Lexus and steer-by-wire: a revolution at the wheel
This page is translated from the original post "Lexus et le steer-by-wire : une révolution au volant" in French.
- 25/09/2025 11:09
With the new Lexus RZ, the Japanese manufacturer takes an unprecedented step in the evolution of automotive driving.
For the first time with a mainstream manufacturer, excluding the very niche Tesla Cybertruck, Lexus offers as standard a steer-by-wire steering system, a technology that radically breaks away from the traditional operation of cars.
Specifically, steer-by-wire eliminates any mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Unlike a classic steering system, where a steering shaft connects the wheel to the wheels, here, the driver’s movements are electronically interpreted by a computer “brain.” This then sends precise instructions to the wheels, instantly adjusting their angle based on speed, driving style, and road conditions. The result: optimized maneuverability, increased stability, and responsiveness that automatically adapts to each situation.
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At low speeds, the system makes maneuvers and parking easier, reducing effort and turning radius. On winding roads, it ensures precise and smooth steering, while at high speeds on the highway, it offers reassuring stability, as if the car anticipates the driver’s intentions. Together, these features contribute to a safer and more serene driving experience, where comfort and performance harmoniously combine.
However, this innovation also raises a question. Are we ready to take the wheel knowing that there is no mechanical link between our hands and the wheels? The familiar gesture of turning the steering wheel no longer directly produces mechanical movement; everything is transmitted through electronic signals and electric motors. For some, this abstraction may seem destabilizing, even if the system’s safety and precision are guaranteed. For others, it promises a smoother, safer drive that adapts to the context.
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By taking this step, Lexus does not merely enhance the maneuverability of its RZ. The brand opens a debate about the future of driving, where electronics and artificial intelligence gradually replace traditional mechanical connections. This unique experience could redefine what it means to “be behind the wheel.”
READ ALSO: How does a steer-by-wire steering work?
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