first time I drove the Lexus RZ in early 2024, two things struck me immediately. First, this was unmistakably a Lexus, with all the refinement and build quality the brand is renowned for. Second, something significant was missing – the futuristic steering yoke that had featured prominently in the pre-launch publicity material.
During that initial launch, Lexus representatives were a bit cagey about the absence of the yoke, suggesting that the technology needed more refinement before being introduced to the Australian market. Fast forward to today, and the waiting game is finally over. The 2026 Lexus RZ not only introduces the much-discussed steering yoke to Australia but couples it with a substantial power increase and several other enhancements that collectively represent the model’s most significant update since its introduction.
Last week, I had the opportunity to experience these changes firsthand at a preview event held at Lexus’s Sydney headquarters. The updates are more substantial than the typical mid-cycle refresh, suggesting Lexus is serious about strengthening the RZ’s position in the increasingly competitive luxury EV market.
The Yoke’s On Us: Steering Into the Future
Let’s address the elephant in the room first: that steering yoke. Originally promised for the RZ’s launch but subsequently delayed, the rectangular steering device – don’t call it a wheel – is finally making its Australian debut as an option on higher-grade RZ models for 2026.
Unlike Tesla’s controversial yoke, which is essentially a conventional steering system with an unconventional control interface, the Lexus system (officially called “One Motion Grip”) pairs the yoke with a steer-by-wire system that eliminates any mechanical connection between the steering controls and the front wheels.
“This isn’t simply a different shape of steering wheel,” explained Takashi Yamamoto, Chief Engineer for the RZ, who had flown in from Japan for the preview event. “It’s a fundamentally different approach to the relationship between driver inputs and vehicle response. The steer-by-wire system allows us to continuously adjust the steering ratio based on vehicle speed and driving conditions.”
This variable ratio means that at parking speeds, a quarter-turn of the yoke will take you from lock to lock – no more hand-over-hand maneuvering or awkward shuffling that makes rectangular yokes so problematic in conventional steering systems. At highway speeds, the ratio changes to provide more gradual response, enhancing stability and precision.
My brief test drive around Sydney’s eastern suburbs revealed a system that initially feels alien but quickly becomes intuitive. The lack of a round wheel to grab is disorienting for the first few minutes, but the precision of the steering and the logical relationship between input and response soon creates confidence.
Low-speed maneuvers that I expected to be challenging – like navigating the tight corners of the Woolloomooloo parking garage – proved surprisingly straightforward once I trusted the system. Without the need to remove your hands from the yoke during turning, you maintain a consistent grip position that eventually feels natural.
“We’ve spent thousands of hours refining the force feedback and response algorithms,” Yamamoto noted. “The goal was to maintain the Lexus driving signature – that sense of precision and control – while introducing technology that genuinely enhances the driving experience rather than simply being different for the sake of it.”
One unexpected benefit is improved forward visibility. Without a conventional wheel blocking portions of the instrument display, the driving position offers a more unobstructed view of both the digital instruments and the road ahead. The yoke also contributes to a more open, spacious feeling for the driver.
Will mainstream buyers embrace this radical departure from a century of steering wheel design? Lexus is hedging its bets by making the yoke optional rather than standard, with conventional steering remaining available. My guess is that early adopters and technology enthusiasts will gravitate toward the yoke, while more traditional luxury buyers will stick with the familiar wheel.
More Power to You: Performance Upgrades
If the steering yoke represents the most visible change to the 2026 RZ, the powertrain upgrades might ultimately prove more significant for most buyers. The current RZ 450e features a dual-motor setup producing 230kW of combined power. The updated model, now designated RZ 450e+, sees this increase to a much more substantial 290kW – a 26% power boost that transforms the vehicle’s performance character.
“Customer feedback consistently mentioned that while the RZ offered refined performance, it lacked the immediate punch that many luxury EV buyers have come to expect,” said Sarah Mitchell, Lexus Australia’s Product Planning Manager. “This power increase addresses that feedback directly, delivering much more immediate response and authoritative acceleration.”
The 0-100km/h time drops from 5.6 seconds to a claimed 4.7 seconds – moving the RZ from “adequately quick” territory into genuinely sporty performance. During my brief test drive, this improved acceleration was immediately apparent, with the RZ now delivering the kind of seamless, forceful thrust that characterizes the best luxury EVs.
Perhaps more importantly, the mid-range response – that critical 60-100km/h overtaking acceleration – feels substantially more urgent. Where the original RZ sometimes felt like it was running out of breath at higher speeds, the updated model maintains its pulling power more consistently throughout the speed range.
This performance enhancement comes with no significant penalty to range thanks to battery and motor efficiency improvements. In fact, the updated RZ actually improves on the current model’s range, with the base 71.4kWh battery now delivering a claimed WLTP range of 470km (up from 440km).
A new long-range variant with an 85kWh battery will also join the lineup, offering a claimed range of 570km. This addresses another common criticism of the original RZ, whose range lagged behind some key competitors in the luxury EV space.
Charging capabilities have been enhanced as well, with the RZ now supporting DC fast charging at up to 150kW (up from 130kW in the current model). This reduces the 10-80% charging time to approximately 30 minutes in ideal conditions – not class-leading, but a welcome improvement.
Refined Aesthetics: Subtle Visual Enhancements
Visually, the 2026 RZ receives subtle tweaks rather than a comprehensive redesign. The front fascia has been mildly refreshed with a revised lighting signature, while new wheel designs (ranging from 19 to 21 inches) and additional exterior color options enhance personalization options.
The most striking new color is what Lexus calls “Sonic Copper” – a rich, deep metallic finish that shifts between bronze and copper depending on the lighting conditions. On the display model at the preview event, this color gave the RZ a distinctive presence that stood out from the typical whites, silvers, and blacks that dominate luxury EV fleets.
Inside, the changes are equally restrained but meaningful. New interior color schemes include a striking blue/black combination that feels appropriately futuristic for an advanced EV. Material quality, already a Lexus strong point, sees further enhancement with more extensive use of sustainable materials including a new fabric option made from recycled plastics.
“We’re continuing to reduce our use of animal-derived materials while maintaining the premium tactile quality that luxury customers expect,” explained Mitchell. “The new recycled fabric option actually offers superior durability and stain resistance compared to leather, while significantly reducing environmental impact.”
The most obvious interior change on yoke-equipped models is the redesigned dashboard, which places the digital instrument display higher and the central infotainment screen in a more prominent position. This creates a more cockpit-like environment that emphasizes the driver-focused nature of the updated RZ.
Technology Updates: Keeping Pace with Competitors
On the technology front, the 2026 RZ receives several meaningful upgrades to keep it competitive in the rapidly evolving luxury EV landscape.
The infotainment system has been updated with a faster processor and revised interface that addresses some of the usability criticisms of the current system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard, but the native system now features enhanced voice control capabilities and a more intuitive menu structure.
The augmented reality head-up display, already a standout feature of the current RZ, has been expanded with additional functionality. It now integrates more seamlessly with the navigation system, projecting more detailed guidance instructions directly onto the driver’s view of the road ahead.
“The enhanced AR display is particularly valuable when using the yoke steering,” noted Yamamoto. “With traditional round steering wheels, the rim can sometimes obscure portions of a head-up display. The yoke’s design eliminates this issue, allowing us to present more information in the driver’s line of sight without obstruction.”
Safety systems have been enhanced as well, with the latest generation of Lexus Safety System+ bringing improved pedestrian and cyclist detection, enhanced lane centering, and a new traffic jam assist function that allows for hands-free operation in congested highway conditions up to 40km/h.
Perhaps most interestingly, the 2026 RZ introduces a feature Lexus calls “Digital Key+” – an enhanced version of the smartphone-based digital key system that now includes the ability to share access with others remotely, set usage parameters (such as time restrictions or geographic boundaries), and provide temporary access for services like valet parking or maintenance.
The Competitive Landscape: How Does It Stack Up?
These updates come at a critical time for the RZ, which faces increasingly stiff competition in the luxury electric SUV segment. When the model first launched, its main competitors included the Tesla Model Y, Audi Q4 e-tron, and BMW iX3. Since then, the field has expanded to include the Mercedes EQE SUV, the Polestar 4, and various offerings from emerging players like Lucid and NIO.
With its power increase, extended range, and innovative steering technology, the 2026 RZ appears better positioned to stand out in this crowded field. During a candid conversation over coffee following the formal presentation, Mitchell acknowledged the competitive pressures but expressed confidence in the RZ’s distinctive approach.
“We’re not trying to win a specifications race,” she said. “There will always be competitors offering more range or faster acceleration or more screens. Our focus is on creating a holistic luxury experience that’s distinctly Lexus – exceptional build quality, thoughtful details, and a driving experience that balances innovation with the refinement our customers expect.”
This philosophy is evident in choices like making the yoke optional rather than standard – recognizing that while some customers eagerly embrace new technology, others value continuity and familiarity. It’s a approach that has served Lexus well historically, allowing the brand to introduce innovations at a pace that doesn’t alienate its core customer base.
Price positioning remains a challenge, with the current RZ 450e starting at $123,000 before on-road costs in Australia – a significant premium over the Tesla Model Y and some other competitors. While Lexus hasn’t announced pricing for the 2026 model, Mitchell hinted that the company is looking to sharpen its value proposition.
“We recognize that value is a critical factor in the luxury EV space,” she noted. “While I can’t discuss specific pricing today, I can say that we’re working to ensure the 2026 RZ delivers competitive value despite its enhanced features and performance.”
Australian Arrival and Model Lineup
The updated 2026 Lexus RZ is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of 2025. The lineup will expand to include three distinct variants:
- RZ 450e: The entry-level model with the 71.4kWh battery, 290kW dual-motor powertrain, and conventional steering.
- RZ 450e Luxury: Mid-tier variant with enhanced interior appointments and the option of either conventional steering or the yoke/steer-by-wire system.
- RZ 450e+ Sports Luxury: Range-topping model featuring the 85kWh battery for extended range, along with additional luxury features and the option of either steering system.
All models will feature the enhanced technology package and visual updates, with differences primarily in interior appointments, wheel designs, and battery capacity.
Behind the Wheel: Initial Driving Impressions
My brief drive in a pre-production 2026 RZ 450e+ with the yoke steering offered intriguing insights into Lexus’s vision for its electric future. The immediate impression is of a vehicle that feels more complete and purposeful than the current model – as if the original RZ was a first draft that has now been refined into a more coherent final product.
The additional power is immediately noticeable, with the enhanced dual-motor system delivering the kind of effortless acceleration that luxury EV buyers have come to expect. It’s not Tesla Model X Plaid quick, but it’s now properly quick rather than merely adequate – a significant distinction in the premium space where performance expectations continue to climb.
While the yoke steering initially feels foreign, the learning curve is surprisingly short. Within 15 minutes, I found myself navigating Sydney’s busy streets with growing confidence, appreciating the clear sightlines and the intuitive relationship between steering input and vehicle response. The system isn’t perfect – feedback could be more nuanced, and there’s an occasional artificial feel to resistance changes – but it’s a genuinely innovative approach that offers tangible benefits beyond mere novelty.
Ride quality remains a Lexus strong point, with the adaptive suspension delivering an excellent balance of composure and comfort. Even on the optional 21-inch wheels, the RZ negotiates poor surfaces with impressive refinement, isolating occupants from road imperfections without feeling disconnected or floaty.
Noise suppression is exemplary, with wind and road noise effectively banished even at highway speeds. This isn’t unique to EVs, but Lexus has long excelled at creating serene cabin environments, and the updated RZ continues this tradition.
My Take: Is This Enough to Stand Out?
After spending time with the 2026 RZ and speaking with the team behind its development, I’m left with mixed feelings about its prospects in the increasingly cutthroat luxury EV market.
On one hand, the updates address several legitimate criticisms of the current model. The power increase transforms the driving experience, making the RZ feel properly premium rather than merely adequate. The extended range options bring it closer to par with competitors. The steering yoke, when paired with the steer-by-wire system, offers a genuinely different experience that some buyers will find appealing.
On the other hand, the luxury EV landscape is evolving at a blistering pace. By the time the 2026 RZ arrives in Australia, competitors will have moved forward as well, potentially negating some of these improvements. The RZ’s DC fast charging capabilities, while improved, still lag behind the 250+kW rates offered by some competitors. And pricing remains a crucial unknown factor in the overall value equation.
What the RZ does have going for it is the Lexus reputation for quality, reliability, and dealer experience – factors that matter to traditional luxury buyers but are sometimes overlooked in discussions that focus on range, performance, and technology. As the EV market matures and moves beyond early adopters, these traditional luxury virtues may prove increasingly important.
For buyers who value the Lexus approach to luxury – refined, understated, meticulously crafted – the 2026 RZ represents a significant step forward. The innovative steering option provides a genuine point of differentiation for those open to new experiences, while the performance enhancements address the most significant dynamic shortcoming of the current model.
Whether this will be enough to substantially boost the RZ’s market position remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Lexus is not content to be a minor player in the electric luxury space. The comprehensive nature of these mid-cycle updates suggests a brand committed to getting its electric flagship right, even if that means significant revisions relatively early in the model’s life cycle.
As we concluded the preview event, I asked Yamamoto-san what he was most proud of with the updated RZ. His answer was telling: “We have created a car that is both unmistakably Lexus and unmistakably forward-looking. It respects our heritage while embracing the future – finding the balance that has always defined Lexus at its best.”
That balance – between innovation and refinement, between technology and craftsmanship – has indeed been the hallmark of Lexus’s most successful products. The 2026 RZ appears to be striving for that same sweet spot in the electric era, with results that are impressive if not revolutionary.
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