Lexus begins a new era in electrified motoring today with the opening of online reservations for the new UX 300e, an all-electric version of its best-selling compact urban SUV.
It is the first battery electric model from Lexus, the brand which has been the established premium market leader in self-charging hybrid electric vehicles for more than 15 years.
Reservations are being accepted and first details about the new UX 300e are available here.
Indicative pricing has been announced, starting at £43,900 for the UX grade model. Customers can also specify either of two option packs: Premium Plus, taking the anticipated price to £47,400, and Takumi, at £53,500. Confirmed prices will be announced in October, from when customers will be able to place orders for the new model.
The new model qualifies for a zero per cent benefit-in-kind rate for 2020/2021 and just one per cent in 2021/2022. With no CO2Â emissions, there is also no Vehicle Excise Duty to pay.
Notably, the UX 300e is currently the only premium SUV which meets the eligibility criteria for the £3,000 plug-in vehicle grant from OLEV, the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles. Any grant would be subject to an application for funding and funding being available at the time the customer places their order.
Ewan Shepherd, Director of Lexus in the UK, said: “Anticipation has been high for the arrival of the UX 300e, the first production model in our Lexus Electrified global vision for creating high-quality cars that deliver the low emissions benefits of electric power together with strong performance and a genuinely rewarding driving experience.
“Lexus has unparalleled experience in electrified vehicle technology, having been a pioneer in the global premium market since the launch of the RX 400h SUV in 2004, the world’s first luxury hybrid. We will continue to develop the performance of our self-charging hybrid technology, offering our extensive range of models alongside new, all-electric vehicles, led by the new UX 300e.â€
Equipment specifications
The UX 300e is offered in a single equipment grade, UX, but with option packs customers can select to raise the specification of their vehicle.
Key standard features include Lexus Safety System+, Bi-LED headlights with Automatic High Beam, heated, power-adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, illuminated entry, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®), power steering wheel adjustment, automatic wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels and aluminium roof rails.
Additional items provided in the Premium Plus Pack include smooth leather seat upholstery, heated steering wheel, additional ventilation function on the front seats, heated outer rear seats, smart keyless entry, wireless smartphone charger, card key and illuminated door handles with puddle lights.
The Takumi Pack adds even more technically advanced equipment, including a 13-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system, Lexus Navigation with 10.3-inch display, power-operated back door with hands-free function, 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, head-up display, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, triple-eye LED headlights with Adaptive High-beam System, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake. Aluminium scuff plates, a sunroof and 18-inch alloy wheels are also included.
The standard colour for the UX 300e is Fuji Red or Velvet Black, with five metallic options and two special finishes, Sonic Titanium and Sonic White, to choose from.
Technical specifications
The UX 300e is powered by a 150kW electric motor and is equipped with a 54.3kW/h lithium-ion battery. The system produces a maximum 300 Nm of torque and enables acceleration from rest to 62mph in 7.5 seconds**. The driving range on a full charge is expected to be up to 196 miles**. Using a 50kW DC charger, an 80 per cent charge should take 52 minutes** to complete. Connection using a dedicated domestic AC charger should allow a full recharge in eight hours.
Dimensions and weights
| Overall length (mm) | 4,495 |
| Overall width (mm) | 1,840 |
| Overall height (mm) | 1,545 |
| Boot capacity (l) | 367 |
| Gross vehicle weight ** (kg) | 2,245 |
| Kerb weight** (min – max kg) | 1,785 – 1,840 |
*Grant will be subject to application and funding at the time of vehicle ordering. **All data provisional prior to vehicle homologation.
*Article Source https://media.lexus.co.uk/
