An updated version of Lexus’ fully electric UX 300e arrives in showrooms from June priced from just under $80,000.
The electric motor delivers the same 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque, but range has been boosted from about 315 to 450km (WLTP).
It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The increase in range comes from a larger battery, with capacity up from 54.4 to 72.8kWh.
Both UX EV variants also benefit from further technology upgrades introduced late last year.
This includes the latest Lexus multimedia system on a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wireless phone charger and 13-speaker Mark Levinson hi-fi audio system.
The UX technology upgrade also includes a three-year complimentary subscription to Lexus Connected Services, which introduces a range of customer-focused features enhancing both safety and convenience through the vehicle’s inbuilt Data Communication Module (DCM) when connected to a mobile network.
Lexus Connected Services can also provide additional customer benefits when paired to the state-of-the-art Lexus Connected app.
Additional comfort and refinement includes leather accented seats, moonroof, head up display, panoramic view monitor, adaptive high beam system, high-grade three projector LED head lights with dynamic auto levelling, acoustic front side glass and uniquely designed 18-inch wheels.
The lithium-ion battery package is located under the vehicle floor, lowering centre of gravity by such a degree that Lexus says handling is comparable to a sports coupe.
This is helped by a front-axle-mounted electric motor that is placed much lower in the engine bay and weighs about half the weight of a conventional petrol engine.
The removal of exhaust hardware has enabled the boot floor to be lowered and provides 11 litres of underfloor volume for neat charging cable storage.
It’s a heavyweight though, at 1900kg — 300kg more than the hybrid and 400kg more than the petrol model.
The all-electric crossover will be offered in Luxury and Sports Luxury grades, priced from $79,990 and $88,490 respectively.
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