New pure-electric Lexus SUV gets yoke-like steering wheel

Lexus has posted another video tease for the concept that will spearhead its "brand transformation" when it's unveiled on March 30.

The latest teaser, which still fails to reveal the actual car, shows a clip of the new electric Lexus being driven.

And instead of a conventional steering wheel, it appears the Japanese car-maker has favoured a yoke-style steering device.

Following in the tracks of the facelifted 2022 Tesla Model S, it's thought the yoke reflects Lexus' decision to equip its next-gen pure-electric crossover with its latest autonomous driving aids, which could include a Level 3 self-driving cruise control in certain geofenced areas.

Set to be named the Lexus RZ 450e, following a recent trademark application in Australia and elsewhere, it's believed the battery-powered SUV will be offered to buyers Down Under.

From the earlier tease, we already know that the RZ's design will blend a large angular SUV with a sporty coupe.

Expected to ride on parent company Toyota’s all-new e-TNGA EV platform, which will also spawn Toyota’s first mainstream EV SUV due to be revealed in April, the sleek new Lexus will target e-SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-tron and BMW iX.

It is tipped to debut the brand’s new DIRECT4 electric drive system, a high-performance all-wheel drive set-up showcased in the 2019 Lexus LF-30 concept.

Lexus has yet to confirm or deny any of the specifics of its latest model, but all will be revealed this week.