The second generation of the Lexus UX 300e will gain a newly-developed battery, lifting its capacity from 54.4 kWh to 72.8 kWh.
With the new larger battery on-board, range will increase from 360kms to an estimated WLTP range of 450kms, making the Auckland to Taupo weekend jaunt a breeze for the revamped Lexus.
Lexus New Zealand General Manager Andrew Davis says the UX 300e extended driving range will make it more appealing to a wider range of customers which will help in Lexus’ decarbonisation goals.
“Built for a mostly urban driver in mind, the UX 300e provides an enjoyable and sustainable city driving experience. The range extension gives Lexus UX 300e motorists a little more freedom to travel around the country without needing to stop at a fast charger.” Andrew says.
Mr Davis adds that “Lexus is aiming to decarbonise its portfolio as part of an overall commitment to reduce our impact on the environment and communities we operate in. The UX 300e is the first model of many new and exciting battery electric vehicles we will see from Lexus over the next few years.”
According to Lexus, the newly announced partial improvements to the UX series are designed to deepen the elegant, sharp, and sophisticated driving experience and express the marque’s qualities of brave design, imaginative technology, takumi craftsmanship and omotenashi – luxurious hospitality.
Clever engineering and design of the UX 300e has resulted in an unaltered driving experience compared to the hybrid electric edition – only the quiet and seamless acceleration of the sole electric motor identifies the UX 300e as a battery electric vehicle.
It appears that the increased battery capacity has been fully provisioned for range only, as performance figures are unchanged from the previous model. Even then, the UX 300e still delivers a healthy 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque.
Further information about the Lexus UX300e will be revealed closer to the New Zealand launch in mid-2023.
