As predicted, more electric vehicles are hitting the market in 2023 to give novated lease buyers and fleets a choice of models to take advantage of the FBT Exemption on BEVs and PHEVs.
The latest version of the all-electric Lexus UX 300e compact SUV will have a longer range and be priced from $79,990 (MRRP) for the Luxury variant when it arrives in June.
The UX 300e – the first Lexus to debut a fully-electrified powertrain when it was introduced in November 2021 – benefits from a major technology upgrade that now sees its range extended to 560km under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) adopted by Australia.
The updated UX 300e Luxury’s sharp pricing places it under the Federal Government’s Luxury Car Tax threshold for fuel efficient vehicles, providing Lexus customers not only with zero-tailpipe emission luxury mobility, but access to fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemptions.
The top line UX 300e Sports Luxury is priced from $88,490, reflecting its higher level of refinement and enhancements and positioning as the flagship in the UX range.
All UX 300e customers will continue to enjoy Lexus Encore Platinum Electrified benefits, including: complimentary home charger installation, complimentary access to Chargefox charging stations, Lexus On Demand and complimentary Valet Parking.
Lexus has drawn on its expertise in electric motor, battery and inverter technology to increase the UX 300e’s battery capacity from 54.4kWh to 72.8kWh, generating an additional 200km of range over its predecessor.
The peak 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque remain unchanged, keeping the silent-running compact SUV the most powerful in the UX lineup.
The battery pack remains positioned low in the floor, not only reducing the centre of gravity to improve faithful handling through the Lexus Driving Signature, but it also acts as a sound barrier, helping to suppress noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
Lexus Chief Executive John Pappas said the UX 300e appeals to younger, affluent customers wanting the flexible urban lifestyle offered by a compact SUV, together with dynamic performance and zero tailpipe emissions.
“The UX 300e is a great urban vehicle for younger buyers wanting a car that is fun to drive and also refined and sophisticated,” said Mr Pappas.
“It plays a major role as the entry battery electric vehicle in the Lexus range as we continue our move towards a diverse lineup of luxury vehicles that is either fully or partially electrified.
“The important thing for Lexus is to offer our customers a choice of low and zero tailpipe emission vehicles that suit their mobility needs.”
Both UX 300e variants benefit from further technology upgrades introduced on their UX 200 and UX 250h siblings late last year.
This includes the latest Lexus multimedia system on a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and wired Android Auto™, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wireless phone charger and 13-speaker Mark Levinson hi-fi audio system.
The UX technology upgrade also includes a three-year complimentary subscription to Lexus Connected Services, which introduces a range of customer-focused features enhancing both safety and convenience through the vehicle’s inbuilt Data Communication Module (DCM) when connected to a mobile network.
Lexus Connected Services can also provide additional customer benefits when paired to the state-of-the-art Lexus Connected app.
The UX 300e Sports Luxury’s additional comfort and refinement includes: leather accented seats, moonroof, head up display, panoramic view monitor, adaptive high beam system, high-grade three projector LED head lamps with dynamic auto levelling, acoustic front side glass and uniquely designed 18-inch wheels.
