Lexus, owned by the Japanese automotive behemoth, Toyota Corporation, is renowned for the manufacture of luxury cars. The origin of Lexus was dated back to 1989 and was created to compete against Japanese rivals. These rivals who have established their premium brand are Honda Motor Company and Nissan Motor Company.
Lexus is sold in more than 90 countries proving to be a well recognized global automotive brand. Although Lexus has launched many cars with hybrid technology it is very late in launching electric vehicles (BEV). Despite this, the Electric Lexis cars have hit the market with full force. It has already launched 8 cars that use plug-in hybrid technology. One of them that will be discussed is the Electric Lexus UX 300e.
Design of Electric Lexus UX 300e
When it comes to styling, the Lexus company believes that the buyers of all-electric SUVs want their car to look as normal as possible just like Peugeot. Therefore, the team designing the car had their day in the field as the task seemed very easy. The only visual changes they did was the addition of the aerodynamic front grille, 17-inch aero-ventilating alloy wheels, and different badges. This differentiates it from the regular UX.
The exterior of the Electric Lexus UX 300e
Let’s keep in mind this is the company’s first attempt at battery electric vehicles. Most of its basic designs are distinctively styled UX crossover which is kept as its base. The Lexus UX 300e follows a similar formula to the Mercedes-Benz EQA and the Volvo XC40 but does little to distinguish itself from its petrol and hybrid siblings. Lexus has purposely made the UX 300e look like any other UX based on the feedback received from the buyers. The feedback voiced a constant design regardless of the power supply.
What makes it different from the usual UX is that it has 17-inch aero-ventilating alloys wheels, an aerodynamic front grille, and different badges. To those who haven’t witnessed any other Lexus, the placement of the lights adds a plus point to its attractiveness. The headlights combined with the indicators make the front look stunning. The taillights are connected with a continuous LED light across the back.
Interior of Electric Lexus UX 300e
After getting settled into the car, behind the wheel the driving position is quite acceptable rather than outstanding. The Lexus UX 300e comes with an eight-way electric seat adjustment and variable lumbar support. However, it doesn’t do much to elevate the driving position, unlike most SUVs. This compromises the over-the-shoulder visibility as it doesn’t aid rear visibility and kick-up rear window line. However, the model does come with parking sensors in the front and rear, and it also has a rearview camera which helps mitigate the problem of the lowered seat. It also has LED headlights controlled from the inside.
The insides look sturdily made but there is also a plush, soft-touch finish to the dashboard and door. It also has many scratchy plastics on display which adds a negative point for a car this pricey. It also has an infotainment system with a 7-inch screen which seems to be tiny by class standards. It also has a 10.3-inch display that comes with a standard Takumi pack. Both the screen and the display are of very low resolution as compared to a sharp and clear screen in almost every other rival. These also have many convulsive menus which can be very frustrating and distracting but it also has some shortcut buttons which can be very handy. The Takumi pack also comes with a head-up display and 13 speaker Mark Levinson sound system which sounds quite good.
When it comes to the space inside the car, the front of the car has plenty of head and leg space but the rear space is very poor. To begin with, it is very hard to get in and out from the rear narrow door. In addition to that, a 6-foot person will find their legs pressed against the seat back and the footwell is very tight. The rear can only handle 2 passengers. Adding another will become a struggle.
The boot space is square-shaped, without any awkward load tips at the entrance, and has a space to hide all the cables under the boot floor. However, when it comes to luggage space it can store up to about 4 carry-on cases as compared to its rivals which store up to 7. For passenger storage, it has a glove box and door dins only in the front, not in the back. It also has cup holders and a decent cubby under the armrest.
The battery in Electric Lexus UX 300e
The Electric Lexus UX 300e has a 54.3Kh battery and the front wheels are powered by an electric motor. Together it gives 201bhp and 221lb-ft of torque. In 7.5 secs it can cover speeds from 0 to 62mph making it faster than the other electric SUV.
Advance technology in Electric Lexus UX 300e
The Lexus UX 300e comes with several drive modes to choose from. Of all the modes the sports provide the best accelerator response. It also has several energy regeneration regimes that can slow the car down by only lifting the foot from the accelerator. With the help of the paddles behind the steering wheel, passengers will be able to toggle through various levels of brake regeneration.
This makes it easy to slow down the car progressively. With the extra weight that is exerted by the batteries, Electric Lexus UX 300e comes with extra structural bracing and dampers to maintain optimum weight distribution.
Luxury that appeals in Electric Lexus UX 300e
Regardless of its options, the Electric Lexus UX300e is not a sporty option. The stirring is light and does not have any sense of connection and has plenty of body lean despite its tidy corners that makes it a sports car. However, it does offer soft suspensions to give it a respectable ride mostly on the motorway. it struggles on roads that have potholes and ridges but it is a more comfortable ride than that of the Tesla Model 3.
Price of Electric Lexus UX 300e
In terms of pricing, the cost of this Electric Lexus UX 300e electric car is close to the Tesla Model 3 and Volvo XC40 despite having the quality of the Kia e-Niro and Peugeot e-2008.
Conclusion
Lexus UX 300e has much to offer but fails to reach the mark of Tesla Model 3. It could do much better if it were to improve its quality or sold at a price befitting the qualities it presents. Electric Lexus UX 300e is an easy match against cars like Kia e-Niro as it shares the same qualities.
