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Lexus RZ 550e - Why Does It Have a Yoke? (ENG) - Test Drive and Review - Marek Drives

Marek Drives in English

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The Lexus RZ is, to put it simply, a slightly smaller RX, but with an electric drivetrain. Both cars have the same wheelbase – 285 cm – but the RZ is slightly shorter, narrower, and lower than the RX. It also has a more slanted rear end. Other cars with similar dimensions include the Porsche Macan and the Volvo EX60. You can order the Lexus RZ with a yoke that has no mechanical connection to the wheels.

↔ Lexus RZ dimensions:
✔ length: 4805 mm
✔ width: 1895 mm
✔ height: 1635 mm
✔ wheelbase: 2850 mm
✔ boot/trunk: 586-1451 L

💲 Lexus RZ 350e Executive starting price: 57 100 euro

💲 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport price as tested: 78 700 euro

#MarekDrivesENG #Lexus #LexusRZ

Chapters:
0:00 intro
0:30 dimensions
0:53 design
1:44 steer-by-wire
6:00 parking test
7:52 driving impressions
9:00 performance
9:50 range and charging
11:04 AWD diagonal approach test
11:45 cockpit
13:28 rear seat
14:06 boot
15:05 pricing
15:20 conclusion

17 Comments

@earlfenwick 7 days ago (edited)

I think Lexus should saunter by the Lexus booth and check out one of those nice SUVs from Genesis and just copy that! Great video as always Marek. ❤

@DuctTapeAdvisor 6 days ago

I vote for driving cars with side sticks, just like Airbus aircrafts 🕹

@christianronn5301 7 days ago

If the system can't keep up, let's just wait for a newer and better system.
Almost everything has been "by wire" for a long time, people just don't realize it. Steer by wire will work too. Looking forward to it.

@Ostap1974 8 days ago

Would like to test the DBW on icy road before I'm sold.

@JC130676 7 days ago (edited)

I wanted to upgrade from my plugin hybrid Lexus NX 450h+ to a full EV. I briefly considered the RZ but range and charging speed are "meh" at best, as are the cabin amenities, infotainment system and boot space. In the end I went for the Xpeng G9 Performance instead. At around the same price level you get better range, MUCH better charging speed, a more luxurious cabin, a far more advanced infotainment system, bigger boot plus a frunk, and air suspension. Lexus is in serious trouble but they don't seem to be aware of it yet.

@user-uq7io2os3r 3 days ago

Nice review thx for shering 👍unfortunately lexus need to be reminded so rear wiper ,physical door handles is a must 👍at least in mine opinion 👍

@alliejr 8 days ago

Sad you did not mention the missing wear wiper. I HATE this trend on modern "hatchback" EVs. The drag does not affect range enough for me to care, yet as someone who is constantly checking my rearview mirror... lack of visibility will annoy every non-sunny day.

@kevinn1158 7 days ago

I quite like the look of the RZ and the prices of Toyota's and Lexus' EVs have dropped quite a bit. But a lot of the tech still seems out of date. I mean isn't the charging still 400V and max 150kW??? Having said this, the price is 71k CAD here in Canada for the 450AWD Luxury trim. Mid trim. Compare that to the iX3 M Sport which comes in at 89k CAD and it starts to feel like a good deal.

Re the yoke, that thing is a real joke!! LOL.

@razvansodoleanu9755 9 days ago

I wouldn't have it in any case. In other news, I visited Warsaw again, last week and it seems to get nicer with each year :)

@alliejr 8 days ago

I know purists don't want to know this, but (accelerator) pedal-by-wire has been a thing now for decades. Every car has it and that's been true since the 2000s.

@Wooozy.1 8 days ago

Once again, I loved the review and I really enjoy your character! You highlight many great points. Unfortunately for the car, it feels way too outdated again.

I feel like Lexus is struggling to define a clear identity for its models. The ES didn't fully commit to being an EV, and this one didn't fully commit to steer-by-wire. Is Lexus a highway cruiser? A family car? An executive business sedan? Or a sporty F model? It tries to be a bit of everything, without committing 100% to any of it.

I’ve owned an IS F and an ES hybrid. They were decent cars, but never truly hit the mark. The ES hybrid worked well as a taxi cruiser, but it lacked the wow factor of a real executive sedan. The IS F was a good sports car, yet it lacked the raw fun and aggressiveness of an AMG or BMW M car.

As a brand, Lexus just doesn't commit to anything, they’re starting to feel more like an Opel. Lexus never gets a 10/10 in any category; it’s barely an 8/10 across the board.

Review: 10/10
Car: 6/10

@Johnny91832 8 days ago (edited)

They decided to put all their focus on steer by wire and the yoke and forgot to build a good EV. Even with very heavy discounts, I would have a very hard time choosing this over the 3 new competitors. I do think it looks quite good.