With the UX 300e, Lexus finally entered the full-EV segment. These days, it also offers a decent driving range. Jonathan Crouch reports on the updated version.

Ten Second Review

From launch in 2020, the first Lexus EV, the UX 300e, was hobbled by restricted driving range. But with a new battery offering up to 280 miles between charges, it's now much better placed to reward a thoughtful buyer prepared to think a little more laterally. In the compact SUV segment, there are cheaper full-electric models than this one, some of which still offer greater driving range. But the all-electric driving distance you now get here will probably be sufficient for most suburban users and there are admirably few compromises in terms of interior packaging, plus a very high quality feel.

Background

Lexus has been a pioneer in vehicle electrification since introducing the RX 400h in 2005, but back in 2020, this UX 300e model was the brand's very first battery-electric vehicle. It was based on a full-electric version of the Toyota C-HR only offered in China and was the first of a number of production vehicles the brand decided to make under its 'Lexus Electrified' banner. The marque was certainly well placed in create EVs, having built over 1.6 million electrified self-charging hybrids in the last fifteen years. That means breakthrough Lexus technologies like the power control unit, the battery management system and the electric motor have been tried and tested over many millions of miles. The UX300e though, proved to be a bit of a disappointment in its original form, the early 54.3kWh battery only able to take the car 196 miles between charges, a distance easily improved upon by every serious class rival. Things got a bit better though, with an upgrade in early 2023 that brought us the current 72.8kWh version of this Lexus. A model further improved in Autumn 2024 with a few cabin upgrades to create the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

This car's change in early 2023 from a 54.3kWh battery to one of 72.8kWh in size didn't increase power: that's still rated at 201bhp. But of course it did a lot for driving range, which rose from the previous feeble 196 mile total to a possible maximum of 279 miles, if your UX300e has 17-inch wheels. With that update, Lexus took the opportunity to incorporate a few engineering changes. These included fine-tuning of the steering and shock absorber settings to sharpen dynamic performance, while additional spot-welding increased body rigidity. These alterations were supposed to improve the car's responsiveness and planted feel, characteristics accentuated by the vehicle's low centre of gravity and the location of the battery pack beneath the floor. Chief Engineer Takashi Watanabe and his team apparently engineered this car with driving fun in mind, building on inherently strong chassis rigidity and redeveloping the standard UX steering and suspension. And sure enough, 300Nm of almost instantly available torque spears you away from rest like a hot hatch, 62mph from rest occupying 7.5s. Under the skin lies a Toyota GA-C platform that's much stiffer than the underpinnings used for the Lexus marque's very first compact model, the CT 200h. To balance the EV powertrain, extra bracing has been added and shock absorber damping has been optimised to better match the specific dynamics and extra weight of a full-electric vehicle. Even so, this Lexus still struggles to transmit all its torque to tarmac quite as quickly as sometimes you might like, the steering feel remains a bit vague and ride quality over poorer surfaces in models fitted with the larger 18-inch wheel rims isn't quite as smooth as we'd ideally like. What is impressive is refinement, further enhanced in this updated model. The engineers have made sure that the thickness and weight of the battery pack beneath the cabin floor will act as a sound-insulating barrier. And they've installed undercovers and wing liners to reduce the noise generated by small stones, dirt, water and the road surface.

Design and Build

Lexus is one of those brands who believe that buyers of full-EV models want their cars to look as 'normal' as possible. So the visual changes that differentiate this UX 300e model from its ordinary UX 250h self-charging hybrid showroom stablemate are minimal. There's a subtly revised version of this model's 'signature' radiator grille, special 17-inch 'aero-ventilating' alloy wheels, different badgework and a sleeker front bumper with smaller air intakes. Otherwise, it's the usual UX design recipe, with flared front and rear wings and a shape that's one of the smaller ones in the premium-badged SUV 'C'-segment, 4,495mm long, 1,520mm high and 1,840mm wide. Inside, this updated model gets a new 7-inch digital instrument display and smarter interior surfacing with a gun metalliuc paint finish. as before, compared to the combustion UX, specific UX 300e features are hard to spot, limited to a bespoke auto gear selector and some EV-specific displays for this crossover's digital instrument binnacle and its centre-stack infotainment screen. According to equipment grade, models are fitted with either eight-inch (Lexus Link connect) or 12.3-inch (Lexus Link Pro) centre displays, with touchscreen technology replacing the previous trackpad control. As with an UX, the interior feels really high end, with design based around the Japanese architectural concept of 'engawa' where the inside and the outside of a structure are seamlessly connected. Build quality from the Kyushu Japanese plant is faultless and top models get leather seats that feature the traditional oriental quilting technique of 'sahiko'. Despite the compact exterior dimensions, the generous 2,640mm-long wheelbase means the cabin actually feels quite spacious, with 870mm between front and back seat passengers, so there's reasonable rear legroom. And a proper boot too, which impressively, is actually a little bigger than it is in the UX 250h hybrid, capacity having grown from 320 to 367-litres - or 486-litres if you load to the roof.

Market and Model

You'll need to think in terms of spending from £40,000 upwards on your UX 300e. That base figure is for entry-level 'Urban' trim. Beyond that, there are 'Premium', 'Premium Plus' and 'Premium Plus Tech' trim grades. If you must stetch right up to the top 'Takumi' model, you'll be paying around £51,000. All of which reminds us that full-EVs remain pricey purchases, even in the compact segment. Still, you get quite a lot of kit for that. Key standard features include the latest generation Lexus Safety System+ package, which now includes Intersection Turning Assist for safer left and right turns across traffic at intersections; and Emergency Steering Assist, which helps the driver steer to avoid obstacles without departing from their traffic lane. The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adopts Curve Speed Reduction, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to suit the radius of a bend in the road. Equipment across the range also runs to Bi-LED headlights with Automatic High Beam, heated, power-adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, illuminated entry, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), power steering wheel adjustment, automatic wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels and aluminium roof rails. Additional items provided in the Premium Plus Pack include smooth leather seat upholstery, heated steering wheel, additional ventilation function on the front seats, heated outer rear seats, smart keyless entry, a wireless smartphone charger, a card key and illuminated door handles with puddle lights. The Takumi Pack adds even more technically advanced equipment, including a 13-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system, Lexus Navigation with 10.3-inch display, a power-operated tailgate with hands-free function, a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, a head-up display, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, triple-eye LED headlights with an Adaptive High-beam System, a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake. Aluminium scuff plates, a sunroof and 18-inch alloy wheels are also included.

Cost of Ownership

As we told you earlier, the quoted WLTP driving range here is 279 miles, which is 40% better than was possible from the original model's 54.3kWh battery and enough to travel non-stop from London to Sunderland or Edinburgh to Sheffield. Bear in mind that as with all EVs, the quoted range figure will drop considerably in winter weather or over long motorway journeys. You can maximise the range available to you by proactive use of the 'Drive Mode Select' function which allows you to manage smooth acceleration and deceleration, the latter variable by use of steering wheel paddleshifters you can use to scroll through four levels of deceleration regeneration. The charging time for the new 72.8kWh battery will rise of course. For reference, with the old smaller battery, using an AC (200V/30A) 7kW garage wallbox, the charging time was 8 hours. And at a DC public rapid charging point, with the old battery it was possible to recharge from 0-80% in 52 minutes. By using the provided LexusLink app, UX 300e users can not only check battery charge and driving range but set charging schedules according to when the vehicle is next expected to be driven or to when energy prices are low, The app also allows the owner to remotely control the climate of the car.

Summary

Why a full-electric Lexus took so long to arrive is difficult to explain. And why, in 2020, when this UX300e finally arrived, it was launched with such a mediocre driving range is even harder to understand. Still, we've got a much better product here and one the brand can finally sell without embarrassment in its segment. Thanks to the new 72.8kWh battery, we can recommend it at last: and tell you about the way that drive refinement, a feature of course of all EV, has been particularly well perfected here. Plus there's a beautifully crafted interior, impeccable build quality and a collection of exceptionally helpful dealers to ensure ongoing ownership satisfaction. In addition, the convenience of being able to use the 'Lexus Charging Network' can't be understated. Other rivals can still offer you more driving range. But in other respects, there's a lot to like here. It's all very Lexus. Which means that if you like this brand and want a compact EV crossover, you'll probably like this car very much.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Variable front intermittent wipers

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Front and rear one touch power windows, with anti-jam protection

Light green UV reduction windows

Brakes

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electric parking brake

ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)

BAS (Brake Assist System)

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

Secondary Collision Brake (SCB)

TRC (Traction Control)

Carpets/Rugs

Textile carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)

Front and rear performance dampers

Front and rear suspension performance rods

Communication

Wireless Smartphone charger

Apple car play/Android Auto

E-call

Bluetooth mobile connectivity

Driver Aids

Front and rear parking sensors

Blind spot monitoring (BSM) with Rear cross traffic alert and auto brake (RCTAB)

Lane change flasher function

Electric power steering (EPS) with speed sensitive features

Reversing camera with back guide lines

3 driving modes Normal/Eco/Sport

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Push button start

Driver Information

Trip computer

Remote touch interface

7" TFT instrument cluster

Analogue clock with GPS function

Lexus link connect with cloud based navigation and 8" touchscreen display

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustable/heated/auto folding door mirrors

Entertainment

Aux-in socket

4 USB ports

AM/FM and DAB radio

6 speaker audio with AM/FM and DAB radio, 4-USB, 1-AUX, 12V ports

Exterior Body Features

Aluminium roof rails

Illuminated door handles with puddle light

Front and rear performance rod

Rear side wing doors

"electric" badging

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

LED fog lights

LED third brake light

Headlight cleaners

Bi-LED (low and high beam) headlights with Auto High Beam (AHB)

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone electronic climate control + Nano-E humidity sensor

Rear air vents with 2 USB chargers

Interior Features

Glovebox

Leather gear lever

Heated steering wheel

Rear armrest with 2 cupholders

Active sound control

Driver and passenger door pocket

Centre armrest with storage

2 cup holders in the front and rear centre console

4 x tie down hooks in the boot

Storage tray under audio panel

Power adjustable steering wheel

12V accessory port centre console and luggage compartment

2 x folding shopping bag hooks in boot

Tilt/telescopic adjustable electric steering wheel

Smooth leather upholstery with kagome pattern

Interior Lights

Illuminated entry system

LED interior illumination

Packs

Lexus safety systems pack - UX

Safety

Tyre pressure warning

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Passenger airbag cut-off device

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Electric child locks

Driver and front passenger knee airbag

Driver and front passenger 2 stage airbag

2 x Isofix child rear seat restraints

Front and rear curtain shield airbags

Front adjustable seatbelt anchor points

Rear outer seatbelt+pre-tensioners,force limiter+tension reduction: 3-point with active safety link to PCS,Centre belt w/o pre tensioner+force limiter

Front outer seatbelt+pre-tensioners,force limiter+tension reduction: 3-point with active safety link to PCS

Seats

5 headrests

Heated outer rear seats

Heated and ventilated front seats

60/40 split folding rear seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Map pockets in the rear of passenger's front seat

Memory function for driver and front passenger seat

8-way electrically adjustable front seats with 2-way power lumbar support

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel nuts

VIN Window etching

Speed sensitive auto door locking

Smart keyless entry

Two motion door lock with double lock

Smart card key

2 x remote key fobs

Anti theft system : Alarm instruction sensor,glass breakage sensor and engine immobiliser

Vanity Mirrors

2 x sun visors with vanity mirror and lamp

Vehicle Charging

6.6 kW onboard charger

Mode 2 charging cable with 3 pin plug

Type 2 for mode 3 AC charging via home or public charge points

3 pin and type 2 (Mennekes) charging cables

Wheels - Alloy

17" Alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1090

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 395

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 6.6

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 65

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 52

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CHAdeMO Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 72.8

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 447

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.7

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.7

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 278

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 50

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 62

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Premium Plus pack

Coin Description: e

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 38E

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 96

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 85

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 82

NCAP Safety Assist %: 77

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 204

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.5

Top Speed: 100

Engine Power - BHP: 204

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 150

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 221

Engine Torque - NM: 300

Engine Torque - MKG: 30.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4495

Width: 1840

Wheelbase: 2640

Width (including mirrors): 2078

Height: 1545

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1800

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 486

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.46

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Aluminium scuff plates with electric logo

Packs

Chrome design pack - UX

Black design pack - UX

Protection Pack - UX 300e

Style pack - UX

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite black

Metallic - Terrane khaki

Paint - Solid

Solid - Velvet black

Solid - Fuji red

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Sonic grey

Special metallic - Sonic platinum

Special metallic - Blazing carnelian

Special metallic - Azure blue

Special metallic - Sonic white

Special metallic - Sonic titanium

Trim - Leather

Smooth leather - Black with black washi effect instrument panel + kagome pattern

Smooth leather - Rich cream with black washi effect instrument panel + kagome pattern

Smooth leather - White ash with black washi effect instrument panel + kagome pattern

Smooth leather - Hazel with black washi effect instrument panel + kagome pattern

Vehicle Charging

7.5m 32 amp charging cable