Lexus UX300e offers enjoyable driving experience and refined interior
It's a vehicle that ticks enough of the right boxes to be worthy of consideration for those on the lookout for a small electric SUV.
Coming into 2025, the UX300e received a number of tweaks and revisions to increase choice for would-be buyers.
These include new model grades, revised equipment specifications, an improved interior finish, and an upgraded digital instrument display.
It's a car that also benefits from striking looks that are sufficient to turn a few heads as you drive along the high streets.
Sharp creases in the side of the vehicle catch the sunlight The tone is set by the eye-catching front grille, which blends nicely with some sharp angles and a contemporary headlight signature.
The bodywork is notable for the number of bold creases, while the look is completed by the full-width light bar at the rear.
Front seat head and leg room is excellent, although the driver has a relatively low seating position. Things are a bit more cramped in the back seats and the boot.
Behind the wheel, it's a comfortable and satisfying drive. The instant response from the electric motor makes it easier and safer when overtaking or pulling out at junctions, while the overall smoothness of the power delivery is a real plus-point.
The car's main battery has an increased usable capacity of 64kWh, compared to earlier versions that had 54kWh, and powers one electric motor driving the front wheels.
The vehicle looks smart from all angles That delivers 201bhp and 221lb ft of torque, with a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds.
The UX300e delivers agile handling and feels to have a lower centre of gravity than many of its SUV rivals. To enhance the vehicle's control in corners, Lexus has ensured that all heavier components are concentrated at the middle of the car.
For extra steering precision and driving refinement, the vehicle's GA-C platform has been stiffened by the extra rigidity of the underfloor battery and cross members.
The car has a distinctive grille The vehicle does a decent enough job of absorbing bumps in the road, but can feel a bit unsettled on broken or undulating B-roads.
At motorway speeds, it settles down nicely to provide a very relaxing drive, while longer motorway drives have been made easier by the new, bigger battery introduced within the last few years. Official figures suggest that up to 280 miles is possible on a single charge, but I found that to be closer to 250 in real world driving conditions, which is still reasonably good.
However, the charging situation isn't too good. The vehicle's rapid charging tops out at 50kW, which provides an 80 per cent charge in about 90 minutes. The UX uses a CHAdeMO socket for its DC rapid charging, which are not always easy to find because CCS tends to be more widespread.
The interior is refined and features premium materials The renamed entry point to the UX 300e is Urban grade, which comes with17-inch alloys, power adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone integration, reversing camera and the Lexus Link Connect multimedia system with cloud-based navigation and eight-inch touchscreen. A seven-inch digital diver's instrument display is new to the UX 300e.
The new Premium grade provides rear privacy glass, illuminated door handles, front and rear parking sensors, a driver monitor, smart entry, power back door, LED front fog lights and roof rails.
Premium Plus grade gets you 18-inch alloys, aluminium scuff plates, a wireless smartphone charger, Tahara synthetic leather upholstery, heated front and outer rear seats and front seat ventilation, plus additional safety features.
Premium Plus Tech is another new grade, with extra technology features such as a 12.3-inch display, 13-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system and a 12.3-inch driver's digital instrument display.
The top-spec Takumi version includes smooth leather upholstery, a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, hands-free power back door, head-up display, sunroof and three-eye LED headlights.
Lexus UX300e
PRICE RANGE: £40,065 to £51,145 RRP
ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds
RANGE: 274-281 miles
DRIVE: front wheels
POWER: 201bhp
BATTERY: 64kWh
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