LEXUS RZ450e REVIEWED: Is this some kind of yoke, Lexus?

#lexusrz450e #lexus #electriccars

Read the Lexus RZ450e review:

At first glance, it’s easy to think that the Lexus RZ450e is little more than rebadged and posher version of the Toyota bZ4X, which isn’t a car which has overly impressed us. 

But while the Lexus does share a great deal of its big bits with the Toyota, it also offers a lot more technology, luxury, performance and refinement. In particular it has two fascinating features which are set to be seen on all the cars we will be driving in the future.

But there’s one big talking point that we can’t ignore. The RZ doesn’t have a component which has been considered essential since the invention of the car – a steering column. There is no mechanical connection at all between the driver and the wheels. This is the first car to have that.
Lexus calls it One Motion Grip, or (appropriately) OMG for short. It’s going to be available as an option from 2025, so there is still a wait before you can get your hands on it. The cost is not yet known either.

The tech raises a lot of questions, so let’s deal first with how it works. On cars fitted with OMG, the traditional round steering wheel is replaced with a yoke, like you’d find in an aeroplane cockpit.

Tesla had a yoke on the new Model S and X, but that was just a conventional steering system with a funky steering wheel. This means it has drawbacks and owners have found it tricky to use.

In the RZ, the yoke is connected to sensors and a motor, which then tell another motor down by the wheels what to do via a wire.
The clever part is that the ratio of movement can change depending on the situation. If you are pulling out of a parking space, it takes just a quarter turn to get full lock. Turning from full lock left to all the way right is just 150 degrees, so there is never a need to cross over your arms or shuffle the steering wheel through your hands.

Join Tom as he delivers the first real-world verdict on the RZ450e and THAT steering system. Would you choose a car with a set-up like this? Has Lexus gone too far? Let us know in the comments below.

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[nathanwolf]

I love the way you deliver this review in that chilled, bear like way. Very appealing. The information given is absorbed easily and there is no grandstanding. Thank you. I’ll take your style with me into my own reviews this year. As for the car? I love that we are finally seeing useful, game changing tech entering the market. When developed to its potential new tech like this will save lives and reduce stress on the road, always a good thing.

[nicomonkeyboy]

I like this fella's deliberate and calm style.

[Grudlin]

Finally a car reviewer I can relate to. Thank you. I like this guy's style and personality. Please have more of him so I can feel better about me 😊

[ThrottleBody]

A calming, attenbrough-esque review. Really enjoyed it

[davidpegg]

I like this chap. More reviews from him please.

[alferro]

The plus point of the Lexus is that is a Lexus. If you ever had one you know what I am on about. If you haven't... Lexus are super refined, totally reliable, extremely well put together and they have such lovely interiors.

[RussellFineArt]

Beautiful car. I’ve owned and driven the Lexus 400h the past several years and love it. I’d consider this Lexus but the battery range is low and the price high.

[davidcolin]

Less range than the BZ4X? Is that possible?
Considering the BZ4X has come in for some of the heaviest criticism of any EV because of its porr range, I don't think that's likely to do well.

[Laktozint]

Watched three good reviews of this car before watching yours. This is the most electrifying of them all. Subscribed.

[mrbullet]

I ordered one a while a go... You just like your review because you hit every reason why i ordered it. And god that coffee is good at the dealer ;)

[DaveKCMO-un]

Thank you for an awesome and informative review! I agree with the other commenters, your calm and relaxed presentation style is fantastic and enjoyable! Great job!

[briangriffiths]

Looks good in copper. Interesting review and OMG seems like the next stage up from variable ratio power steering that is easy to get used to.

[lennymful]

Pleasant and awesome reviewer. Great delivery, love it.

[sevensixtysteve]

Great review, love the presenting style. I think Lexus have done a top job here and the implementation of the yoke seems much better thought out than Teslas. I also must’ve getting used to EV pricing as I was actually expecting it to cost more than it does. Be interesting to see how efficiency stacks up against the competition but in all other respects, it looks good.

[matthewb]

Great review, good addition to the team. Oh and nice car too.

[aderonkelawal]

your video is so calming to watch!! I am a fan!

[biddie]

Oh his humor. Love to see more of your review

[nadnuts]

Excellent review, very enjoyable, thank you

[maybud]

The fly-by-wire steering sounds cool 👍😎 I wonder what happens when you switch back to a (rental) car with conventional steering? Under steering? 🤔

[rogerwilliams]

Reaslly like this presentation style - gresat work!