lexus rz 550e F SPort with steer-by-wire

Lexus RZ 500e review: Is steer-by-wire the future or a fad?

July 8, 2025 Matt Allan

The new Lexus RZ looks familiar but there are major changes beneath the surface, bringing more power, range and a revised steer-by-wire system

A couple of years ago I drove a Lexus RZ with steer-by-wire controls. We were told then that the system was still being fine-tuned but would be on sale by the end of the year. That never happened.

Problems with the calibration along with shifting regulatory requirements meant a lot more than “fine-tuning” was needed. Here we are now, though, with the updated RZ nearly ready to hit the roads and a promise that, this time, steer-by-wire is definitely coming.

To see how that system has changed as well as check out a raft of other upgrades to Japan’s Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW iX2 rival, I got behind the wheel of the new flagship RZ 550e F Sport as well as the regular all-wheel-drive 500e.

Lexus RZ design, interior and technology

There are subtle midlife facelifts and then there’s the Lexus RZ facelift which is not so much subtle as non-existent. Regular models look identical to before, while the new F Sport grade gets a more aggressive lower front bumper with fins for improved aero performance, plus a neat low-level rear spoiler and diffuser. There are also blue brake callipers hiding behind unique lightweight 20-inch alloys.

Lexus RZ 550e F Sport driving image — The biggest visual changes come with the more aggressive body kit of the F Sport spec

Interior changes are also minimal. In fact there’s not much to mention apart from new laser-cut patterns on the door cards and seats, and the option of a rather lovely hazel-colour Ultrasuede upholstery.

As before, there’s a sharp and responsive 14-inch central touchscreen and digital dials wrapped in a high-set dashboard. Big physical knobs for the air conditioning and a chunky drive selector are user-friendly and there’s a welcome absence of piano black trim. The RZ also demonstrates the usual Lexus build quality which feels like it could withstand a direct strike from a meteor.

There’s ample space for four adults and a generous 522-litre boot, but rear passengers face a slightly odd knees-up seating position due to the relatively low seat and high floor.

The biggest change is that the F Sport model with its steer-by-wire setup brings an F1-style yoke in place of a regular steering wheel. This looks odd with the huge instrument binnacle behind it, and it isn’t as user-friendly as a regular wheel. The indicator stalks and regen/gear paddles are tiny elements stuck close together on the back of the yoke and are tricky to use. Trying to indicate on a roundabout, for instance, requires some finger gymnastics, and there’s still a chance you’ll adjust the regen rather than your indicator.

Lexus RZ 550e interior with steer-by-wire steering yoke — The steer-by-wire yoke is the most obvious difference in the new top-spec RZ

Less obvious changes include added structural rigidity and improved sound deadening which contribute to an even smoother and quieter ride than the already impressive pre-facelift car.

Battery, motor and performance

While changes on the surface aren’t huge, there have been some big updates underneath.

The RZ’s battery has been upgraded to a water-cooled 77kWh unit with onboard pre-conditioning. While its peak charging is unchanged at 150kW, the new battery can charge faster for longer and in a wider range of conditions. A 10-80% charge has been cut to around 30 minutes.

Lexus has also tinkered with the motors for better power, lower internal losses and less noise. The result is that the entry-level 350e offers 221bhp from its single front-mounted motor and up to 353 miles of range. That’s 20bhp and 58 miles more than before.

The mid-spec 500e brings all-wheel-drive, 376bhp and up to 311 miles of range while the 550e F Sport sacrifices range for performance, with 402bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds. It also gets a bespoke suspension setup, added bracing and Lexus Interactive Drive which adds simulated gear shifts for a more immersive experience.

Lexus RZ 550e F Sport driving shot — The RZ 550e is quick and composed but not as dynamic as the F Sport name suggests

Truthfully, the impact of the Interactive Drive is limited. It follows a similar approach to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Kia EV6 GT, mimicking an eight-speed sequential gearbox, complete with rev limiter, engine sound and driveline shunt. The problem is it’s not as ferocious or fun as the Koreans. It feels like Lexus is trying to balance “sporty” with its usual refinement but has got stuck in the middle. None of it is bad but nor is it transformative enough to make you press the button to access it.

The same is true of the rest of the F Sport experience. It’s quick in a straight line and hangs on well enough in corners thanks to the smart Direct4 system, but it’s not much quicker than the 500e. While the ride is stiffer, there’s still enough body roll to remind you this is a tall and heavy SUV and discourage you from getting too lairy at the wheel.

The most obvious difference between 500e and 550e is the 550e F Sport’s steer-by-wire system. This has been retuned with input from engineers and driving experts including the boss man Akio Toyoda himself.

Among the changes are a greater range from lock to lock. There’s now 200 degrees of movement rather than 150 degrees – an increase demanded by test drivers who ran out of steering lock when the car was starting to lose control.

As well as giving more scope to rescue a bad situation, that change gives a less “jagged” feel at low speeds. Back in 2023, tiny inputs translated into massive changes in direction. Now there’s a smoother transition and gentler response to minor movements of the yoke. It’s not gone entirely – negotiating urban roundabouts requires a level of thought that regular steering doesn’t demand – but it is better than before.

The RZ's steer-by-wire is much improved but I'm still unsure how most drivers will react to it — The RZ’s steer-by-wire is much improved but I’m still unsure how most drivers will react to it

It also feels much improved at high speed. On the motorway it’s steady as a rock while on flowing country roads it feels accurate and actually more dynamic than the sluggish regular steering. Strangely, it also feels more connected and better weighted than the regular setup, showing what you can do with clever software.

That clever software also eliminates unwanted feedback from the road – for instance the steering judder caused by cobbled roads or potholes. In those circumstances it works well but I’m not sure how much isolation from feedback I actually want.

Time constraints meant I didn’t get the chance to drive the 350e, but Lexus reckons that’s going to be the big seller. It’s understandable. As pleasant as the power and pace of the AWD cars is, 221bhp is adequate and the extra 30 to 40 miles of range is an attractive compromise, even if you miss out on the option of the Takumi spec.

Lexus RZ price and specification

Which brings us nicely to the various Lexus RZ trim levels.

The UK is getting three powertrains and five trim levels, prices for which will be announced closer to the on-sale date in late 2025. For reference, the current model starts at £50,145 and rises to just under £67,000.

The 350e comes in Premium or Premium Plus grades. 500e is also available with Premium Plus or Takumi while the 550e comes in F Sport or F Sport Takumi specification.

Key kit on all models includes LED lights, a powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, and full Lexus Safety System + package. Premium grade gets 18-inch alloys, synthetic leather upholstery and a 10-speaker sound system plus front and rear parking sensors. Premium Plus adds a head-up display, 360-degree parking camera and cooled front seats. Both come with the option of 20-inch alloys.

Those 20-inch wheels are standard on the Takumi grade, which also adds a Mark Levinson stereo, adaptive headlights, dimmable sunroof, the Ultrasuede upholstery and heated rear seats.

F Sport is based on Premium Plus but brings the previously mentioned chassis and powertrain upgrades, cosmetic enhancements and sports seats. F Sport Takumi adds the Mark Levinson stereo and dimmable sunroof.

Verdict

The RZ already felt like a great expression of what an electric Lexus should be and these updates enhance that.

This upgraded model retains all the qualities of the early car, from its rock-solid quality and refinement to its space and easygoing driving nature. To that it adds better performance, better range and better charging.

Buyers will most likely go for the more affordable and more efficient 350e, even if the extra poke of the two-motor versions is welcome. However, between the all-wheel-drive options, I’m not sure the F Sport will be worth the extra money.

The differences in performance and dynamics aren’t vast and while the steer-by-wire is an interesting concept, I’m still not convinced of its benefits over a mechanical system for most drivers.