Lexus has announced the global debut of the new Lexus UX 300e with a new battery pack and other significant changes. First launched in 2020, the Lexus UX 300 e was the brand’s first production Electric Vehicle (EV).
A significant update on the Lexus UX 300e is the larger battery pack that boosts the electric range by over 40% to 450 km. Previously using a 54.4 kWh battery pack, the new Lexus UX 300e uses a 72.8 kWh battery pack. The UX 300e has also been refined in terms of performance, safety technologies, and multimedia systems.
The powertrain remains the same with an electric motor that makes 203 hp and 300 Nm powering the front wheels. As for charging, Lexus has only unveiled that the UX 300e uses a CHAdeMO port. No charging times have been announced yet, but the pre-update version can handle 6.6-kW AC charging (7-hour charging time) and 50-kW DC Fast charging (50-minute charging time).
The updated UX 300e receives an additional 20 spot welding points to improve body rigidity. Lexus says the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and the shock absorbers have also been optimally tuned for the updated Lexus UX 300e. Extra attention was focused on wind noise and road noise from gravel and other materials that became apparent in the absence of engine and transmission sounds.
RELATED: The new Lexus RZ, the brand’s first EV, is quite literally a sculpture on wheels!
As for safety, the “Lexus Safety System +” active safety technology was expanded to provide a safer and more secure driving experience. Improvements in the safety department include:
- An improved single-lens camera and millimeter wave radar
- Addition of Emergency Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) that utilises AI technology
- Addition of a Curve Speed-Control Function that decelerates the vehicle in advance according to the size of an approaching curve
- Emergency Driving Stop System
- Addition of an under-body transparent display function for Panoramic View Monitor
For the multimedia system, a larger 12.3-inch, higher resolution touch panel display is equipped and two new Type-C USB connectors have been added to the front of the console. Expectedly, the system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.
RELATED: Lexus admits its oversized grilles can be a “turnoff” for customers
Lexus International Chief Engineer, Mitsuteru Emoto said, “As Lexus’ first BEV model and a core part of the UX family, the UX 300e embraces the continual performance development and evolution of advanced technology applied to the UX 200/250h announced earlier this year, while enhancing the attributes unique to an all-electric vehicle.”
“Most notably, based on an “Always On” philosophy we significantly extended the cruising range to further enrich the lifestyles of our customers. As a leading light for “Lexus Electrified,” the refinement of UX 300e is a key step on the path towards a carbon-neutral society.”
While Malaysia did not get the Lexus UX 300e when it made its global debut, the all-electric Lexus RZ has appeared on the Lexus Malaysia website, with a Registration of Interest form available.
