The Lexus UX 300e gets a facelift and a bigger battery with 40% more range

The Lexus UX 300e is the company's first fully electric vehicle announced back in 2019. Earlier this year, the ICE-powered variant of the compact crossover got a facelift and now, the EV option is getting an upgrade of its own.

The new UX 300e is getting a considerably bigger battery - it swaps out the old 54.4kWh unit for a 72.8kWh one, which along with improved efficiency deliver 40% gains in autonomy. As per European WLTC values, the range is now 450km while the older UX 300e only got 315km.

Lexus also worked on improving cabin noise and used the battery itself as a sound barrier. Extra effort was dedicated to furtherreducing wind and road noise.

Lexus UX 300e facelift

The upgrade has added some weight to the car and the 201hp, 300Nm powertrain now has to move significantly heftier body. The new body is also robust as the company has added 20 spot welding points around the side and back doors.

The EV option comes with Yamaha rear dampers by default and the electric power steering and the shock absorbers are tuned specifically for the EV version.

As we go inside, we find Lexus' new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen on the dashboard. Some small changes to the knobs and buttons are also in place. Lexus also added extra LED ambient lighting, a couple of USB-C ports for charging and slightly bigger wireless charging pad for phones.

Deliveries are expected to start in Europe sometime in May next year.

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