The Lexus UX 300e compact all-electric SUV – the luxury lifestyle brand’s first-ever zero-emissions vehicle – has received significant updates including an extended 450km1 driving range ahead of its local arrival in 2023.
Following the recent comprehensive update for the UX 200 and UX 250h compact SUV variants, the silent-running urban adventurer further expands its performance credentials by drawing on Lexus’ latest expertise in electric motor, battery and inverter technology.
The UX 300e’s newly designed battery increases capacity from 54.4kWh to 72.8kWh, in turn extending driving range by more than 40 per cent from the previous 315km1 on the WLTP cycle.
Peak power output remains the same as before, with 150kW of power and 300Nm of instant torque, keeping the UX 300e as the fastest and most powerful member of the UX family.
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).
As with the UX 200 and UX 250h, the UX 300e also benefits from a strengthened chassis with engineers adding 20 spot weld points throughout the body for greater torsional rigidity. The electronic power steering (EPS), shock absorbers and brakes are also retuned to further boost the Lexus Driving Signature.
The touchscreen multimedia updates on UX 200 and UX 250h now extend to UX 300e, with the previous 10.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display enlarged to a 12.3-inch interface with improved resolution and functionality and mounted closer to the driver for easier operation.
Designers also reconfigured the shape and switch layout of the instrument panel and console area, while increasing the wireless smartphone charging pad2 area and freeing up space for two additional USB-C ports in the centre console.
The new multimedia system supports wireless Apple CarPlay®3 along with wired Android Auto™4, and offers a web browser function using an internet connection from the car’s inbuilt Data Communication Module (DCM).
A mix of cloud-based and native satellite navigation5 allows the system to obtain traffic and parking information in real time.
Natural voice recognition means users can now say “Hey Lexus!” to prefix basic functions such as opening and closing windows or changing a song.
With DCM the UX 300e also now offers Lexus Connected Services6. By downloading the Lexus Connected Service app it turns a smartphone into a type of digital key to give owners greater assurance with valuable safety, security and vehicle information.
This includes automatic notifications in the event of an on-road emergency7 or if the vehicle is stolen8, unlocking and starting the vehicle, activating the climate control remotely, checking battery charge and driving range and even disabling the car’s EV system from starting for a desired period of time for additional security.
DCM also enables the multimedia system to perform over-the-air software updates for up-to-date functionality.
On Sports Luxury grades Lexus has enhanced the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), adding an underfloor view function that assists the driver by showing the road surface beneath the UX.
Further improvements are made to the Lexus Safety System+ suite of active safety technologies, helping to improve safety for occupants and other road users.
The Pre-Collision Safety system9 expands its functionality and is now able to detect oncoming vehicles when turning at an intersection, as well as pedestrians crossing the street when turning left or right.
Forming part of the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system, the Lane Trace Alert9 feature is refined to provide smoother and less intrusive steering assistance when helping the vehicle stay inside its lane.
Curve speed control is also added to DRCC9, which may apply gentle deceleration when entering a curve of an appropriate angle.
The upgraded UX 200 petrol and UX 250h hybrid are now on sale with the upgraded UX 300e joining its siblings in Australian showrooms in 2023. Pricing and full specification will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
1 Results achieved for UX 300e in WLTP combined drive cycle energy consumption testing. Results produced in laboratory test conditions, using sample vehicles without fitment of accessories/customisation, & do not reflect real world driving. Figures should only be used for comparative purposes.
2 Only Qi-supported devices compatible. Refer to device manufacturer. May require additional purchase of accessory to support wireless charging.
3 CarPlay® is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.
4 Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC.
5 Coverage varies based on vehicle location.
6 Connected Services complimentary period ends 3 years from delivery date. Fees and charges may apply thereafter. Not available outside Australia or if services disabled or terminated. Dependent on 3G/4G enabled DCM, GPS signal strength, mobile network coverage and other factors outside Lexus’s control which can limit ability or functionality of system. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.
7 Driver assist feature only. Not a substitute for safe driving practices. Not available outside Australia or if service disabled or terminated. Only operates if vehicle’s SOS button is pressed. Dependent on 3G/4G enabled DCM, GPS signal strength, mobile network coverage, operational related components and other factors outside Lexus’s control which can limit ability or functionality of system. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.
8 Not available outside Australia or if service disabled or terminated. Dependent on sufficient battery power, 3G/4G enabled DCM, GPS signal strength, mobile network coverage, operational related components & other factors outside Lexus’ control which can limit the ability or functionality of system. Owner/driver required to obtain Police report. Vehicle location information, if available, only provided to Police. Vehicle recovery not guaranteed. For details, visit https://www.lexus.com.au/connectivity/lexus-connected-services-faq#svt
9 Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. Please drive safely.
