Lexus UX300e offers enjoyable driving experience and refined interior
It's a vehicle that ticks enough of the right boxes to be worthy of consideration for those on the lookout for a small electric SUV.
Coming into 2025, the UX300e received a number of tweaks and revisions to increase choice for would-be buyers.
These include new model grades, revised equipment specifications, an improved interior finish, and an upgraded digital instrument display.
It's a car that also benefits from striking looks that are sufficient to turn a few heads as you drive along the high streets.
Sharp creases in the side of the vehicle catch the sunlight The tone is set by the eye-catching front grille, which blends nicely with some sharp angles and a contemporary headlight signature.
The bodywork is notable for the number of bold creases, while the look is completed by the full-width light bar at the rear.
Front seat head and leg room is excellent, although the driver has a relatively low seating position. Things are a bit more cramped in the back seats and the boot.
Behind the wheel, it's a comfortable and satisfying drive. The instant response from the electric motor makes it easier and safer when overtaking or pulling out at junctions, while the overall smoothness of the power delivery is a real plus-point.
The car's main battery has an increased usable capacity of 64kWh, compared to earlier versions that had 54kWh, and powers one electric motor driving the front wheels.
The vehicle looks smart from all angles That delivers 201bhp and 221lb ft of torque, with a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds.
The UX300e delivers agile handling and feels to have a lower centre of gravity than many of its SUV rivals. To enhance the vehicle's control in corners, Lexus has ensured that all heavier components are concentrated at the middle of the car.
For extra steering precision and driving refinement, the vehicle's GA-C platform has been stiffened by the extra rigidity of the underfloor battery and cross members.
The car has a distinctive grille The vehicle does a decent enough job of absorbing bumps in the road, but can feel a bit unsettled on broken or undulating B-roads.
At motorway speeds, it settles down nicely to provide a very relaxing drive, while longer motorway drives have been made easier by the new, bigger battery introduced within the last few years. Official figures suggest that up to 280 miles is possible on a single charge, but I found that to be closer to 250 in real world driving conditions, which is still reasonably good.
However, the charging situation isn't too good. The vehicle's rapid charging tops out at 50kW, which provides an 80 per cent charge in about 90 minutes. The UX uses a CHAdeMO socket for its DC rapid charging, which are not always easy to find because CCS tends to be more widespread.
The interior is refined and features premium materials The renamed entry point to the UX 300e is Urban grade, which comes with17-inch alloys, power adjustable front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone integration, reversing camera and the Lexus Link Connect multimedia system with cloud-based navigation and eight-inch touchscreen. A seven-inch digital diver's instrument display is new to the UX 300e.
The new Premium grade provides rear privacy glass, illuminated door handles, front and rear parking sensors, a driver monitor, smart entry, power back door, LED front fog lights and roof rails.
Premium Plus grade gets you 18-inch alloys, aluminium scuff plates, a wireless smartphone charger, Tahara synthetic leather upholstery, heated front and outer rear seats and front seat ventilation, plus additional safety features.
Premium Plus Tech is another new grade, with extra technology features such as a 12.3-inch display, 13-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound audio system and a 12.3-inch driver's digital instrument display.
The top-spec Takumi version includes smooth leather upholstery, a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, hands-free power back door, head-up display, sunroof and three-eye LED headlights.
Lexus UX300e
PRICE RANGE: £40,065 to £51,145 RRP
ACCELERATION: 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds
RANGE: 274-281 miles
DRIVE: front wheels
POWER: 201bhp
BATTERY: 64kWh
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Auto Blog
This Is The Most Expensive Lexus Model In America
Top Lexus Is A True Range Rover Rival When Lexus originally arrived on the scene with the first LS sedan, it was pitched at a lower price point than its rivals from Germany, a move that played a significant role in that car's success. Over 35 years later, Lexus is established enough as a trusted luxury brand to push the luxury envelope further, without paying as much attention to pricing. One model in particular, the most expensive new Lexus in America, is on a mission to see just how far upmarket the brand can go. Let's see what the most expensive new Lexus is. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More The LX 700h Ultra Luxury Is The Priciest New Lexus Source: Lexus Starting at exactly $140,000, this is Lexus' most expensive car, and by some margin, too. It's also the most expensive Lexus SUV ever. This price excludes the destination charge of $1,450, but thankfully, there are hardly any optional extras, as everything is standard. The LX, of course, is the brand's full-size luxury SUV with seating for up to seven occupants. The LX 700h Ultra Luxury is unique, though, as it comes with a four-seater configuration that prioritizes rear-seat comfort over ultimate seating capacity. Typically, only full-size sedans have such a layout, not SUVs, making this LX a rarity. Let's look into what the most expensive Lexus offers in more detail. Design: Impossible To Miss Although it's not as large as a Cadillac Escalade ESV, the Lexus LX takes up plenty of space with its 200.5-inch length. At 74.6 inches in height, you need to be well over six-feet tall to see over its roof. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The front fascia is dominated by an enormous grille, giving this Lexus enough overtaking presence to intimidate a full-size pickup. This is a body-on-frame SUV, not a crossover, and the rest of it has the muscular stance that's typical of a proper SUV; it strikes a neat balance between utility and luxury. Being the most expensive new Lexus you can buy, the LX 700h Ultra Luxury has the following standard exterior features: Automatic door closing Power rear door with kick sensor 22-inch forged alloy wheels LED lighting with headlight washers Windshield wiper de-icer Power tilt-and-slide moonroof For more of a military look, you can specify Nori Green Pearl paint, but there are also two greys, black, and white. Interior: Impressive Luxury But Reduced Versatility It's here where the Ultra Luxury differentiates itself from other LXs. Instead of a third row or a traditional second-row bench, this variant has two captain's chairs in the second row. They don't quite offer the stretch-out space of the back seat in an S-Class, but they're still very comfortable. Remember, too, that you can enjoy this level of luxury while still going off-road. These back seats can also recline up to 48 degrees, while the right rear passenger can electrically move the front passenger seat forward for more space. Diamond-stitch semi-aniline leather covers all four seats, and the Ultra luxury gets unique Takanoha wood trim. It's the most luxurious Lexus SUV you can buy. These are some of the standard feature highlights: Power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats Massaging driver's seat Power-adjustable, heated, ventilated, and massaging rear seats Powered right rear ottoman Heated and powered steering wheel 12.3-inch touchscreen and seven-inch vehicle information display 12.3-inch gauge cluster Dual 11.4-inch rear entertainment screens 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system Hands-free parking system Panoramic-view monitor Multi-terrain monitor Head-up display In our review of the LX 700h, we found it to be supremely comfortable and that Mark Levinson sound system to be phenomenal. A downside to the lavish rear seating arrangement is much reduced practicality. These back seats can't fold flat, so you're left with the normal trunk for all your cargo. At 30.9 cubic feet, it's not particularly large for an SUV of the LX's size. Performance: Quick Enough And Truly Capable Off-Road Source: Lexus Despite all the bling, this is still a proper body-on-frame SUV under the skin. This, together with the full-time four-wheel-drive system and electronic locking center differential, gives the LX true off-roading credentials. It also has Crawl Control with Turn Assist and the Multi-Terrain Select system that lets you choose between different drive modes. However, it's not quite as capable as the LX Overtrail, which also has front and rear locking differentials. The adaptive variable suspension provides a generally smooth ride on normal roads, but don't expect the silky smoothness of a full-size luxury sedan. Source: Lexus To cope with a curb weight of 5,945 pounds, the LX 700h pairs an electric motor with the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6. It produces 457 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, and will hit 60 mph in 6.4 seconds – a few tenths quicker than the non-hybrid LX. The powertrain is wonderfully smooth and quiet, and the combined 20 mpg rating is a slight improvement over non-hybrid models. Towing capacity maxes out at 8,000 lbs, which is beaten by the biggest SUVs from General Motors, but it should still be enough for most. How Much Is A Fully Loaded LX 700h Ultra Luxury? There are no optional extras for this Lexus, as it's already equipped with every available feature. However, Lexus has 155 accessories available for the SUV, from cross bars to a dashcam, a roof rack, an ARB Elements fridge/freezer, and much more to turn this into a dream camping trip vehicle. You can get much closer to the $150k mark by adding enough of these accessories. Other Expensive Lexus Models If you want the best possible Lexus money can buy, the two models below get closest to the LX 700h Ultra Luxury. There are also a few other LX trims for over $100k. Lexus LC 500 Convertible Bespoke: $112,450 Source: Lexus By far the brand's most glamorous car, the LC 500 Convertible is also the most expensive Lexus sports car. It has jaw-dropping looks and a 471-hp V8 engine to die for. In Bespoke guise, it is available with more customization options than the normal LC Convertible. The 0-60 sprint takes 4.6 seconds and is accompanied by an engine note that the brand's V6 hybrid couldn't hope to match. Lexus LS 500h: $115,210 Source: Lexus This is the most expensive Lexus sedan on sale. Its V6 hybrid powertrain develops 354 hp, but the sleeker and lighter sedan body means it's much quicker than the LX, hitting 60 in 5.2 seconds. Rear legroom is even better than in the LX, and you also get reclining seats. If you don't need the capability of an SUV, this is a better pure luxury car than the LX 700h Ultra Luxury. Summary: Most Expensive Lexus Fills A Unique Niche Most people who want an SUV that can go off-road are willing to accept that they won't be getting the most luxurious model. However, the LX 700h Ultra Luxury is one of the most comfortable ways to go on your outdoor adventures, while still remaining refined enough for normal commuting. If you only want a luxury car, we'd recommend saving a lot of money and getting an LS. But if you must have an SUV, we can see the appeal of the top LX. We'd also suggest taking a look at the Range Rover, though. It's similar in concept to the LX – blending off-roading abilities with impeccable luxury – and the Autobiography model isn't much more expensive than this Lexus. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Reuters
2 days ago
- Reuters
Toyota to raise US auto prices by more than $200 from July, Bloomberg News reports
June 20 (Reuters) - Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T), opens new tab will raise prices of some vehicles it sells in the U.S. by more than $200 from July, Bloomberg News reported on Friday. Some Toyota- and Lexus-branded models will have their prices increased by an average of $270 and $208, respectively, the report said, citing Nobu Sunaga, a spokesman for the company. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Auto Blog
6 Vehicles With the Most 3rd Row Legroom
Plenty of space to comfortably stretch out Three-row SUVs and minivans exist for a reason: big families with tall people need space to stretch out. Not every three-row vehicle, however, is suited for these duties. Remember afterthoughts like the now-dead Lexus RX 350L? It had a mere 23.5 inches of third-row legroom—way too small for any adult to sit comfortably. Even worse is the current Mitsubishi Outlander, which offers a paltry 18.7 inches of legroom in the third row. Gah, what's the point? Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More Thankfully, there's good news: there are truly spacious choices on the market today that can comfortably accommodate a normal-sized adult in the third row. Whether you're ferrying teenagers to sports practice, loading up for a long road trip, or just need room for the occasional extended family gathering, these six vehicles stand out for their generous third-row legroom. 2025 Lincoln Navigator 2025 Lincoln Navigator 3rd Row Legroom: 43.5 inches The 2025 Lincoln Navigator ($99,995) is one of the premium luxury American SUV offerings today, and it's at the front of the pack when it comes to power, technology, and downright cavernous space for all. The Lincoln Navigator doesn't just impress with its luxury trimmings and commanding street presence—it also offers a best-in-class 43.5 inches of legroom in the third row. It also happens to have the most third-row legroom in the industry. That's enough for even the tallest passengers to relax without feeling crunched in the back. Plus, its plush seats and high-quality materials ensure that comfort extends beyond sheer space. Every Navigator is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine good for 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. 2025 Toyota Sienna 2021 Toyota Sienna XLE AWD — Source: Toyota 3rd Row Legroom: 38.7 inches The 2025 Toyota Sienna ($39,185) stands head and shoulders above the rest of the minivan segment thanks to standard hybrid power, available all-wheel drive, and 38.7 inches of legroom in its third-row seats that can comfortably seat the tallest kids and adults. It remains one of the best minivan people haulers out there and a brilliant shuttle for your kids and their teammates when you've got a full post-game gang to move. Standard features like 17-inch alloy wheels, dual power sliding doors, an 8-inch color touchscreen (12.3-inch optional), wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0 suite that includes great tech like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning with steering assist make the Sienna a tremendous overall package. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL 2025 Chevrolet Suburban / GMC Yukon XL — Source: Chevrolet 3rd Row Legroom: 36.7 inches At nearly 19 feet long, the enormous 2025 Chevy Suburban ($62,000) and its twin, the 2025 GMC Yukon XL ($67,200), had better have some serious space inside—and they absolutely do. With a sprawling 36.7 inches of third-row legroom, these full-size SUVs offer more room in the way back than some vehicles provide in the second row. If you need cavernous cargo space and the ability to seat seven or eight adults in comfort, the Suburban and Yukon XL deliver. The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL get a swath of engine choices: a 5.3L V8, a 6.2L V8, and a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV 2025 Cadillac Escalade ESV — Source: Cadillac 3rd Row Legroom: 36.6 inches The Cadillac Escalade ESV isn't just big; it's all about American grandeur that combines opulence with incredible real-world utility. Longer than the standard Escalade, third-row passengers in the ESV are treated to a whopping 36.6 inches of legroom, way more than the standard Escalade's 34.9. Even tall grown-ups and your oversized offspring can ride in comfort on long trips, so there should be no grumbling from back there. With its luxurious appointments and high-tech features, the Escalade ESV makes third-row seating a genuine pleasure rather than a punishment like so many other would-be three-row SUVs. All gas-powered Escalades get a 6.2-liter V8 engine under the hood that churns out 420 horsepower and can tow up to 8,100 pounds. 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer — Source: Jeep 3rd Row Legroom: 36.6 inches The 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer ($91,945) is the brand's big dog, but it's not just about off-road capability. The Grand Wagoneer redefines American luxury with its refined exterior and upscale cabin. But it doesn't skimp on practicality either. With 36.6 inches of third-row legroom, this Jeep ensures that adults in the way-back won't feel like an afterthought. It's a seriously capable family hauler with plenty of style to match. Standard features include 22-inch wheels, perimeter approach lights, power remote tilt-down exterior mirrors, power liftgate, panoramic sunroof, heated/ventilated 1st- and 2nd-row seats, power-adjustable pedals, 19-speaker premium audio, and 12-inch central touchscreen infotainment system. Every Grand Wagoneer gets a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine under the hood that delivers 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, so it'll move all three rows of passengers with authority. 2025 Chrysler Pacifica 2025 Chrysler Pacifica — Source: FCA 3rd Row Legroom: 36.5 inches The Chrysler Pacifica might be the only model in the brand's lineup right now (the Voyager is just a lower-trimmed version), but it's worthy thanks to tremendous space and ride comfort. The sole American minivan in the running has long been a go-to choice for families, and it's easy to see why. With 36.5 inches of legroom in the third row, it's ready to handle carpool duty, vacation trips, and everything in between. The Pacifica's Stow 'n Go seating system only adds to its practicality, offering flexibility that's hard to beat. The Pacifica can also be had in plug-in hybrid trim with optional all-wheel drive, making it even more practical. Engine choices include a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission good for 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, and the PHEV with a V6 engine combined with electric motors for a total of 260 horsepower. Final thoughts There's not much point in having a three-row vehicle if there isn't enough space for more than just small kids. Those kids are going to grow, and you will also need to transport adults at times. A spacious third row can make all the difference between suffering and comfort. The good news is that many automakers recognize this need, and there are excellent choices out there. Whether it's a huge SUV or a hybrid minivan, 36+ inches of rear legroom transform the third row into a desirable spot versus automotive nosebleed seats that are for those who draw the short straw. About the Author Amos Kwon View Profile
