Lexus UX 300e Review 2024

The Lexus UX 300e was the first battery-electric vehicle from the Japanese premium brand, and it offers great looks and value for money. It was updated in 2023 with a bigger battery, better driving range and a vastly improved infotainment system.

Lexus and Toyota have arrived at the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) party unfashionably late, albeit extremely well-dressed. Toyota is very focused on hybrid technology, which it has used to great effect in cars such as the Prius and various Lexus models to drastically reduce exhaust emissions.

However, as this list of today’s best electric cars shows, many rival car companies have a significant head-start in the zero emissions market. Our Lexus UX 300e review shows how it stacks up against them.

The UX 300e is the brand’s first fully electric offering and, rather than create something completely new, the company simply converted a regular Lexus UX.

It even looks almost the same, with only the front grille and aerodynamic wheels to really differentiate it from hybrid versions. It’s proven to be a good move, though, with strong sales around the world, even though it lagged a bit behind on driving range, handling and infotainment.

Lexus introduced a significant update in 2023, including a bigger 72.8kWh battery that increased the car’s range by more than 40%. It also has some interior upgrades, such as new, larger infotainment screens and the removal of the oft-criticised touchpad controller.

These changes were essential, because the UX 300e faces some very tough competition today. That includes the popular Tesla Model Y, although the American car’s bland styling is no match for the origami inspiration of the Lexus, nor for its famous reliability.

The BMW iX1 has also gained plenty of praise, as has the Genesis GV60, while others worth considering are the Mercedes-Benz EQA, the undeniably stylish Polestar 2 and the Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Lexus engineers have focused on making the driving experience much better in the 2023 model, with some key changes.

The steering has been recalibrated to make it more precise and the suspension has been stiffened, mainly in the shock absorber department. The body is slightly more rigid to make everything feel a bit sharper – particularly when it comes to cornering, where the old model was lacking in inspiration.

In addition, the Drive Mode Select system has been enhanced across the Normal, Eco and Sport modes, and work has been put into the three-level regenerative braking system.

The car’s torque vectoring technology has also been enhanced to provide better cornering ability. It all sounds like it has been tightened up where it needed to be, as well as gaining more comfort and refinement.

Lexus has embraced electrification for decades with its hybrid models, but this was its first battery-electric model. When launched, it lacked power and driving range compared to some rivals.

It received a major update in 2023, including an increase from a 54.3kWh battery to one with 72.8kWh (64kWh of which is usable). That gives it a big increase in driving range, from less than 200 miles to up to 279 miles.

Power also increases to 204PS, with 300Nm of torque. It will sprint to 62mph in a slightly conservative 7.5 seconds, the same as the pre-facelift version, and has a top speed of 99mph.

The Lexus UX 300e uses a 400V architecture, but with a maximum charging speed of 50kW on a public DC charger you’re looking at around 81 minutes to charge from 10-80 percent.

Charge up at home using a 7.4kW wallbox and it will take 11 hours and 30 minutes to top up the batteries completely.

Safety is always high on the list for Lexus, so the UX 300e is packed with the latest engineering and electronic systems.

These include Lexus Safety System+, which has been enhanced in the updated model. It now has Intersection Turning Assist to detect oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, lane-keeping steering assistance and radar cruise control.

The latter features Curve Speed Reduction to automatically adjust the speed for an upcoming bend.

Other safety kit includes traction control, autonomous emergency braking, a multitude of airbags and more. Euro NCAP gave the hybrid UX a five-star safety rating, but the electric vehicle hasn’t been tested separately yet.

The Lexus UX 300e isn’t rated for towing. If you need to pull a caravan or trailer, you’ll need to look at the hybrid UX – or something else entirely.

The UX 300e has plenty going for it in terms of practicality, but it’s not a match for many of its rivals in this department. Space for those sitting in the back isn’t great, and nor is it the easiest vehicle to get in and out of.

The boot space is 367 litres, which is more than in some of the UX hybrid models because they have batteries beneath the boot floor. However, it’s still significantly less than a BMW iX1 or Genesis GV60.

There are lots of storage spaces and the door pockets are a good size. You have a mix of USB and USB-C ports, plus wireless smartphone charging on some models, while the electrically operated tailgate now responds quicker than it did before.

The interior appears as though it is full of dark plastics, but look closer and you find high-quality materials integrated into a nicely flowing design.

The controls all feel solid and the quiet cabin further highlights the effort that has been put into quality and refinement. There are a few hard plastics around, but not enough to detract from the overall premium feel.

We also have to mention the Nanoe X purification technology, simply because it sounds so cool. Water molecules in the climate control system can keep your skin smooth and hydrated, reduce odours and even block viruses and pollen. Clever stuff.

The Lexus UX 300e showcases some welcome changes to the brand's Lexus Link infotainment system.

The rather fiddly touchpad has gone altogether, replaced by a larger touchscreen. In the regular and Premium Pack versions, the main screen measures eight inches, while the flagship Takumi Edition gets a 12.3-inch screen.

It’s also been moved further forward so it is easier to use.

There’s wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and you can use Android Auto via a cable. A voice assistant responds to “Hey Lexus” and can be used for phone calls, audio selection, climate control and internet searches.

You can also use the touchscreen or buttons on the steering wheel for many of the functions.

Navigation is cloud-based, ensuring you get the latest traffic information as well as the status of public charging points. It’s possible to save three profiles for other drivers, and it can all be linked to the Lexus Link phone app.

This allows you to lock or unlock your vehicle, check on charging status, cool or heat the car remotely, plan a journey and send it to the car, and even book a service.

Prices for the updated Lexus UX 300e have jumped significantly, with the range now starting at £47,495 for the standard model (correct at the time of writing). The Premium Pack version costs from £50,995, while the top-of-the-line Takumi will set you back £57,095.

With a driving range of up to 279 miles and the possibility of charging at home or work for just a few pounds each time, running costs can be very low for the Lexus UX 300e.

Lexus has teamed up with Centrica-British Gas to offer a deal to buyers on a home wallbox charger. If you are reliant on using public chargers then the costs can go up substantially, so choose where you charge using many of the apps available.

As an electric vehicle, it’s exempt from low-emission zone charges and there’s no annual VED (road tax) to pay, at least until the rules change in 2025.

Lexus regularly tops industry ownership and reliability surveys, which definitely helps with peace of mind.

There is also a standard three-year or unlimited-mileage warranty that can be extended by 12 months or 10,000 miles every time the car is serviced by an official Lexus agent. This applies all the way up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. A range of optional service plans is also offered.

Plus the UX 300e comes with three years of Lexus Roadside Assistance across the UK and Europe.

Lexus has always minimised its options list by including most things as standard, and that’s reflected on the UX 300e.

The base Lexus UX 300e gets fabric seat upholstery and electrically adjustable front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, Lexus Safety System+, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the digital instrument cluster.

Upgrade to the Lexus UX 300e Premium Plus pack and you’ll get 18-inch alloy wheels, smart keyless entry and start, rear privacy glass, illuminated door handles, puddle lights, heated seats front and rear, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging and blind-spot monitoring.

The top-of-the-range model is the Lexus UX 300e Takumi Edition, named after the famous Japanese Takumi master craftspeople who have been involved in honing the design, materials and driving dynamics of the UX.

The Takumi Edition gets quilted leather upholstery, the full 12.3-inch Lexus Link Pro infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster and a 10.2-inch head-up display.

It also has an opening glass sunroof, a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, LED headlights, aluminium scuff plates and a hands-free tailgate with a kick sensor. That way, you can open it by waving your foot around like a theatrical football player.

The only things you’ll find on the options list are a few colour choices, but there are a number of accessories available. These include an Adventure Protection Pack with mudflaps and rubber floor mats, or you can have a Style Pack with extra cosmetic trim.