2024 Lexus UX 300e - more range, upgraded interior

The new Lexus UX 300e now goes even further: The compact electric crossover, with which the premium brand entered the all-electric age three years ago, rolls onto the road comprehensively upgraded. The focus is on the lithium-ion battery enlarged to 72.8 kWh which replaces the original 54.3 kWh battery. Depending on the tire size and equipment, the combined WLTP range climbs from 305-315 km to up to 449 km (with 17-inch tires), which corresponds to an increase of more than 40%. With 18-inch tires, up to 441 kilometers are possible before a charging break has to be taken.

2024 Lexus UX 300e continues to have two charging ports: one for alternating current (AC) at the rear right, and one for fast charging with direct current (DC) at the rear left. With the latter, the battery can be charged to 80% in 125 minutes at a maximum of 80 A. With AC charging, it takes nine and a half hours to charge the battery to 32% at 100A. Practical: Electrical systems such as the air conditioning and the audio system can continue to be used during the charging process.

With the Lexus Link smartphone app, drivers can also check the battery status, available range and time remaining until full charge at any time. The app can also be used to start the charging process remotely – for example, users benefit from lower electricity tariffs during off-peak hours.

For the longest possible service life, the new battery also has sensors that monitor the voltage of the individual cells and blocks. The cell temperature is also permanently monitored. Thanks to a highly developed battery management system, the entire battery cell capacity can be used, resulting in more range. Cool air circulates inside the battery pack, ensuring stable battery performance even at high speeds and repetitive charges. Heating elements underneath each battery module minimize the impact of cold weather on range and ensure full power is available from the start.

As proof of quality, which is also intended to increase the acceptance of electric vehicles, Lexus provides a standard manufacturer's warranty of eight years or 160,000 kilometers, which covers a deterioration in the capacity of the battery capacity below 70 percent. In addition, there is a warranty of five years or 100,000 km on all malfunctions of the BEV main battery. The extended BEV Care warranty covers defects in the main battery and a capacity reduction of less than 70 percent up to ten years or one million kilometers. The prerequisite is the planned regular maintenance in certified Lexus workshops.

2024 Lexus UX 300e is powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor. It sends 300 Nm of torque to the front wheels right from the start, offering direct and linear acceleration. When the foot takes the accelerator pedal off, the resulting braking energy is recovered. In conjunction with further optimizations to the suspension, body, and chassis, occupants enjoy more comfort and driving pleasure - in line with the "Lexus Electrified" philosophy.

The vehicle's developers worked closely with the experienced "Takumi" champion drivers to develop a range of new technologies. The quiet interior, which results from the almost silent drive and the high-quality insulation, and the comfort typical of Lexus meet agility and driving dynamics.

Despite the higher seating position usual for crossovers, the distance between the hip point and the wheels is comparatively small. As a result, the driver appears to be closer to the road than in other vehicles in this class. Manoeuvring and parking are easy thanks to a length of 4,495 mm and a turning circle of 10.4 m (curb to curb).

The global GA-C vehicle architecture is also responsible for this. In addition to its low weight, the platform is characterized by increased rigidity, which has been further improved by steel reinforcement of the tailgate and 20 additional welding points on the rear wall and longitudinal members. Composite materials are also used on the tailgate, and aluminum on the vehicle doors, fenders and bonnet.

The space-saving low-floor mounted high-voltage battery not only contributes to the low center of gravity and dynamic handling. This also increases the trunk volume compared to the Lexus UX 250h hybrid model from 320 to 367 l (load to luggage cover).

With great attention to detail, the premium brand has optimized the driving experience in a targeted manner. In addition to the additional spot welds, for example, the electromechanical power steering and shock absorbers have been retuned, which improves the driving feel and responsiveness of the Lexus UX 300e.

The "Lexus Drive Mode Select" switch allows the driver to choose between different modes: While there is usually an optimal balance between driving performance and range, the ECO mode is designed for maximum efficiency in every driving situation. For this purpose, among other things, the response of the accelerator pedal and the operation of the air conditioning system are regulated. The Sport mode ensures an immediate response of the engine to throttle commands and a direct steering feel.

For pleasant handling, the driver can also adjust the degree of deceleration using shift paddles on the steering wheel: four modes range from the driving experience of a conventional vehicle with an internal combustion engine to the linear deceleration of a pure electric car.

In order to take full advantage of the almost silent electric drive, Lexus has taken various measures: road noise is minimized by the large underbody covers, while the panels in the wheel arches absorb the noise generated by tires, stones and water. Acoustic glass reduces high-frequency wind noise and is another example of extensive sound insulation.

The silence can be filled with first-class sound enjoyment. The Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System has a 915 watt surround sound system with 13 speakers. The latest generation of nanoe™ X air purification technology also ensures well-being: nano-sized water molecules containing microscopic hydroxyl radicals neutralize bad odors, work against mold and inhibit viruses, bacteria, pollen and allergens. Laboratory tests have shown that the system can inhibit more than 99 percent of viruses and bacteria in one hour and reduce odor intensity by 1.8. By preventing moisture from evaporating, the nano-sized water particles also ensure that the skin remains supple.

Literally at the heart of all Lexus UX is a new multimedia system with an eight- or twelve-inch touchscreen, depending on the equipment. The new display, which has been moved forward by 143 millimeters and closer to the driver, replaces the previous touchpad control. Users benefit from razor-sharp graphics – even in HD resolution on the twelve-inch display – and a faster response to control commands thanks to higher processor power. The standard cloud navigation provides real-time road and traffic information and, in combination with the large screen, is also available as a hard disk navigation system.

"Hey Lexus" can be used to activate the voice assistant of the same name, which not only controls the telephone, air conditioning and audio functions, but also searches the Internet for desired information. In conjunction with cloud-based navigation, the on-board system also provides information on parking spaces and charging stations (including charging speed and kWh prices). Thanks to targeted improvements, the voice assistant understands more natural terms and commands – even in the presence of background noise, thanks to new microphones that hear the voices of the driver and front passenger.

Many of the vehicle's functions can also be remotely monitored and controlled via the Lexus Link smartphone app, including locking and unlocking the doors, operating the air conditioning system, pre-conditioning of the interior and the battery level.

Smartphones can be connected to the on-board system via Android Auto or wirelessly via Apple CarPlay. High-resolution music sources are played via a USB-A port in the center console, and two additional USB-C ports are used to charge mobile devices. The multimedia system stores the personal profiles of up to three users and thus customizes the multimedia, audio and navigation settings. In addition, the software can be easily updated remotely via the built-in DCM (data communication module).

Depending on the equipment, the space in the center console freed up by the elimination of the touchpad accommodates the controls for the seat heating or another small storage compartment. In front of the control panel of the air conditioner there is also an illuminated shelf in which even larger smartphones fit.

The trim-dependent perforated leather seats feature sashiko stitching or a new kagome pattern inspired by traditional Japanese wickerwork. This technique is used in the manufacture of martial arts uniforms because of its strength – up to 10 stitches per inch. In the interior, alpaca brown, a new colour for the seats, is also offered. The dashboard is executed in the washi design (Japanese paper). The black upper part of the instrument panel harmonises perfectly with the silver-colored start button.

For the exterior, an iridium silver finish is offered for the first time: this new special shade uses Lexus' advanced ultrasonic paint technology, in which a layer just a few microns thick brings the metallic flakes in the paint into a tighter, uniform alignment. The result is more shine and deeper shades.

Safety is ensured by the improved Lexus Safety System +. A new intersection assistant prevents collisions with oncoming vehicles and crossing pedestrians when turning. An emergency steering assistant helps to safely avoid obstacles without leaving the lane. Adaptive cruise control includes a new function to automatically adjust the speed before and during corners.

The Lexus Safety System + also includes a Pre-Crash Safety System, which detects objects such as motorcycles during the day and pedestrians at night, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition, which informs the driver about speed limits and the like in the multi-information display or directly in the optional head-up display. The high level of safety is completed by a cross-traffic warning system when reversing and a blind spot warning system.

Lexus also makes parking and manoeuvring child's play: a panoramic monitor provides a 360-degree all-round view of the vehicle, while the parking assistant warns of an imminent collision with the help of distance sonar. The Lexus parking assistant even takes care of parking in parking spaces.