Pure electric vehicles are still relatively rare in Australia but the Japanese company is keen
to see a rapidly increasing number. The Lexus UX300e Luxury and the Sports Luxury are
sold in this country our test car was the Luxury.The UX300e we tested rides on 17-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels which are exclusive to
this model and improve the way they run through the air to reduce drag and trim ‘fuel’
consumption.It has automatic LED headlights that we found provided excellent night time vision during
our road test period.The UX300e comes with three years access to the Encore Platinum ownership program,
which includes access to another Lexus when travelling interstate or to New Zealand, for
up to eight days, four times during the program period.There’s free parking at Westfield shopping centres courtesy of valet parking up to eight
times as part of Encore Platinum.Charging times listed by Lexus say there’s a 6.5-hour charge from empty at a 7kW
240V/32A wall box. On a 50kW DC fast charger, a zero to 80 per cent charge should take
52 minutes, or 80 minutes to full.Again, we struck the problem caused by us living in a high-rise apartment block and only
having the Lexus for a week’s road test. We didn’t have a charging point at our parking
spot and it’s a long way from the inlet-point of the electricity. We have had a quote of
$3500 to set up a wallbox. Hmm…Our building is about 30 years old, some much newer buildings are setup to take power
points and individuals meter the electric consumption. This will presumably be the norm
not too far down the track.
STYLING
The Lexus UX300e has a sloping rear that makes it look part coupe, part SUV. It looks like
other models in the range apart from some detail differences. Our test car was in deep
orange with black areas around the wheel arches and in the lower body. It really looked
quite futuristic because of this.INTERIOR
Front seat occupants have good head and leg room. Space in the rear can be tight for leg
and head room. This is a smallish vehicle, so that’s probably to be expected. Try for
yourself if you’re considering buying this Lexus for family transport, ideally by inviting our
family along to see if this car deserves a place on your shopping list.INFOTAINMENT
There’s a 10.3-inch horizontal infotainment display which adds nicely to the style of interior
design. The Lexus has AM/FM/DAB+ radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and inbuilt
satellite navigation. The Mark Levinson audio system has 13 speakers and we appreciated
the good quality sound it produced.DRIVETRAIN
Both Lexus UX300e models use the same 150kW/300Nm front-mounted electric motor
driving the front wheels. A 54.3kWh lithium-ion battery powers the EV, with an official real-
world-reflective WLTP range of 299-315km. Which is not good – many others sold in
Australia have a range of 400 to 500km.
SAFETY
The Lexus UX range has a five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2019 which carries across
to this model.Both Lexus models have eight airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure
warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high/low-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring,
and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sports Luxury also has 360-degree cameras and a driver’s
head-up display.DRIVING
Due to the instant toque of the electric motor the UX flies off the line the moment you floor
it. It makes for fast take-off from standstill and for overtaking the second you see a gap in
oncoming traffic while driving on country roads.As is common in all electric vehicle the extra weight of the battery pack can be felt both
when driving on twisty country roads. Okay, it’s an SUV not a sports machine but it’s not
as much fun to drive as we like. Steering is light and provides reasonable feel.There’s no heavy regeneration when you lift off the accelerator and no one-pedal driving
mode. However, you can use the shift paddles to reduce or increase the amount of
regenerative braking available.Our test car had some wind noise from the B-pillars which is, of course close to your ears.
It may have been just in this particular car, we will try to borrow another one and see if the
same, minor, problem is there.On the official WLTP test cycle that range is measured at just 299 to 315 kilometres. If
you’re planning to take holiday trips check out the Lexus Encore Platinum program, this
lets you book a petrol or hybrid car through means you can run long trips worry-free.SUMMING UP
Lexus UX300e is an excellent EV from a company that has had many years of experience
in this field of engineering. It points the way to the future when virtually all new cars and
SUVs will be powered by renewable fuel.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
UX300e Luxury: $74,000
UX300e Sports Luxury: $81,000
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Lexus dealer for drive-away prices.SPECIFICATIONS (Lexus UX300e Luxury five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: NA
Configuration: NA
Maximum Power: 150 kW
Maximum Torque: 300 Nm
Fuel Type: Electric
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): NA
CO2 Emissions: zeroDRIVELINE: NA
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4495 mm
Wheelbase: 2640 mm
Width: 1840 mm
Height: 1525 mm
Turning Circle: 10.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 1840 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: NABRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated discSTANDARD WARRANTY:
Four years / 100,000 kilometresRATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Safety: 9/10
Thirst: 9/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Tech: 9/10
Value: 7/10
2022 LEXUS UX300E SPORTS LUXURY
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