The UX, a compact luxury urban crossover and one of Lexus’s best-selling models in Europe, sees significant upgrades for 2024 with the introduction of the new UX 300h hybrid. This new model replaces the UX 250h and joins the UX 300e battery electric model.
Enhanced powertrain and performance
The new UX 300h retains the familiar 2.0-litre petrol engine but introduces fifth-generation Lexus hybrid technology to boost power and performance. The key update is the new, more efficient 60-cell 222V lithium-ion battery, replacing the previous 180-cell 216V nickel-metal hydride unit.
In models with the E-Four all-wheel-drive system, there’s a new high-torque motor-generator that is 5.6 times more powerful than the previous unit, producing 30kW and 84Nm of torque. The 0-62mph time for the front-wheel-drive model is reduced from 8.5 to 8.1 seconds, and with E-Four all-wheel drive, it drops from 8.7 to 7.9 seconds.
Improved efficiency and emissions
Thanks to increased powertrain efficiency and weight reduction, fuel efficiency has improved. The WLTP combined cycle rating is 54.3 – 56.4 mpg for the front-wheel-drive model and 49.5 – 50.4 mpg for the E-Four all-wheel-drive model. CO2 emissions are 113–119g/km and 126–129g/km, respectively.
Rigorous testing and enhanced stability
The car underwent rigorous testing at Lexus’s Shimoyama development centre to ensure excellent manoeuvring stability, ride comfort, and cabin quietness on various roads. Enhancements include better body roll damping during hard cornering, increased stability under braking, and improved body rigidity.
Customisable driving experience
All UX models feature Lexus Drive Mode Select, allowing drivers to choose from Normal, Eco, or Sport modes. The UX 300h F Sport includes adaptive variable suspension (AVS) with additional Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom drive modes. These settings offer firmer damper settings for a more dynamic driving experience and allow customisation of powertrain, chassis, and air conditioning settings.
Noise and vibration reduction
Measures to reduce noise and vibration include strategic placement of sound-insulating materials, use of acoustic window glass, and the inherent strength of the vehicle’s structure, reducing interior noise by 1.7dB.
Advanced technology and connectivity
The 12.3-inch digital driver’s instrument display (available on Premium Plus/F Sport Design Tech grades and above) is customisable. The voice recognition system includes the “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant for easier control of phone calls, audio, and climate settings, and internet searches.
Cloud-based navigation provides real-time road and traffic information. The multimedia system integrates with smartphones via Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto (wired), and the Lexus Link app allows remote locking/unlocking, hazard light activation, and pre-conditioning of the cabin.
Digital key
Available on Premium Plus/F Sport grades and above, the digital key allows the car to be unlocked and started using a smartphone app, eliminating the need for a key fob. The app can authorise access for up to five people.
Interior and exterior options
The interior offers three upholstery options: fabric, Tahara synthetic leather, and genuine smooth leather, with traditional Japanese design elements. The new Ammonite Sand colour joins Hazel, Black, White Ash, and Cobalt options. F Sport models offer Flare Red, White, and Black with contrast stitching.
Externally, the new UX introduces a bold new colour, Sonic Copper, available across all model grades. There are 12 colour choices in total, with F Sport White and Azure Blue exclusive to F Sport models, which also feature a new bi-tone execution.
Lexus Safety System+
The latest Lexus Safety System+ enhances active safety and driver assistance features. New additions include Proactive Driving Assist, which detects hazards such as parked cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. Rear hazard lights automatically illuminate at high speed if a collision risk is detected, and Safe Exit Assist warns if a door is opened into the path of oncoming traffic or cyclists.
UK model range and pricing
The new UX 300h offers a range of specifications:
Urban: £34,895
Premium: £36,895
Premium Plus: £42,595
Takumi: £48,495
F Sport Design: £37,495
F Sport Design Tech: £39,395
F Sport: £44,395
F Sport Takumi: £49,695
Premium Plus AWD: £43,895
F Sport AWD: £45,695
Takumi AWD: £49,795
F Sport Takumi AWD: £50,995
Up to 10 Years/100,000 Miles Warranty
The new UX 300h and UX 300e are eligible for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of Lexus warranty protection. This includes an initial three-year manufacturer warranty, followed by up to seven additional years of service-activated warranty. Full details are available at lexus.co.uk.
