AA Motoring was recently invited to the launch event for the new Lexus UX 300e, which is another feather in the cap for Lexus as they expand their electrified vehicle range.
Lexus have had 15 years of experience pioneering electrified cars, which has certainly paid off with the birth of this first class electrified masterpiece.
New Zealanders will be delighted to know that the UX 300e is eligible for the Government’s Clean Car Discount, which sees the UX 300e qualify for a rebate of $8,625 under the low emissions scheme currently.
Recently, we have started to see an influx of these luxury BEV models, having attended the preview of the new Polestar 2 just a few weeks earlier.
Lexus New Zealand Chief Executive, Neeraj Lala, says “Lexus already has one of the lowest overall CO2 emission averages of its fleet in New Zealand due to the high proportion of hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) we sell.
“Year-to-date electrified sales account for 69% of our overall sales,” Lala says. “As a company we plan to introduce 10 further electrified models by 2025 based on the concept of offering affordable mobility in the right place at the right time.”
Lexus New Zealand General Manager, Andrew Davis says, “the all-electric UX 300e, takes Lexus’ electrification vision to the next level. However, first and foremost, this is a Lexus, and no detail has been overlooked.”
“The UX 300e is an expression of the Lexus brand today with its contemporary design, imaginative technology and focus on refined craftsmanship,” says Davis.
“Lexus has always pursued both performance and sustainability, and through the Lexus electrified badge, will continue to use technology to create a sustainable future while still embracing the enjoyment and pleasure that our cars offer customers.”
The Lexus UX 300e Limited will become the flagship UX. The UX 300e builds on the successful luxury compact UX 200 petrol and UX 250h hybrid-electric variants that have been on sale in New Zealand since early 2019.
Electric vitals
With a 54kWh lithium-ion battery under the cabin floor and an approximate 360km driving range, the UX 300e offers another option to the existing large Lexus SUV range.
The all-electric UX 300e offers maximum power of 150kW and torque of 300Nm, allowing a dash from 0 to 100kms in 7.5 seconds thanks to its high-output motor and high-capacity battery. The battery itself takes about 50 minutes for fast charging (DC) to 75% capacity.
The UX 300e enjoys an extension to the New Vehicle Warranty that covers the Electric Drive Motor High Voltage Battery for 8 years or 160,000km. The warranty also covers failure or abnormal capacity degradation above (30%).
Lexus hybrid-electric models have been a popular customer choice, with more than 4,378 customers purchasing this low emission technology since the brand's first electrified vehicle arrived in New Zealand in 2006.
Lexus Hybrid electric sales have increased 188% year to date when compared with 2018 results. This year, 69% of New Zealand Lexus customers have chosen a hybrid-electric model. It is results like these that demonstrate that luxury customers are embracing electrified Lexus models that offer both lower emissions and increased driving performance, enjoyment and comfort.
Sagaciously priced UX 300e
Lexus UX 300e Limited BEV FWD SUV is priced at $79,900 RRP including on road costs.
The pricing includes Lexus’ 4-year unlimited kilometre warranty, service plan and roadside assistance package. The new UX300e is available in Lexus dealerships now for customers to test drive.
Verdict
It’s a model that will be an easy transition for a Lexus owner to get into with all the benefits of the well-known luxury brand that is highly regarded for its reliability in the luxury space. With 90 pre-orders already confirmed, Lexus is feeling confident that it will also attract new buyers to the Lexus family.
We cannot wait to get our hands on this model to experience what Lexus has thoughtfully crafted; the calibre of the latest luxury BEV models are making them increasingly attractive for buyers, especially when many are eligible for the enticing Clean Car Discount.