Launched in late 2019, the UX 300e will forever be remembered as Lexus’ first electric vehicle. The subcompact crossover with combustion engine underwent a revamp in May this year and now its zero-emission equivalent is getting a facelift as well. Just like the ICE-powered model, the EV benefits from increased structural rigidity after adding 20 welding points around the side and rear doors. More important is the new battery.
Indeed, the old 54.4-kWh package has been removed to make room for a much larger 72.8-kWh battery that increases range by more than 40 percent compared to the pre-facelifted UX 300e. Lexus says the latest version of its tiny crossover will cover more than 450 kilometers (280 miles) on a single charge, according to WLTC’s values for Europe. As a refresher, the original version is rated at 400 km (250 miles) in the NEDC cycle.
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The electric variant gets Yamaha’s rear performance dampers as standard equipment and a reset electric power steering, while the shock absorbers are specifically tweaked for the electric model. Naturally, the styling changes carry over from the revised conventional powered UX for the 2023 model year.
The army of electric motors fires with 201 horsepower (150 kilowatts) and 300 Newton-meters (221 pound-feet) of instant torque delivered to the front axle. He had to move a fairly heavy vehicle (considering its size) which weighed about 1,900 kilograms (nearly 4,200 pounds).
Inside, the 2023 UX 300e switches to Lexus’ new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that benefits from a higher resolution to deliver crisp graphics. Toyota’s luxury division made an additional change by moving the button for the heated seats from the center console to the more accessible right of the gear lever.
A pair of USB-C ports have been installed in front of the cup holder while the wireless charging pad has been extended vertically. In addition, LED ambient lighting is added at the top. Lexus says special attention is paid to reducing wind and road noise to make the cabin quieter. In fact, we were told that the battery doubles as a sound barrier.
Customer deliveries are programmed to begin in Europe next spring.
