2023 Lexus UX 300e gets bigger battery, enhanced infotainment

Lexus recently announced the global debut of the new UX 300e, which is a significant evolution of the brand’s first production BEV model.

The updated UX 300e joins the new UX 200/250h announced earlier this year, with deliveries scheduled to begin in mid 2023.

Since the 2005 launch of the RX 400h, the world’s first hybrid SUV, Lexus has been a pioneer of electrification in the luxury market. Based on the electrification vision “Lexus Electrified” announced in 2019, Lexus aims to meet the diverse needs of global customers through a broad range of electrified vehicles, from HEVs to PHEVs and BEVs.

Enhancements unique to the UX’s powertrain include a newly developed battery pack with capacity increased from 54.4 kWh to 72.8 kWh, resulting in a cruising range of 450 km which is over 40% longer than the current model.

The UX 300e also inherits the further refinements made to the dynamic precision of the UX series for confidence-inspiring performance, along with the expanded functionality of active safety technologies, and the evolution of advanced features through the latest multimedia system.

The low centre of gravity created by the under-floor placement of the BEV battery pack gives the UX 300e a natural performance advantage, as do standard rear Performance Dampers. For even more refined dynamics, body rigidity was strengthened with the addition of 20 spot welding points, and the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and shock absorbers were optimally tuned for the all-electric model.

Functionality of the “Lexus Safety System +” active safety technology was expanded as well, with the aim of providing a safer and more secure driving experience.

In addition, the latest multimedia system brings a larger, higher resolution touch panel display, the form and switch layout of the instrument panel and console area have been optimized, and two new Type-C USB connectors have been added to the front of the console for improved usability when charging devices.

There is also a dedicated smartphone app now which allows the smartphone to be used as a digital key for vehicles with this feature. In addition to being able to lock/unlock the doors via smartphone screen, the EV system can be started by pressing the power switch while holding the smartphone.

As for the Panoramic View Monitor, an under-body transparent display function has been added, combining images of road surface conditions taken in the past with an image of the vehicle underbody, thereby helping the driver to understand road surface conditions and tire position below the vehicle.

Last but not least, the multimedia system and connected services have been enhanced with the latest 12.3-inch touch display with higher resolution and intuitive state-of-the-art multimedia system for ease-of-use.

In addition, the shapes and switch layout of the instrument panel and console area have been optimized in accordance with the use of the touch-screen display, and two new charging USB connectors (Type-C) have been added to the front of the console for improved usability.