Lexus, known for its blend of luxury, innovation, and reliability, has entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with its first fully electric model, the Lexus UX 300e. Positioned as a luxury compact electric crossover, the UX 300e offers an elegant solution for those who desire the refinement of the Lexus brand with the sustainability of an electric powertrain. It combines Lexus’s hallmark comfort, design, and cutting-edge technology, making it a compelling option for those looking to embrace electric driving without compromising on luxury.
Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Lexus UX 300e an exciting offering in the growing electric vehicle segment.
1. Introduction to the Lexus UX 300e
The Lexus UX 300e is the first all-electric model from the luxury automaker, launched as part of its strategy to electrify its lineup. The UX 300e is based on the popular Lexus UX, a compact luxury crossover, but with an entirely electric powertrain, marking a significant step in the brand’s journey towards a more sustainable future.
The car is designed to appeal to those who want a premium driving experience with zero emissions, offering a stylish, well-equipped, and high-tech vehicle that embodies Lexus’s commitment to luxury and innovation.
2. Exterior Design: Elegant, Contemporary, and Compact
The Lexus UX 300e features the same striking and distinctive exterior design as its petrol counterpart, the UX, with subtle changes to accommodate the electric powertrain. It combines Lexus’s hallmark design elements with the aerodynamic needs of an electric vehicle.
- Sleek and Aerodynamic Front: The signature Lexus spindle grille remains an important design feature, although it is more closed-off in the electric variant to enhance aerodynamics and reduce drag. Sharp, sculpted lines flow across the body, giving the UX 300e a dynamic and sophisticated look.
- LED Lighting: The car is equipped with angular, modern LED headlights and LED taillights, giving it a futuristic appearance. The lighting elements contribute to the vehicle’s high-tech aura, making the UX 300e instantly recognizable.
- Compact Size: As a compact crossover, the UX 300e is ideally suited for urban environments, offering nimble handling and maneuverability. The SUV’s dimensions are perfectly balanced to offer spaciousness while maintaining an agile, city-friendly size.
- Aerodynamic Features: To improve the overall efficiency of the car and reduce wind resistance, Lexus has incorporated various aerodynamic features, including sculpted side skirts and a rear diffuser.
Overall, the UX 300e’s design combines elegance and efficiency, offering a visually appealing luxury crossover that is also functional and aerodynamic.
3. Powertrain and Performance: Efficient and Responsive
The Lexus UX 300e is powered by a 54.3 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor, providing an impressive combination of performance and range. The powertrain is designed to deliver a smooth and responsive driving experience, which is essential for a luxury electric vehicle.
- Electric Motor Power Output: The front-mounted electric motor generates 204 horsepower (150 kW) and 300 Nm of torque. This power allows the UX 300e to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 7.5 seconds, offering brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery.
- Battery Range: The 54.3 kWh battery provides an estimated around 400 km (248 miles) on a single charge under the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) cycle. This range makes the UX 300e suitable for daily commuting as well as longer drives without the anxiety of frequent recharging.
- Charging Capabilities: The UX 300e supports both AC and DC fast charging. A full charge can take around 6 hours using a standard home charger, while with DC fast charging, the battery can be charged up to 80% in approximately 50 minutes, making it convenient for longer trips.
- Driving Experience: The UX 300e offers a refined driving experience with Lexus’s trademark quiet and smooth ride quality. The vehicle’s electric motor provides instantaneous torque, which makes acceleration feel responsive and effortless, whether driving in the city or on highways.
The performance of the UX 300e is carefully tuned to deliver a balance of efficiency, comfort, and performance, making it ideal for urban driving and long-distance travel.
4. Interior: Luxurious and Technologically Advanced
Inside, the Lexus UX 300e continues to reflect the luxury that the brand is known for, offering a refined cabin filled with premium materials, advanced technology, and excellent comfort for both the driver and passengers.
- Quality Materials: The interior of the UX 300e features high-quality materials, including leather upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and brushed metal accents, contributing to a premium and sophisticated cabin feel.
- Infotainment System: The vehicle comes equipped with Lexus’s Lexus Multimedia System, featuring an 8-inch or 10.3-inch touchscreen (depending on the trim level). The system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, offering seamless connectivity and convenience.
- Driver’s Cockpit: The driver’s seat is ergonomically designed, offering great support and adjustability. The digital display behind the steering wheel provides all the necessary information, including battery status, range, and navigation, in a clear and easy-to-read format.
- Premium Audio System: Lexus offers a premium Mark Levinson audio system in higher trims, providing superb sound quality and creating a more immersive in-car experience.
- Spacious and Practical: Despite its compact size, the UX 300e’s interior is well-organized and spacious enough to comfortably seat up to five passengers. The rear seats offer ample legroom for adults, and the boot provides a decent amount of luggage space for a vehicle of this size.
The cabin of the UX 300e strikes a balance between luxury, comfort, and technology, ensuring that both the driver and passengers have a first-class experience.
5. Safety Features: Advanced Lexus Safety System+
Lexus has equipped the UX 300e with its Lexus Safety System+, a suite of advanced safety features designed to enhance driving confidence and ensure the safety of both occupants and pedestrians. Some of the key safety features include:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS): This system uses radar and cameras to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians ahead and can automatically apply the brakes if needed.
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA): Lane Tracing Assist helps to keep the vehicle centered within its lane, reducing the likelihood of unintentional lane departure.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): The adaptive cruise control system adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): This system alerts the driver if there is a vehicle in the blind spot, helping to avoid dangerous lane changes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): RCTA warns the driver if there is cross-traffic approaching from the side when reversing out of parking spaces.
With these features and more, the UX 300e offers a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies, ensuring peace of mind on every journey.
6. Price and Availability
The Lexus UX 300e is positioned as a premium compact electric SUV, offering luxury and performance with an eco-friendly twist. The price for the UX 300e generally starts around €45,000 in European markets and is expected to vary depending on the region, optional features, and trim levels. Pricing is competitive compared to other luxury electric vehicles like the Audi Q4 e-tron and BMW iX3, though the Lexus offers a unique blend of refinement and technology.
7. Conclusion
The Lexus UX 300e is an exciting addition to the electric vehicle market, offering a combination of luxury, performance, and advanced technology in a compact, stylish SUV. As the first fully electric model from Lexus, it sets the stage for the brand’s future as it transitions to electric mobility. With its quiet, responsive drive, elegant design, and premium interior, the UX 300e appeals to eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise on luxury.
Whether you’re looking for a daily driver with sustainable power or a sophisticated electric vehicle that offers the ultimate in comfort and tech, the Lexus UX 300e is a strong contender in the growing luxury electric crossover segment. It embodies the brand’s commitment to innovation while preserving the high standards of refinement that Lexus is known for.