We don’t know the price, nor how long it takes to recharge the car, but the first all-electric Lexus goes on sale next month.
We’re talking about the UX 300e, described by the Japanese luxury car maker as the fastest and most powerful UX hatch-cum-crossover to date.
Featuring an electric motor that delivers 150kW of power and 300Nm of instantaneous torque, the crossover can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a range of 360km under ideal conditions.
The range is supported by several EV-specific aerodynamic enhancements, including grille shutters, underbody covers and aerodynamically optimised wheels.
The 54.3kWh lithium-ion battery package is located under the vehicle floor, lowering centre of gravity by such a degree that Lexus reckons it 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.
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The battery pack is integrated into the chassis to improve torsional rigidity and the steering gearbox mount and front suspension member have been strengthened.
This forms part of the exclusive suspension system, with front and rear performance dampers, hollow stabiliser bar and shock absorber tuned specifically to 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels.
The friction characteristics of the oil, oil seals, rod guide and piston band have also been optimised.
Multi-link, independent rear suspension further gains increased arm rigidity and optimised bushes to deliver a rewarding blend of comfort and handling.
Rear disc brakes have also been ventilated for the first time on UX, matching the ventilated front brakes.
Regenerative braking can be adjusted via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, with four levels available to dial in a degree of slight braking force when the accelerator is lifted that best suits driver preferences.
The standard 7.0-inch colour driver display features EV-specific information such as the selected regenerative braking strength.
The all-electric crossover will be offered in Luxury and Sports Luxury grades.
Standard kit includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, heated steering wheel and a 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio.
UX 300e Luxury can be distinguished by unique 17-inch alloys, tailgate badging and rear-side door ELECTRIC badging.
Further details, including presumably the price — will be revealed closer to the launch in November.
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