The 2023 Lexus RZ arrives on the scene as the first all-electric Lexus model in the US, but the drivetrain is far from its most controversial element. Lexus will ship the RZ 450e with a yoke steering system, similar to the one used in the Tesla Model S and Model X. Though Tesla's yoke has been fraught with criticism, Lexus is adamant that its new steer-by-wire system is superior to what Tesla offers.

That's because the steer-by-wire system can change ratios depending on speed, so drivers don't have to execute hand-over-hand maneuvers at slow speeds. By comparison, the Tesla yoke keeps a traditional steering ratio, which doesn't meld well with a yoke. Even Lexus' naming scheme is different, as it will not refer to its steering unit as a yoke. In fact, the name Lexus chose is simply hilarious.

In Europe, Lexus will call the steering system "One Motion Grip," or "OMG" abbreviated. That naming is on-par with GMC's Watts To Freedom (WTF) and Chevrolet's Wide Open Watts (WOW). Perhaps it's short for, "OMG, this is so much better than the Tesla yoke!" Who knew Lexus had such a sense of humor?

Lexus has not confirmed if the OMG steering will be offered on the US-spec model, nor has it announced if the system will arrive with that naming. All of the US-specific press photos show the RZ with a standard steering wheel, so it's possible that our market won't get the OMG system.

There are many details we are still waiting to discover about the RZ 450e ahead of its on-sale date, including the price. We know the RZ is based on the same platform as the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV. The luxury Lexus version offers a bit more power, 308 hp and 321 lb-ft of torque, coming from two electric motors. It uses a 71.4-kWh battery that provides 225 miles of range with the 18-inch wheels or just 200 miles with the 20s.

We should get more details closer to the RZ's arrival date in late 2022.