Lexus as a brand has always been associated with luxury, comfort, and exclusivity. Currently, Lexus offers the NX, RX, and LX SUVs, ES and LS sedans, and the halo LC coupe in our country. But the Japanese carmaker is now weighing in to bring an entry-level offering for India – the UX.

lexus ux300e first drive review

The UX is a new nameplate for Lexus – first introduced in 2019 – and is available in hybrid and pure electric versions. Now, this one is the smallest crossover in Lexus’ SUV line-up. It is so small that Lexus categorises it into hatchback for some markets. Let us take a closer look at the all-new UX300 and consider the reasons why you should buy it if ever Lexus decides to launch it in the country.

lexus ux300e first drive review
lexus ux300e first drive review

Despite it being a crossover, stepping into the UX is like getting inside a low-slung sports car. It’s low and you’d have to bend in to enter. Once inside, you are welcomed by a typical Lexus-style cabin. It’s not very fancy, but neither is it boring to look at. You can call it quirky though. And the quality of the materials here is top-notch still.

lexus ux300e first drive review

There’s a combination of blue and black on the sculpted dashboard which carves in, juts out, and flows in a very eccentric manner. The old interface infotainment system sits snuggly atop the dashboard in line with the view and has the unique touchpad interface to operate. However, newer Lexus models have replaced the touchpad and the old screen for a larger head-unit with a modern interface and we expected something similar in the UX. Then, even the buttons of the air-con, among others have a distinct style to them. They are not very tactile, but feel soft and nice and should be long-lasting as well.

lexus ux300e first drive review

The steering is taken from the previous-gen NX and feels solid to hold, like the rest of the cabin. But even at its highest setting, it feels quite low. Hence, you will need to power down these electric seats further lower for better ergonomics. The seats are comfortable, providing support in all the right amounts and get heated and cooled function too. You even get heated steering.

lexus ux300e first drive review

The instrument cluster is a combination of analogue and digital. We have never seen an analogue dial to indicate battery charge in an EV ever before. And the digital driver’s display is simple and easy to read even on the move. Besides this, you also get a heads-up display. Then there are quirky features like the volume control, which is under the panel and the armrest storage that can open both ways.

lexus ux300e first drive review

Moving to the second row, the doors don’t open very wide and getting inside isn’t quite graceful. Moreover, space at the back is limited. But more importantly, this is an electric car with a battery placed under the flooring. So the compromise can be seen here. You are bound to sit with the knees propped up, which won’t be comfortable for taller passengers. Now, although the headroom is just enough for my size, the seats do provide good back support.

lexus ux300e first drive review

The rear passengers get heated seats too, but no cooling function. We wished the sunroof was a panoramic one because it does feel a bit tight in the back seat. As for the storage, there’s no space on the door pads but you get two cup holders in the folding armrest. Even the shoulder room isn’t great and the quality of plastic sees a drastic drop compared to the front row seats. Under the electric tailgate, the UX has a boot capacity of 367litres. And if you still want more space, there’s 60:40 split folding for the rear seats.

lexus ux300e first drive review

Although it is an entry-level Lexus, the UX is not short on the feature list. Apart from a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, you get a 13-speaker Mark & Levinson sound system, a heads-up display, cooled and heated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering, sunroof, auto headlamps and wipers, LED lights with headlamp washers, wireless charger, two-zone climate control, and smartphone connectivity. In terms of safety, the UX300e has six airbags, auto brakes, blind spot alert, rear traffic alert, hills assist, ISOFIX, and a 360-degree camera. In fact, the UX has bagged five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.

lexus ux300e first drive review

You’d be surprised to know that this UX is the first pure-electric Lexus. Lexus has been offering hybrids forever now, but this tiny crossover is their first step towards electrification. It has a 54.3kWh battery pack which powers an electric motor on the front axle, with power output at just over 200bhp and 300Nm. In a typical Lexus fashion, the electric UX is relaxed and comfortable to drive with a linear power delivery which isn’t gut-wrenchingly fast. The instantaneous torque availability of an EV is evident, but go full tilt on the throttle and the speed mount-up is progressive rather than pin-you-in-the-seat quick.

lexus ux300e first drive review

Lexus claims a 0-100kmph time of 7.5 seconds and the top speed is clocked at 160kmph. But you can feel UX take longer to mount speed once past the triple-digit speeds in full bore acceleration. For everyday drivability, the UX does the job well. With its tiny dimensions, good visibility, and instant torque supply, you can make your way through traffic with ease. And out on the highway, you can hold highway speeds without a fuss. Overtaking traffic – slow-moving or otherwise – is remarkably easy too.

lexus ux300e first drive review

The UX comes with three drive modes – Normal, Eco, and Sport. Although the performance isn’t dulled out that much in Eco, the Sport doesn’t do much to transform the UX’s sporty character either. So, the Normal mode should just be enough for your every need.

lexus ux300e first drive review

As for the handling, the UX isn’t quite the driver’s car you’d expect it to be. If you try and take a corner with some enthusiasm, you can feel this baby Lexus struggling for grip. There’s some amount of understeer as well. But drive it sedately and the steering feels light, quick, and responsive at both city and highway speeds. Even when going over broken patches of the road at normal speeds, the ride quality in the UX is pretty absorbent. You can feel it set up on the softer side, but there’s a good amount of body control when going over undulations or corners. It irons out most imperfections without hampering the comfort of the occupants. Even the noise insulation inside the cabin is impressive, except for the tyre road noises at times, more than anything else.

lexus ux300e first drive review

The claimed range of the UX300e is around 300-315 kilometres under the WLTP cycle. But when put through our rigorous CarWale range test, the UX300e managed to go 277kilometres in real-world conditions while driving from 100 per cent till the battery drained to zero. Now there are two charging ports, on the right is the common Type 2 charger which has a capacity of up to 6.6kW AC charging. It will take close to eight hours for a full charge. On the left of the UX is a 35kW which can charge from 0-80 per cent in around an hour.

lexus ux300e first drive review

As we told you earlier, Lexus is still considering the idea of introducing the UX in the country. It’s not launched yet, but if Lexus does bring it to India, we expect it to be on the pricier side – around Rs 70-80 lakh. At this price, the electric powertrain makes for a viable choice because the UX300e has got good looks and a comfortable package to go with. And if not this electric version, Lexus could simply get the hybrid powertrain of the UX to rival the likes of GLA, X1, and the standard XC40. As for this UX300e, direct alternatives could be the Volvo XC40 Recharge, BMW i4, or Kia EV6

lexus ux300e first drive review

Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi

Keyword: Lexus UX300e First Drive Review

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Lexus has a gigacasted Model 3 fighter it will actually build — in 2026

Lexus plans to launch a next-generation EV with super-low drag, high range, and a gigacasted vehicle structure. This could be the most significant electric vehicle announcement to come out of the Japan Mobility Show. While the LF-ZC may still be a concept, it’s one that the luxury mark owned ...

View more: Lexus has a gigacasted Model 3 fighter it will actually build — in 2026

Lexus LF-ZL Concept Previews A Future Flagship EV With An AI Twist

The automaker says it rides on a new EV architecture with a gigacast structure.

View more: Lexus LF-ZL Concept Previews A Future Flagship EV With An AI Twist

Lexus LF-ZC Concept Previews Future Production Electric Hatchback

It should hit the assembly lines in 2026.

View more: Lexus LF-ZC Concept Previews Future Production Electric Hatchback

Lexus Unveils Next-Generation Battery Electric Concept Models

Lexus, known for its commitment to pioneering technology, has unveiled a series of new battery electric concept models at the first Japan Mobility Show. With the theme “Pushing the Boundaries of the Electrified Experience,” Lexus offers a glimpse into its plans to maximise the potential of electrification and new ...

View more: Lexus Unveils Next-Generation Battery Electric Concept Models

JMS 2023: Lexus reveals the LF-ZC and LF-ZL concepts

These preview the brand’s direction

View more: JMS 2023: Lexus reveals the LF-ZC and LF-ZL concepts

Lexus LF-ZL: Meet The Lexus Flagship's Electric Future

It's said to be "a prestigious ownership experience beyond just the car."

View more: Lexus LF-ZL: Meet The Lexus Flagship's Electric Future

Lexus Set to Kick LF-ZC Concept into Production by 2026

Lexus has taken to the Tokyo Mobility Show to unveil a radical new battery-electric concept vehicle that the company says will be put into production by 2026 – that car is the LF-ZC concept. While the name derives from the not-so-interesting phrase for ‘Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst’ (LF-ZC), the styling ...

View more: Lexus Set to Kick LF-ZC Concept into Production by 2026

The Lexus LF-ZC Is An Audacious Electric Sedan Headed To Production In 2026

Software services, AI, sustainable materials—this wild Lexus has it all.

View more: The Lexus LF-ZC Is An Audacious Electric Sedan Headed To Production In 2026

Akkodis ASP confirms two-car Lexus LMGT3 pursuit

MY24 Lexus UX 300e Arrives with Significantly Larger Battery, Priced from $79,990

Toyota aims for solid-state battery EVs with up to 750 miles of range by 2027

Review: Lexus RX 350 – Understated Luxury

Toyota, Lexus Are Latest To Switch To Tesla's NACS Plug

Lexus Malaysia To Highlight Tazuna Concept In Latest Roadshow

Lexus Trademarks New EV Concepts In Europe With LF-Z Nomenclature

2024 Lexus IS Arrives With Design Enhancements, Up To $1,750 Higher Price

Best-selling car from every brand in South Africa

2024 Lexus RC, RC F Arrive With Minor Changes, Same Engine Lineup

Lexus and Subaru tease new sporty electric vehicles ahead of Japan Mobility Show debut

Lexus Teases Lineup Of EV Concepts, Including Sleek Fastback

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel