The latest version of the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) from Lexus, the UX 300e small SUV, has arrived in Australian showrooms with significant upgrades including a larger lithium-ion battery pack to improve driving range and performance.
The UX 300e now has a 72.8kWh battery – a 34% increase in capacity – which has in turn greatly increased driving range by 200km to 560km (NEDC).
Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas says the new UX 300e underlines the Lexus commitment to bring the latest technology and enhanced usership benefits to customers.
“The upgrades to our flagship small SUV now complete the UX 300 range; with a choice of the latest electric, hybrid and petrol powertrains to suit customers’ diverse needs.”
The UX 300e starts below $80,000, with the Luxury grade arriving in Australia priced from $79,990 (manufacturer’s recommended retail price) plus on-road costs.
UX 300e Luxury customers may now get fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemptions under the Federal Government’s Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold.
The flagship UX 300e Sports Luxury is priced from $88,490 (MRRP) plus on-road costs.
All UX 300e owners receive complimentary Lexus Encore Platinum Electrified benefits including complimentary home charger installation, access to the Chargefox rapid public charging network, Lexus On Demand and Valet Parking at participating shopping centres.
Inside, the UX 300e gains the same technology upgrades applied recently to the UX 200 and UX 250h range, with the addition of an expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen display running the latest Lexus multimedia system.
The new infotainment system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wireless phone charger and a hi-fi Mark Levinson premium audio system.
Among the upgrades is a three-year subscription to Lexus Connected Services, increasing safety and peace of mind for customers by using a data communication module built into the car.
Along with features including SOS emergency call, automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking, owners can also access a broad range of diagnostic information and remote access through the Lexus Connected smartphone app.
The UX 300e Luxury includes dual-zone climate control, washi instrument panel stitching, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and rear outboard seats, NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery, 17-inch alloys wheels, LED headlamps with static auto-levelling and a full suite of Lexus Safety System plus technologies.
The flagship Sports Luxury has leather accented upholstery, moonroof, head up display, panoramic view monitor, adaptive high beam system, high-grade three projector LED head lamps with dynamic auto levelling, acoustic front side glass and 18-inch wheels.
