Two variants of Lexus UX300e confirmed for Australia

LEXUS has confirmed Australian specifications for its new UX300e, the brand’s first all-electric vehicle, but says pricing of the battery-powered compact SUV is under wraps until later next month.

The UX300e will be available in two trim levels, bringing the total number of variants in the UX range to 10 across petrol, petrol-electric hybrid, and all-electric drivetrain options.

Becoming a de facto performance flagship of the UX range, the 300e draws power from a 54.3kWh lithium-ion battery located beneath the floor and feeds 150kW/300Nm to the front wheels, accelerating the luxury crossover to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.

Lexus says the UX300e has a driving range of 360km (or 305km WLTP), meaning it will challenge premium rivals including the Mercedes-Benz EQA (from $76,800) and Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric (from $76,990).

Australian charging details for are yet to be disclosed, but in overseas specifications the UX300e can accept up to 35kW DC when fast charging, boosting its battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 69 minutes.

Combining what Lexus describes as 15 years of electric motor, battery, and inverter technology – gained primarily from developing and deploying petrol-electric hybrid powertrains – the UX300e promises the same attention to detail and as its petrol and hybrid models as well as new EV-specific ownership perks.

“We are thankful that customers have the highest trust in Lexus’ electric expertise, and we understand they prioritise exacting build quality and detailed craftsmanship,” said Lexus Australia CEO Scott Thompson.

“The UX300e further advances these values from the successful hybrid UX250h, offering a new standard of performance and handling in our luxury compact SUV and soon-to-be-announced ownership package that will set a new standard for BEVs.”

Lexus says it has focused efforts of additional sound deadening for the UX300e to create an even quieter cabin, placing noise insulation materials around the wheel wells, fender panels and electric motor. The small SUV also receives acoustic front-side glass.

The UX300e also receives a unique suspension and steering set-up with firmer dampers, hollow stabiliser bars and more rigid rear suspension bushes that Lexus says will deliver “rewarding ride comfort and handling balance”.

Regenerative braking can be applied and adjusted via the steering wheel paddles, with performance indicated via a standard 7.0-inch central display. Additional aerodynamic enhancements are said to further improve the model’s eco credentials.

The UX300e Luxury – the entry variant to the all-electric UX range – shares much of its equipment with the UX250h Luxury Enhancement Pack 2 and is fitted additionally with heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 13-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system and 17-inch alloy wheels.

It carries over the UX250h’s LED head- and fog-lights, keyless entry and start, power tailgate, powered steering column adjustment, eight-way adjustable front seats, 7.0-inch driver display, and 10.3-inch infotainment screen with DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Lexus Safety System+ is featured as standard and includes a pre-collision system featuring pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, all-speed radar active cruise control, lane trace assist, road sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking support brake with obstacle and vehicle detection^.

Blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beam, front and rear parking sensors and eight airbags are also fitted as standard.

At the top of the battery-electric UX range is the UX300e Sports Luxury that adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, tri-beam adaptive LED headlights, 3D-look illumination inside the cabin and a textured dashboard inspired by Japanese grained paper.

The UX300e also debuts a new transmission shift knob that is matched by the drive mode select button and audio volume dials.

Available in 10 exterior paint colours and with up to seven upholstery choices, the Lexus UX300e is due in local showrooms this November.