The first electric car from Lexus, the UX300e, has received a raft of updates for its 2023 model year, with an Australian arrival already confirmed.
The Lexus UX300e small SUV now joins the petrol UX200 and the Hybrid UX250h in being updated for next year, but the headline change for the electric car is an increased battery capacity which results in a significant 40 per cent increase in driving range.
With the UX300e’s battery increasing from 54.4kWh to 72.8kWh, Lexus says its old range of 315km will be surpassed by its much-improved 450km range, both tested under WLTP conditions.
While the battery is bigger, its output remains the same which means the UX300e makes 150kW and 300Nm, putting it atop the UX range for power and torque.
Away from its battery drivetrain, the UX300e receives the same slew of updates and changes as the lower-spec versions, including a strengthened chassis to improve torsional rigidity. Engineers added 20 spot weld points throughout the UX’s body to achieve this.
In addition, the UX’s power steering, shock absorbers, and brake control have been re-tuned to deliver more of what Lexus calls its ‘Driving Signature’ characteristics.
In the interior, the most significant change for the UX is the upgrade to Lexus’ new multimedia system, with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen and no (divisive) haptic trackpad that was once the only way to navigate the menu.
The centre console itself has also been adjusted to allow more space for the wireless phone charging pad and two additional USB-C charging ports. However, wireless Apple CarPlay is supported in the updated UX, so the USB-C points will likely be of more use to Android Auto users who will need to plug in.
The UX also now features a ‘Data Communication Module’ or DCM which allows functions such as web browsing, access to Lexus Connected Services, and it can provide traffic and parking information in real time.
Connection to the UX via the Lexus Connected Services App also allows functions such as unlocking and pre-heating or cooling the interior, checking battery charge, and even “disabling the car’s EV system from starting for a desired period of time for additional security”.
The UX300e now also allows basic functions like media and windows be controlled via voice, with the user needing to use the “Hey, Lexus” phrase before a command. Over-the-air updates to the software in the UX are now also supported.
The Sport Luxury grade is offered with an underfloor view via the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) which shows the driver the road or surface underneath the car.
The safety suite has also been updated to include a more functional pre-collision system, which can now detect oncoming vehicles when turning at an intersection, as well as pedestrians crossing the street when turning left or right.
The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) system now features curve speed control for cornering, while lane trace alert has been adjusted for less intrusive and smoother intervention.
While the updated petrol and hybrid UX models are on sale now, Lexus says the UX300e will arrive next year, with exact pricing and local specification to be confirmed closer to its launch date.
Keyword: More range! Updated Lexus UX300e electric car coming to Australia in 2023