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

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Heat insulating glass

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

Acoustic glass windscreen

Light green UV reduction windows

Water repellent glass front side glass

Brakes

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electric parking brake

ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

TRC (Traction Control)

Front wheel brake 16.5 inch discs

Brake mode selector-4 modes

Rear wheel brake - 17inch discs

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)

Front performance rod

Rear performance dampers

Communication

Wireless Smartphone charger

E-call

Bluetooth mobile connectivity

Smartphone integration wireless Apple car play and wired Android Auto

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

Emergency steering assist

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

Road sign assist - RSA

Dynamic radar cruise control

Lane tracing assist

3 driving modes Normal/Eco/Sport

Emergency driving stop system

Proactive driving assist (PDA)

Safe exit assist (SEA)

Pre collision system with intersection turn assit

Lexus safety system + 3

Front motorcycle rider detection daytime

Front pedestrian detection

Front cyclist detection

Instrument panel inlay in gloss black

Parking assist monitor with on screen guard

Intelligent front and rear parking sensors

Lane change 3 flasher function

Driver Convenience

Push button start

Handsfree power back door

Tailgate height memory function

Tailgate electric lift and close

Driver Information

Trip computer

Remote touch interface

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

7" Digital speedometer

Driving Mirrors

Reverse tilting door mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Electric adjustable/heated/auto folding door mirrors

Black and body-coloured outer mirror cover

Electric chromatic driver door mirror

Embellishment Trims

Satin paint front centre console

Japanese washi paper dashboard

Entertainment

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

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Protection film

Silver roof rails

Car jack

Shark fin antenna

Illuminated door handles with puddle light

Chrome door belt moulding

Rear side wing doors

"electric" badging

Body coloured roof spoiler

Chrome moulding side windows frame

Chrome bumper and grille garnish

Body colour roof drip mouldings

Stainless steel scuff plates with LEXUS name

Chrome plated rear badge Lexus and UX 300e

Front and rear standard bumper

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

LED fog lights

LED third brake light

Headlight cleaners

Auto headlights

LED headlights with automatic high beam

LED rear fog lights

Automatic rear flashing hazard lights

Follow me home lights

Halogen front indicator lights

Auto levelling headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone electronic climate control + Nano-E humidity sensor

Clean air filter and pollen removal mode

Lexus climate concierge

Automatic air recirculation control

S-Flow technology for climate control

Remote climate control

Humidity sensor for climate control

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Tahara leather upholstery

Active sound control

Driver and passenger door pocket

Centre armrest with storage

2 cup holders in the front and rear centre console

12v socket in front

Storage tray under audio panel

Tilt/telescopic adjustable electric steering wheel

Luggage cover manually folding

Paddle selector controls

Tahara door panel finish

3 spoke Tahara trimmed steering wheel

Rear center armrest

Integral knee pads for front centre console

Tahara meter hood

Stabilisers

Tahara trimmed selector knob

Interior Lights

Illuminated entry system

LED Glovebox light

LED boot light

Ambient illumination front centre console

LED Door courtesy lights

Safety

Tyre pressure warning

Driver/front passenger side airbags

Passenger airbag cut-off device

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Pre crash system

Electric child locks

2 x Isofix child rear seat restraints

Front and rear curtain shield airbags

Front adjustable seatbelt anchor points

Front SRS airbags

Front passenger knee airbag

Rear outer seatbelt pre-tensioners

Seats

Heated outer rear seats

Heated and ventilated front seats

60/40 split folding rear seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

2 way manually adjustable rear headrests

2 way manually adjustable front headrests

Single front passenger seat

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

Security

Auto door lock when driving

2 x remote key fobs

Acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS)

Smart entry and start system

Wireless door lock

Double door lock

Anti theft system ultra wideband : Alarm instruction sensor,glass breakage sensor and engine immobiliser,Tilt sensor and intrusion sensor

Smart key

HUB-IT Window etching

Vanity Mirrors

2 x sun visors with vanity mirror and lamp

Vehicle Charging

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

3 pin and type 2 (Mennekes) charging cables

50kW DC rapid charger with CHAdeMO inlet

6.6kW AC charger with Type 2/Mennekes

Wheels

Wheel caps

Resin moulding wheel arches

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

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: 450

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.6

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

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 279

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

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

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

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.5

Top Speed: 99

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: 225/50 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/50 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4495

Width: 1840

Wheelbase: 2640

Height: 1525

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1775

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2245

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 470

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.4

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Aluminium scuff plates with electric logo

Packs

Style pack - UX

Chrome design pack - UX

Black design pack - UX

Protection Pack - UX 300e

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Terrane khaki

Metallic - Celestial blue

Metallic - Graphite black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Fuji red

Solid - Velvet black

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Sonic white

Special metallic - Sonic titanium

Special metallic - Sonic grey

Special metallic - Sonic copper

Trim - Leather

Tahara leather - Hazel with black Interior roof

Tahara leather - Black with black Interior roof

Tahara leather - White ash with black Interior roof

Vehicle Charging

7.5m 32 amp charging cable

Wheels - Alloy

18'' Machined Gloss black Alloy Wheel