Based on Lexus’ best-selling UX urban crossover, the first all-electric Lexus leverages 15 years of leadership in electrified hybrids. Timed perfectly to benefit from Europe’s improved charging infrastructure and the rapid growth of interest in luxury electric vehicles, the UX 300e will provide a near-silent driving experience that is both dynamic and razor-sharp. This is due mainly to the car’s low centre of gravity, a characteristic of the UX platform (GA-C), helped in this case by locating the battery beneath the vehicle body and the electric motor low in the engine bay. The UX 300e also boasts bespoke suspension and steering, with elements of the Lexus advanced posture control, which was showcased on the new LF-30 Electrified concept. With the all-electric Lexus UX 300e, Lexus takes its ‘Lexus Electrification’ vision to the next level. However, first and foremost, this is a Lexus, and nothing has been overlooked. The first Lexus BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) offers exceptional craftsmanship, build quality, comfort and quietness. From studying BEV noise patterns, specific actions like bespoke BEV tyres and wheel-arch liners that reduce noise caused by stones, grit or water spraying up from the road, were taken to reduce in-cabin noise significantly. Leaving no stone unturned, even the car’s drive-by-wire selector has been shaped by hand.
Having launched the world’s first premium electrified hybrid, the RX 400h, in 2005, Lexus introduced the first V8 hybrid flagship in 2008 and broke new ground again in 2011 with the CT 200h hybrid compact. More recently, Lexus engineers developed a new high-performance Multi Stage Hybrid for the LS 500h and LC 500h models, and the latest 4th generation Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid system launched last year on the UX 250h and ES 300h. Evoking the original fun of driving, Lexus is now developing an integrated approach to electric motor control and other electrification technologies to further evolve driving pleasure and to fundamentally transform the essence of luxury vehicles of the future. Towards this end, Lexus engineers can draw on the lessons learned developing the core technologies found in the highly successful ten-model Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid range, such as battery management, power control modules and electric motors. With the UX 300e spearheading this quantum shift at Lexus, ‘Lexus Electrified’ includes the development of next-generation HEVs, PHEVs, BEVs and FCVs. Moving forward, Lexus plans to expand its electrified vehicle line-up: the first Lexus PHEV and a new dedicated BEV (all-electric) platform will be launched early this decade.
The UX 300e is a fully-fledged Lexus with its own specially crafted BEV drivetrain. Developed to deliver class-leading refinement and performance, and leveraging Lexus’ unique experience in building over 1,8 million electrified hybrids since 2005, the first all-electric Lexus features a newly developed front-wheel-drive BEV system equipped with a large-capacity lithium ion battery and a high-output electric motor. The new Lexus UX 300e showcases the very latest lithium-ion battery technology including a high-density electrode and advanced electrode stacking structure. Carefully sized for the real-world needs of urban customers in Europe, the UX 300e’s battery is designed to deliver a good balance of optimal range (up to 315 km WLTP) and dynamic driving performance. This range meets customer requirements for an urban compact vehicle. It also allows for a more compact and lightweight battery, which contributes to the overall efficiency of the UX. And of course, it improves packaging, enabling the space and practicality that is expected from an urban crossover.
The new UX 300e crossover package is ideal for electrified urban driving. While the 2.640 mm wheelbase contributes to a smooth, stable ride and cabin roominess, the 4.495 mm length and best-in-segment 10,4 m curb-to-curb turning diameter help make this all-electric Lexus easy to manoeuvre and convenient to park. As part of the UX family, the overall visibility in the UX 300e is enhanced by a low bonnet enabled by the new (GA-C) platform and the low-mounted drivetrain. With the compact lithium-ion battery installed below the rear seats and under the cabin floor, rear space is hardly compromised at all compared to other UX models (16,4 mm less rear headroom), whilst the boot space is actually increased by 47 litres (deck to luggage cover) to 367 litres (loaded to luggage cover) compared to the UX 250h hybrid. Finally, a hands-free power rear tailgate makes loading the UX more convenient.
The Lexus UX 300e also benefits from 15 years of Lexus leadership in electrification. With over 1,8 million Lexus electrified hybrids around the globe today, of which 450.000 are in Europe, the UX 300e engineering team was able to leverage unequalled know-how in battery design, manufacturing and battery management systems. Finally, the new Lexus UX 300e welcomes owners to Lexus’ unique ownership experience that is unmatched by other premium BEVs. This means, for example, helping UX 300e customers with multiple charging solutions – at home with a Lexus charging station and on the move using a full-service solution called ‘Lexus Charging Network’ that was developed together with Digital Charging Solutions GmbH, a leader in the field of seamless and convenient digital charging solutions. When fully rolled out, this service will allow access to Europe’s largest network of around 160.000 public charging stations. This is accessible using the Lexus Link connectivity app that was created to complement the luxury brand’s famed ‘Omotenashi’ customer-centric service philosophy.
