Despite being among the pioneers of the petrol-electric hybrid genre, both Toyota and Lexus have bided their time in joining the move towards pure electric vehicles.
The first all-electric Lexus, the UX 300e luxury compact SUV, arrived here late in October 2021.
It offered maximum power of 150kW and torque of 300Nm, incorporating a high-output motor and high-capacity lithium-ion battery.
Two years on, the latest version has arrived in Australian showrooms with significant upgrades, including a larger lithium-ion battery pack to improve both performance and driving range.
The upgraded UX 300e comes with the same power and torque outputs but a larger 72.8 kWh battery, compared with the previous 54.3 kW unit, increasing driving range from 315 to 440km (WLTP).
As before, two variants are offered, Luxury priced from $79,990 and Sports Luxury from $88,490 before on-road costs.
The larger battery and other enhancements have led to price increases of between 8 and 10 per cent.
UX 300e Luxury customers may now receive fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemptions under the Federal Government’s Luxury Car Tax threshold.
Owners receive complimentary Lexus Encore Platinum Electrified benefits, including complimentary home charger installation, access to the Chargefox rapid public charging network, Lexus On Demand and Valet Parking at participating shopping centres.
Inside UX 300e gains the same technology upgrades applied recently to the UX 200 and UX 250h range, with the addition of an expansive 12.3-inch touchscreen display running the latest Lexus multimedia system.
The new infotainment system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto.
It also includes DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, wireless phone charger and premium Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio.
The upgrade adds a three-year subscription to Lexus Connected Services increasing safey by using a Data Communication Module built into the car.
Along with features including SOS Emergency Call, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Tracking, owners can also access a broad range of diagnostic information and remote access through the Lexus Connected smartphone app.
The UX 300e gets dual-zone climate control, washi instrument panel stitching, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and rear outboard seats, NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery, 17-inch alloys wheels, LED headlamps with static auto-levelling and a full suite of Lexus Safety System and technologies.
The flagship Sports Luxury comes with leather accented upholstery, moon roof, head up display, panoramic view monitor, adaptive high beam system, high-grade three projector LED head lamps with dynamic auto levelling, acoustic front side glass and uniquely designed 18-inch wheels.
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