Ahead of its local arrival in 2023, the all-electric Lexus UX 300e compact SUV has received significant updates including an extended 450km driving range.
Following the recent update for the UX 200 and UX 250h variants, the UX 300e’s newly designed battery increases capacity from 54.4kWh to 72.8kWh, extending driving range by more than 40% from the previous 315km on the WLTP cycle.
Peak power output remains the same as before, with 150kW of power and 300Nm of 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 handling, 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 along with wired Android Auto, 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 navigation 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 Services. 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 emergency or if the vehicle is stolen, 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 system 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 Alert 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 DRCC, 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 of the 2023 UX 300e will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
