Lexus, and its mass-market parent Toyota have been pioneers in the hybrid segment since the mid 1990s, having established a very healthy customer base thanks to highly efficient powertrains.
With the world’s wholesale shift towards electric vehicles (EV), both brands seem to be a bit slower to transition. This may have proven to be the right approach, with sales of EVs recently slowing, causing many manufacturers to reassess their hurried transition to exclusively EV portfolios.
Nevertheless, electric vehicle sales are still up compared to previous years, so it’s important to have representation in this field. Lexus has two offerings: the dynamic RZ, with its nifty e-TNGA architecture and steer-by-wire system, and the UX, based on an existing TNGA platform, with some limitations.
2024 Lexus UX 300e Sports Luxury: Specifications
Battery: 72.8kWh
Output: 150kW / 300Nm
Gearbox: One-speed auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.0, 225/50
ANCAP: Five stars
Kerb weight: 1840kg
Power-to-weight: 12.26:1 (kg:kW)
Official range (NEDC): 560km
Max charging AC/CD: 6.6kW/50kW0-60km/h: 3.32 seconds*
0-100km/h: 7.69 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.10 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.80 seconds at 146.0km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.675g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.13m in 3.04 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.226g*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 73*
Starting price: $88,190
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Lexus UX 300e Sports Luxury: How much does it cost?
Priced from $88,190 (plus on-road costs), the 2024 Lexus UX 300e Sports Luxury positions itself in the upper echelon of the compact luxury EV market. This price point is $8500 above the standard UX 300e Luxury variant, and $25,870 more than the 2WD UX 300h Sports Luxury hybrid.
Partly justified by a plethora of added features including leather-accented upholstery, a moonroof, head-up display, and 360-degree camera, it is still a considerable ask. Particularly when compared to its petrol or hybrid counterparts. It rivals the 150kW BMW iX1 eDrive20 2WD (from $78,900), and 140kW Mercedes-Benz EQA 2WD ($84,900).
Lexus’s capped-price service program means every visit annually or 15,000km (whichever comes first) is capped at $295 for the first five visits or 75,000km. This works out to be $300 cheaper per visit than the petrol or hybrid UX.
Although Lexus offers a free subscription to Chargefox charging stations, limitations with its electrical architecture mean you only get half or a third of the benefit, as we’ll explain later on.
2024 Lexus UX 300e Sports Luxury: Interior & packaging
Lexus has always excelled in crafting serene and beautiful interiors, and the UX 300e Sports Luxury is no exception. The cabin exudes sophistication, from the LC-style satellite knobs to the denim-like dash material and the intricate white perforated seat pattern with heating and cooling functions as standard (in the front).
The overall finish is really nice, save for a singular scratchy surface below the climate control – an aberration in an otherwise typically flawless execution. The double-glazed windows are a very unique touch for this class and boost cabin quietness and acoustics.
However, the air-conditioning’s impact on the vehicle’s range during hot days is a notable drawback, as it means you have to compromise comfort and luxury for the sake of getting where you want to go. Fortunately, Lexus has beefed up the battery for the 2024.
It now uses a 72.8kWh lithium-ion system which sees range increased from 360km in the first iteration to a solid 560km (NEDC) in this update. This level of range means you could drive it all week, running errands and not have to charge up until the weekend, or more.
Dimensions-wise, the vehicle measures 4495mm in length, 1840mm in width, and 1525mm in height, with a 2640mm wheelbase, offering 142mm of ground clearance. These dimensions provide decent space for occupants in the front, and reasonable space in the back for this class. Although, the boot space of 314L might be limiting for some. For reference, the BMW iX1 FWD offers 460L and the Merc’ EQA FWD offers 340L.
2024 Lexus UX 300e Sports Luxury: Powertrain & handling
The battery powers a front motor that delivers 150kW and 300Nm. While its charging capabilities – limited to 6.6kW Type 2 for AC and 50kW CHAdeMO for DC – lag behind the vast majority of new EVs, the UX 300e offers an impressive range of up to 560km, although real-world figures varied considerably for us. CHAdeMO is becoming obsolete in Australia, with only a few chargers left in our network still offering this.
A full charge, even in eco mode, saw a best range estimate of 440km, which dropped to 391km with the climate control system on. While the UX is equipped with a heat pump, this represents an 11 per cent drop in range, which is disappointing. It meant this author had to choose between making it home and being cool on a hot day.
Thankfully, the batteries seem to charge quicker than any other car using 240V outlet, at a mere 26 hours from nearly flat. Perversely, this is quite a redeeming feature of the car, making it suitable for those who don’t do more than 5-10,000km annually and don’t want to go to the hassle of installing a home charger.
Energy efficiency on test was 20.3kWh/100km, which is actually very impressive. With a drag coefficient of 0.31, we don’t think extended highway driving would be completely favourable to the UX’s range, but overall we have to give it a big tick here.
The absence of one pedal driving and the cost saving decision not to use Toyota’s e-TNGA platform are missed opportunities to compete with fresher EV rivals. The paddle shifters used to change gear ratios in other UX models are re-purposed here to control the regenerative braking pressure, with three modes of only moderate slowing/regen.
Despite these shortcomings, the UX300e excels in its immediate power response and the handling dynamics inherited from the UX platform. The weight transfer due to the batteries is noticeable but does not detract significantly from the vehicle’s agility, making it a surprisingly fun and luxurious drive.
It steers with the solidity that we’ve come to expect from luxury vehicles, despite its small size, and the ride comfort walks that fine balance between soft absorption and sturdy body management. This is an ideal tune for this style of vehicle.
2024 Lexus UX 300e Sports Luxury: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Luxurious interior: The meticulous attention to detail pushes it above most rivals – it even comes with double-glazed windows.
- Solid driving dynamics: Inherits the fundamental goodness of the UX TNGA-based platform, offering a satisfying blend of agility and comfort.
- Lexus build quality and reputation: Not many car brands out there can match this. Although some areas are a bit ‘cheap’ looking, the fit and finish is unquestionably sound.
2024 Lexus UX 300e Sports Luxury: Key considerations before you buy
- Too expensive: It’s rare for Lexus models to be more expensive than the German offerings. But with this priced near $90k, it is well above the equivalent BMW and Mercs of today.
- Air-con really impacts range: In hot climates, the air-conditioning significantly reduces the driving range, affecting practicality and luxury.
- Missed EV innovations: The absence of one-pedal driving and not utilising Toyota’s latest EV ‘e-TNGA’ platform may put it behind some competitors. The lack of CCS2 charging capability and reliance on CHAdeMO also limits its appeal in Australia’s current EV landscape.
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
It would be easy to write off the UX 300e on paper due to its older platform and DC charging constraints, but the fact it manages to still be an accomplished luxury product with an enjoyable and dynamic driving experience really took us by surprise. It’s a shame about its comparatively high price.
