Lexus is revising its first BEV model, the UX 300e, which was introduced two years ago. The most important upgrade of the new edition is a larger battery pack, with an increased capacity from the previous 54.4 kWh to 72.8 kWh. This has increased the car’s range by more than 40 per cent to up to 450 kilometres.
Just like the 2020 model, the engine power in the UX 300e is 150 kW, and the maximum torque is 300 Nm. The standard range of 450 kilometres is possible with the 17-inch wheels, and for the optional 18-inch version, Lexus says up to 440 kilometres is possible, depending on the further equipment.
Apart from the increased energy content of 72.8 kWh, Lexus has not revealed further details about the new battery. It is therefore not clear whether it is simply a new cell generation or also a different cell supplier. What remains the same is that the UX 300e will continue to be charged at DC charging stations via CHAdeMO. Lexus has not said whether the charging power has been increased above the previous 50 kW. The charging time for the usual window of ten to 80 per cent is also not mentioned – should it remain at 50 kW, the charging time would hardly be in the range of other e-SUVs of comparable size given the battery size.
As part of the model update, the Toyota subsidiary has said that detailed changes to the body and chassis were also made to improve the driving experience. As an example, Lexus cites the fine-tuning of electric power steering and shock absorbers, but also the increase in body rigidity through additional spot welding. In combination, this should result in a more dynamic driving experience.
The new electric car also sports a new infotainment system with a screen that sits 14 centimetres closer to the driver and, depending on the equipment, has also grown in size. Lexus lists eight or 12.3 inches as the new dimensions instead of seven or ten inches as before. The multimedia touchpad on the centre console has been eliminated and has been replaced by the controls for the heated front seats (or a small storage compartment, depending on the equipment).
The first deliveries of the new UX 300e in European markets are scheduled for May 2023, but the Japanese carmaker has not yet revealed prices. At the market launch in 2020, the price in Germany was at least 47,550 euros. Lexus says it has sold more than 10,000 units of the UX 300e so far, almost half of them in Europe. In the meantime, Lexus offers a second BEV model, the RZ 450e.
lexus.eu, global.toyota
Keyword: Lexus gives the US 300e a bigger battery pack