Lexus UX 300e Self Charging Hybrid SUV

source: Lexus

Updated 5 November 2024 | Published 3 December 2019

In late November 2019, Lexus unveiled its first-ever electric production vehicle, the UX 300e, at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China. This launch marked a significant milestone for Lexus, which had previously focused on hybrid technology but was now entering the all-electric market. The UX 300e is a strategic entry aimed at balancing the luxury, performance, and environmental standards expected from the brand, bringing new options to eco-conscious drivers who also value high-end design.

Performance and Range

The UX 300e boasts an estimated range of around 250 miles per charge, positioning it competitively within the compact electric SUV market. The vehicle is equipped with a 54.3 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers a 201-horsepower electric motor, delivering smooth acceleration and refined road handling. Lexus claims that with a 50 kW DC fast charger, the UX 300e can be charged to 80% in approximately 50 minutes, making it viable for both city driving and longer journeys with appropriate charging stops.

The model includes multiple drive modes, allowing drivers to optimise the vehicle’s performance to suit their preferences or driving conditions. For example, the Eco mode prioritises efficiency, while Sport mode enhances responsiveness. In addition, the UX 300e offers paddle shifters to control regenerative braking, giving drivers more control over energy recapture during deceleration. This is particularly beneficial in urban settings, where stop-and-go traffic can help recharge the battery.

source: Lexus

Design and Aerodynamics

In terms of design, Lexus has kept the styling of the UX 300e close to its petrol and hybrid counterparts in the UX line-up, preserving its bold and recognisable look. The external differences are subtle but significant, with enhancements aimed at optimising aerodynamics for improved efficiency. These updates include aerodynamic wheels, a ride height lowered by 20 millimetres, and a redesigned underbody cover to streamline airflow under the vehicle. These modifications help improve range and handling while maintaining the elegant, sporty appearance Lexus is known for.

Inside, the UX 300e remains largely familiar to those who know the UX series. The only notable alteration is in the instrument cluster, which has been adapted to display essential EV information, such as battery status and range. This maintains the luxurious feel of the cabin while giving drivers easy access to the details unique to electric driving.

Quiet Comfort with Active Sound Control

Lexus has focused heavily on creating a serene and comfortable cabin environment in the UX 300e. Electric vehicles are often quieter than their internal combustion counterparts, but Lexus has taken extra steps to minimise road and wind noise, creating an impressively insulated cabin. Additional insulation around the doors and floor ensures that outside sounds are kept to a minimum, enhancing the vehicle’s overall refinement.

To address safety concerns related to the silence of electric vehicles, Lexus has also equipped the UX 300e with its Active Sound Control (ASC) system. This technology generates ambient sounds to help make the vehicle audible to pedestrians and other road users, offering a balance between the benefits of a quiet electric motor and the need for audible cues on busy streets.

source: Lexus

Lexus’s Future in the Electric Market

With the launch of the UX 300e, Lexus has signalled its commitment to expanding its portfolio to include electric vehicles. This model is seen as a critical first step in the brand’s journey towards a more sustainable line-up. By offering the UX 300e, Lexus not only enters the competitive electric market but also sets a foundation for further innovation in electric luxury vehicles.

In the years following the UX 300e’s release, Lexus has continued to develop its electric technology, aiming to blend performance, refinement, and eco-friendliness in each new model. As the automotive industry leans increasingly towards electrification, the UX 300e stands as a notable milestone in Lexus’s journey, combining the brand’s reputation for quality and luxury with the demands of a sustainable future.