2025 Lexus RZ : The automotive landscape in the United Kingdom is witnessing a significant transformation as Lexus introduces its groundbreaking steer-by-wire technology with the 2025 Lexus RZ. This innovative electric SUV represents not just another luxury vehicle in the Lexus lineup, but a fundamental rethinking of how drivers interact with their vehicles on the road. As the technology finally reaches British shores after months of anticipation, drivers across the country are about to experience a driving sensation unlike anything they’ve encountered before.
The Evolution of Steering Technology Reaches Its Peak
From Mechanical to Digital: A Steering Revolution
The journey of steering systems has been a long one, beginning with the heavy mechanical setups of early automobiles that required significant physical effort from drivers. Power steering represented the first major revolution, making vehicles more accessible and easier to control. Hydraulic systems eventually gave way to electric power steering, which offered more precision and efficiency.
But the 2025 Lexus RZ takes this evolution to its logical conclusion with its steer-by-wire system—officially branded as “One Motion Grip” by Lexus. This technology completely eliminates the physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels themselves, replacing it with a fully electronic system where driver inputs are translated into digital signals that control the vehicle’s direction.
“We’ve essentially reimagined the fundamental relationship between driver and vehicle,” explains Thomas Harrington, Lexus UK’s Head of Technology. “It’s not just an incremental improvement—it’s a complete paradigm shift in how steering works.”
The Technical Marvel Behind the Wheel
At its core, the steer-by-wire system replaces the traditional mechanical steering column with sensors, actuators, and sophisticated software. When the driver turns the steering wheel, high-precision sensors detect the movement and direction. This information is instantly processed by multiple redundant control units that calculate the optimal steering angle for the front wheels based on vehicle speed, road conditions, and driving mode.
The system then sends commands to electric motors connected to the steering rack, which adjusts the wheels accordingly. The entire process happens in milliseconds, creating a seamless experience for the driver while maintaining crucial feedback through carefully calibrated resistance in the steering wheel.
What makes Lexus’s implementation particularly noteworthy is the multiple redundancy built into every component. Backup systems stand ready to engage instantly if any primary system experiences issues, ensuring safety remains paramount even as the driving experience is transformed.
Experiencing the 2025 Lexus RZ on British Roads
A New Definition of Driving Dynamics
Taking the wheel of the 2025 Lexus RZ for the first time is a genuinely surprising experience. The most immediately noticeable difference is the steering ratio—the relationship between how much you turn the steering wheel and how much the actual wheels turn. In conventional vehicles, this ratio is fixed by mechanical constraints. In the Lexus RZ, it’s variable and adaptive.
At lower speeds, such as when parking or navigating tight city streets, the system employs a much more direct ratio, allowing full lock-to-lock turning with just 150 degrees of steering wheel rotation instead of the typical 900 degrees or more. This makes maneuvering in confined spaces remarkably easy, requiring less hand-over-hand movement from the driver.
As speed increases on A-roads or motorways, the system automatically adjusts to a more gradual ratio, promoting stability and preventing accidental oversteering at highway speeds. The transition between these different steering modes happens smoothly and almost imperceptibly.
“It’s as though the car intuitively knows exactly how much steering input you need in any given situation,” notes automotive journalist Claire Bedford after her test drive through the winding roads of the Cotswolds. “After an hour behind the wheel, going back to a conventional steering system feels strangely laborious.”
British Road Compatibility: Meeting the Challenge
The UK presents unique challenges for any steering system with its mix of narrow country lanes, roundabouts, motorways, and varying road surfaces. Lexus engineers spent over 10,000 hours testing and refining the system specifically for British driving conditions.
The results are particularly evident on the country’s notoriously potholed roads. In conventional vehicles, hitting a pothole sends jarring feedback through the steering column directly to the driver’s hands. With the steer-by-wire system, the RZ can absorb these impacts without transferring unwanted vibration to the steering wheel, while still providing the driver with useful feedback about road conditions.
Similarly, the system excels in handling the UK’s numerous roundabouts, where the variable steering ratio allows for precise, smooth navigation without excessive hand movement. The system also compensates automatically for crosswinds and crowned road surfaces, reducing driver fatigue on longer journeys.
Beyond Steering: The Complete 2025 Lexus RZ Package
Electric Performance Meets Luxury Refinement
While the steer-by-wire technology might be the headline feature, the 2025 Lexus RZ offers a compelling complete package. Built on the dedicated e-TNGA platform shared with Toyota and Subaru electric vehicles, the RZ has been thoroughly redesigned for 2025 with increased range and performance.
The UK model comes in two powertrain configurations: the RZ 300e with a single motor producing 201 bhp, and the RZ 450e with dual motors delivering a combined 308 bhp. The latter achieves 0-62 mph in just 5.3 seconds—impressive for a luxury SUV of this size.
Battery capacity has been increased for 2025, with the 72.8 kWh pack now offering up to 273 miles of range in the RZ 300e and 252 miles in the all-wheel-drive RZ 450e (WLTP figures). Fast-charging capability allows for 10-80% charging in approximately 30 minutes on compatible DC chargers.
Interior Innovation: Redefining the Cockpit Experience
The interior of the RZ embraces the vehicle’s forward-thinking ethos with a cockpit that feels notably different from conventional Lexus models. The steering wheel itself has a distinctive shape—more of a yoke than a traditional wheel—made possible by the limited rotation required with the steer-by-wire system.
This redesigned steering interface opens up the driver’s view of the 14-inch digital instrument cluster, creating an unobstructed sight line that enhances the driving experience. The central 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen runs Lexus’s latest interface, which has been significantly improved with more intuitive menus and faster response times.
Premium materials abound throughout the cabin, with a focus on sustainability. Ultrasuede upholstery made from recycled materials, responsibly sourced wood trim, and a new plant-based leather alternative called “NuLuxe+” reflect Lexus’s commitment to environmentally conscious luxury.
The panoramic roof features electrochromic glass that can switch from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, while the climate control system includes radiant heating elements that warm occupants directly rather than just heating the air, improving efficiency in the electric vehicle.
Market Position and Ownership Experience
Competitive Landscape in the UK Electric Luxury Market
The 2025 Lexus RZ enters a competitive segment in the UK market, facing established rivals like the Audi e-tron, BMW iX, and Mercedes EQC. However, the unique steer-by-wire technology gives the RZ a clear differentiating factor that none of its competitors can currently match.
Pricing starts at £62,700 for the RZ 300e and £72,400 for the RZ 450e, positioning it competitively within the premium electric SUV segment. While not inexpensive, the pricing reflects both the luxury positioning and the advanced technology incorporated into the vehicle.
Ownership Benefits and Support Network
Lexus has expanded its UK charging partnership network to support RZ owners, offering preferential rates at over 7,000 public charging points nationwide. The Lexus Link app provides comprehensive charging station information, remote vehicle monitoring, and the ability to precondition the cabin temperature while still connected to external power, preserving battery range.
The company’s reputation for reliability appears to extend to its electric offerings, with the RZ covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty and a 3-year/60,000-mile comprehensive vehicle warranty. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Future Implications: Beyond the 2025 RZ
Setting New Industry Standards
The introduction of steer-by-wire technology in a production vehicle represents more than just a feature for the Lexus RZ—it potentially signals a fundamental shift in how future vehicles will be designed and controlled.
Without the need for a physical steering column, vehicle interiors can be redesigned with greater freedom, potentially allowing for more flexible seating arrangements or improved crash protection. The system also enables new possibilities for autonomous driving features, as the steering can be precisely controlled by computer systems without mechanical limitations.
Industry analysts expect other manufacturers to follow Lexus’s lead in the coming years, with steer-by-wire likely to become more common, particularly in electric and autonomous vehicles.
The Path to Wider Adoption
While the technology debuts in a luxury vehicle, the long-term trajectory suggests eventual adoption across broader market segments. “Just as features like power windows and air conditioning once were exclusive to luxury cars before becoming standard across the industry, we expect steer-by-wire to follow a similar path,” notes automotive technology analyst Richard Summers.
Lexus’s parent company Toyota has already indicated that the technology will appear in more models across both brands in the coming years, suggesting a strong commitment to this new steering paradigm.
Technical Specifications: 2025 Lexus RZ
| Specification | RZ 300e | RZ 450e |
|---|---|---|
| Motors | Single motor (front) | Dual motor (front and rear) |
| Power Output | 201 bhp | 308 bhp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 435 lb-ft |
| Battery Capacity | 72.8 kWh | 72.8 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 273 miles | 252 miles |
| 0-62 mph | 7.6 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 99 mph | 112 mph |
| Charging (DC Fast) | 10-80% in 30 minutes | 10-80% in 30 minutes |
| Turning Circle | 5.3 meters | 5.3 meters |
| Weight | 2,050 kg | 2,170 kg |
| Luggage Capacity | 522 liters | 466 liters |
| Starting Price | £62,700 | £72,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is steer-by-wire technology safe?
Yes, Lexus has implemented multiple redundant systems to ensure safety. If any component fails, backup systems activate instantly to maintain steering control. The system has undergone over 1 million miles of testing in various conditions.
How does the steering feel different from traditional systems?
The steering feels more responsive and requires less effort, particularly at low speeds. There’s no mechanical feedback from road imperfections, but Lexus has carefully tuned the system to provide appropriate resistance and feedback to the driver.
Will the battery range be affected by British winter weather?
Like all electric vehicles, cold weather will reduce range somewhat. However, Lexus has implemented a heat pump system as standard equipment to minimize this effect. The precondition feature also allows owners to warm the cabin while still connected to external power.
Can I test drive the steer-by-wire version before purchasing?
Yes, Lexus UK has dedicated demonstrator vehicles with the One Motion Grip system at all 45 of their dealerships specifically to allow customers to experience this new technology before making a purchase decision.
Is it possible to get the RZ without steer-by-wire technology?
Yes, the steer-by-wire system is standard on the Premium Plus and Takumi trim levels, but remains optional on the base Premium trim, which comes with a conventional steering system as standard.
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