Updated Lexus UX300e arrives at last

THE updated Lexus UX300e electric small SUV has arrived in Australia – originally expected in June – priced from $79,990 plus on-road costs.

Its price point enables some customers to benefit from fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemptions by slotting in beneath the federal Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold, as do rivals including the BMW iX1, and Mercedes-Benz EQA that respectively start from $78,900 and $82,300 before on-road costs.

Comprising two variants – Luxury and Sports Luxury ($88,490 + ORC) – the updated UX300e has a larger 72.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack (+34 per cent) for increased range (+200km, now 560km) and a larger 12.3-inch multimedia system with complimentary three-year subscription to Lexus Connected Services.

The UX300e now also offers a bevy of new features including SOS emergency call, automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking, remote access features and a wide range of diagnostic information.

Its updated infotainment system is now compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, and offers DAB+ digital radio reception, native satellite navigation, a wireless phone charger and Mark Levinson premium audio system.

The entry-level Lexus UX300e Luxury is equipped as standard with dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and rear outboard seats, NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with static auto-levelling, and the full suite of Lexus Safety System + driver assistance technologies.

For the flagship UX300e Sports Luxury we find leather accented upholstery, a moonroof, head-up display, 360-degree camera system, adaptive high beam, tri-projector LED headlights with dynamic auto levelling, acoustic front side glass and 18-inch alloy wheels.

UX300e buyers receive complimentary Lexus Encore Platinum Electrified program benefits, including home charger installation, access to the Chargefox public charging network, Lexus On Demand, and Valet Parking at selected shopping centres.

“The UX300e is a special vehicle for Lexus as our first BEV, which in itself represented a significant milestone in the Lexus Electrified journey,” said Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas.

“The upgrades to our flagship small SUV now complete the UX300 range; with a choice of the latest electric, hybrid and petrol powertrains to suit the diverse needs of our customers.”

The petrol and hybrid Lexus UX line-up competes in the $45K+ small SUV segment locally where it rivals the likes of the Audi Q3 (from $50,600 plus on-road costs), BMW X1 (from $60,400 + ORC), and Volvo XC40 (from $53,490 +  ORC).

The Japanese luxury model has sold 1861 examples to the end of September 2023, placing it in fourth place within its segment.

Australia’s premium small SUV segment is currently led by the Volvo XC40 with YTD sales of 4573 units, ahead of the Audi Q3 (3363) and BMW X1 (2984).

The remainder of the segment top 10 comprises the Kia Niro (1367 units), Mini Countryman (1318), Mercedes-Benz GLA (1308), Volvo C40 (970), Audi Q2 (905) and Mercedes-Benz EQA (725).

2023 Lexus UX (electric) pricing*:

2023 Lexus UX (petrol) pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.