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Lexus has teased its first fully electric vehicle, the RZ 450e, for the last time ahead of its April 20th debut. The Japanese luxury brand released a couple of revealing images of the RZ's interior and front fascia, but the interior is where things get interesting.
The Lexus RZ boasts a high-tech cabin, with a large NX-inspired touchscreen infotainment system tilted towards the driver. There is also a fancy digital gauge cluster wedged in between two slim air vents, and what appears to be a button shifter is located on the center console. One thing that stands out, however, is the futuristic yoke steering wheel (if you would consider it a wheel). Aside from the latest Tesla Model S and X, the yoke only appears in race cars and concepts. It looks like Lexus is jumping aboard with this impractical EV trend, and while this does make the RZ's interior look unlike anything else, it could spoil Lexus's transition to EVs.
Tesla owners report issues related to otherwise simple tasks, like parallel parking or taking sharp turns. This is because the yoke is much looser than a conventional steering wheel, which requires the driver to turn the wheel faster and more often. There is still hope, though, as the RZ's yoke might end up being firmer than Tesla's. It seems to be more well-made than the one seen in the Model S and X, with leather stitching along the sides of the wheel, so Lexus may have taken more time to refine the RZ's yoke. There is also a chance that the yoke could simply be offered as an option, for those who prefer a more familiar steering device.
The 2023 RZ will be the first electric vehicle in Lexus's hybrid-rich lineup, and will be closely related to the Toyota BZ4X and Subaru Solterra. All will be revealed on April 20, at 6:00 am ET.
What do you think of the RZ's yoke steering wheel?
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