Driving enjoyment and passenger comfort are both enhanced in the Lexus RZ by the car’s DIRECT4 intelligent all-wheel drive control system. This exclusive Lexus technology, which is introduced on the RZ, automatically adjusts driving force distribution between the front and rear e-Axles within milliseconds in response to driving conditions. DIRECT4 also automatically adjusts the braking force on all four wheels in accordance with ground contact load and improves this Battery Electric Vehicle’s energy efficiency.

When Chief Engineer Takashi Watanabe observed the world’s fastest animal, the cheetah, in action, he was fascinated by how the big cat’s body moves in all kinds of ways when it sprints and swerves in pursuit of prey, yet its head remains surprisingly stable, and its eye-line is unwavering. This inspired Lexus’ engineers to think of new ways to control the RZ’s body posture, and with DIRECT4 they were able to bestow the vehicle with exceptionally good pitch control. The extent to which the vehicle tilts backwards under acceleration and forwards under braking is now more limited, reducing the corresponding movements of occupants’ heads. This gives the driver a more stable sightline and significantly enhances passenger comfort, especially in the rear seats.

This inspiration from the cheetah also influenced the RZ’s exterior styling.

In addition to the greater control of vehicle body posture, and a reduction in sudden cabin movements for a smoother ride, the other benefits of DIRECT4 are powerful and smooth on-demand acceleration; excellent traction under acceleration and on slippery surfaces; better stability through corners; and reassuringly secure braking.  

Automatically variable torque distribution also enhances the precise, linear, natural-feeling responses to driver inputs. All these attributes strengthen the RZ’s core driving characteristics, represented by the “three C’s” that are the cornerstones of the Lexus Driving Signature: Confidence, Control, and Comfort.

DIRECT4 continually provides optimal drive force balance between front and rear by controlling each e-Axle independently. Sensors send information to the BEV ECU about wheel speed, longitudinal G, and steering angle. DIRECT4 responds to this information, to maximise traction and grip, almost instantly: front/rear torque bias can be adjusted from zero to 100% or 100% to zero and anything in between in milliseconds, faster than any mechanical system.

Torque is divided between the front and rear e-Axles according to driving conditions:

En route to the top spot, Lexus achieved the highest rankings for the interior and comfort, exterior and reliability categories. Significantly, the results are based on the opinions and experiences of car owners rather than experts and commentators, and Britain’s motorists once again responded in their thousands to the survey.

Lexus models also dominated the Driver Power model categories, with the RX taking the award for Best Premium Large SUV and rated best for interior and comfort; the RC coupe emerging as Best Sports Car and best for reliability and build quality; the IS saloon Best Compact Executive Car and runner-up to the Best New Car of the Year; and the GS saloon named Best Executive Car.

Driver Power is the UK’s largest, most comprehensive car satisfaction poll. Success in the survey is based on the first-hand experience of thousands of UK car owners who responded to Driver Power survey questions about the quality, reliability and performance of their vehicle (up to two years old) and the service they receive from retailers and repair shops.

Steve Fowler, Auto Express Editor-in-Chief, said: “It’s fantastic to see Lexus top the Driver Power brand ranking for the third year in a row. The company has a proven track record of building luxurious, desirable and comfortable cars, and the stellar reliability rankings Lexus continually generates will be the envy of many carmakers, too.”

Ewan Shepherd, Director of Lexus in the UK, commented: “It’s 30 years since the Lexus brand was born and it’s always been our aim not just to deliver the best customer service, but also to redefine what great service means to today’s customers. It’s this core commitment to excellence, a line-up of great new products and the hard work and dedication of everyone who works for Lexus – especially our retail partners – that has helped us once again claim top place in the Driver Power manufacturer rankings.”

For more information please visit: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/driver-power