Lexus UX 300e

Overview

The Lexus UX 300e, Lexus's pioneering leap into the all-electric compact SUV market, wrapped up its production run in 2023. This front-wheel-drive urban warrior offers a distinctively premium Japanese take on electric motoring. It’s known for its sharp styling, refined interior, and Lexus's renowned build quality, making it an interesting proposition on the used market. For this particular discontinued trim, expect to find examples around the €29,990 mark in Europe. It carved a niche for those wanting a sophisticated, if not class-leading range, city-focused EV experience.

What's New for 2023?

For its final 2023 model year, this version of the UX 300e focused on enhancing the cabin experience and safety suite. While its powertrain specifics remained consistent with earlier iterations, key updates included a revamped infotainment system, often featuring larger, more responsive touchscreens and improved connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The Lexus Safety System+ also saw refinements, bringing more sophisticated driver aids to the party, ensuring this premium compact SUV stayed competitive in terms of tech and peace of mind right up to its discontinuation.

Design & Exterior

The Lexus UX 300e doesn't shy away from making a statement, flaunting the brand's signature oversized spindle grille and razor-sharp creases. It’s a proper head-turner in the compact SUV segment. Distinctive LED lighting, including an elegant full-width rear light bar, adds to its futuristic appeal. This specific 300e trim measures 4495 mm in length, 1840 mm in width (mirrors excluded), and stands 1545 mm tall, giving it a nimble yet assertive stance on its unique alloy wheels, perfectly suited for navigating tight European city streets.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the UX 300e, and you're greeted by Lexus's typically impeccable build quality and premium materials – think soft-touch surfaces and an air of 'Takumi' craftsmanship. Passenger space is decent for a compact SUV, though rear legroom can be a tad snug for taller adults. The 2023 models generally feature an updated Lexus infotainment system with improved touchscreens. Cargo-wise, you get a practical 367 litres in the boot. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra cable storage, a common quirk for early EV platform conversions.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the bonnet, the UX 300e packs a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) driving the front wheels, delivering a zesty 150 kW (around 201 bhp) and a healthy 300 Nm of instant torque. This translates to a brisk 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.5 seconds, making it nippy around town. Top speed is capped at 160 km/h. The driving experience is typically Lexus: super smooth, exceptionally quiet, and geared towards comfort. Its compact dimensions and responsive steering make it a doddle to park and manoeuvre.

Range, Battery & Charging

The UX 300e is equipped with a 45 kWh usable battery pack, which, according to Green Cars Compare's calculated real-world range estimate, should see you cover around 281 kilometres on a full charge. Energy efficiency is rated at a respectable 6.24 km/kWh. For charging, it features a Type 2 (Mennekes) port for AC and a CHAdeMO port for DC. Standard AC charging is at 6.6 kW, meaning a full top-up takes roughly 7 hours. DC fast charging maxes out at 50 kW, allowing for a significant charge in around 50 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Lexus rarely skimps on safety, and the UX 300e proudly wears a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. This particular model comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. Standard features typically include a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also often part of the package, ensuring you're well looked after on every journey.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Lexus offers robust warranty coverage in Europe. Owners of the UX 300e can typically expect a standard vehicle warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery is usually covered for a more extended period, often 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, with some Lexus markets even offering an EV Health Check program that can extend battery care up to 10 years or 1,000,000 km against excessive degradation. Maintenance is generally simpler and potentially cheaper than its petrol siblings.