Lexus' new electric car serves up a funny yoke

Lexus has revealed its new RZ 450e all-electric SUV, its version of the Toyota bZ4x. The striking-looking car will rival the likes of the Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW iX3 and will be packed with innovations, including the world’s first steer-by-wire system which uses an aircraft-style steering yoke. It is said to be even more advanced than that fitted to the latest Tesla Model S.

The RZ uses a 71.4kW battery, which is expected to cover more than 250 miles in the official range tests and can be recharged at 150kW. Unusually, the battery can be guaranteed for 10 years.

Two motors power the car, giving four wheel drive. The front gets a bigger motor, producing 201bhp and the rear 107bhp, giving a total power output of 309bhp. The benchmark 0-62mph time is 5.6 seconds.

Lexus RZ 450e static rear, copper, on stage

The Lexus will have an official range in excess of 250 miles

The optional One Motion Grip system comes with a new steering yoke, replacing the traditional steering wheel. The technology requires less steering effort from the driver, with only a 150-degree turn of the yoke needed to move from straight ahead to left or right lock, eliminating the need for hand-over-hand turns.

The panoramic sunroof has a party trick too - an electric dimming function, which instantly switches from transparent to opaque using a touch control, cutting out any direct sunlight and eliminating the need for blinds.

Some sort of yoke? The connections in the steering are electronic - a world first

In less sunny weather, the Lexus uses radiant heaters, which work in a similar way to the UV lamps which are used outside pubs and restaurants. These are positioned at knee-level in front of the driver and front passenger, beneath the steering column and lower instrument panel. These heat up the people rather than the air inside the car, and are said to create “the feeling of a warm blanket around the legs” and are more efficient than a traditional heater.

Prices are yet to be announced, but the new model will be available to order now, ahead of the first deliveries from the end of 2022.