Lexus’ first EV, the UX 300e, will go on sale in China and Europe in 2020, and in Japan early in 2021.
22 Nov 2019 | 6555 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk
Lexus has showcased its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the UX 300e, at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, which opened in Guangzhou, China, today and is being held till December 1, 2019.
As the first production model under the Lexus Electrified banner, the all-electric UX 300e has been developed ...
This is an Autocar Pro Plus article. Subscribe to continue reading.
Lexus has showcased its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the UX 300e, at the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition, which opened in Guangzhou, China, today and is being held till December 1, 2019.
As the first production model under the Lexus Electrified banner, the all-electric UX 300e has been developed to deliver “excellent on-road performance”. Lexus says its engineers kept the distinctive design and the utility characteristics of the UX crossover intact and focused on the opportunities to build on the performance advantages unique to EVs.
The UX 300e's high-output motor provides a natural-yet-brisk acceleration character, and the high-capacity batteries located directly underneath the floor of the cabin deliver a low center of gravity and 400 km-driving range. Combined with the newest connectivity technology, the UX 300e maximises the advantages of EVs while realising driving performance and convenience.
Top-notch performance, 400km range
Lexus, which is known to provide top-notch performance, says it has maintained that the development of a BEV. Starting from the refined Lexus driving signature of the UX, Lexus engineers were able to leverage the new electric drivetrain to even further enhance the vehicle's on-road performance. At the same time, the UX 300e has one of the quietest cabins in its class.
The UX 300e’e electric motor has a maximum output of 150 kW and max torque of 300 Nm. The 54.3 kWh lithium ion battery helps the first-ever Lexus BEV deliver a range of 400km.
The UX 300e's Drive Mode Select function lets the user manage smooth acceleration and deceleration according to the situation, benefiting from both powerful acceleration and instant torque of the EV powertrain. Lexus claims excellent dynamic performance in the UX 300e due to the low centre of gravity resulting from motor and battery placement underneath the vehicle body, combined with optimised of front/rear weight distribution and moment of inertia. The high-performance level of the GA-C platform is enhanced with additional braces and optimization of the shock absorbers' damping force to match the dynamic changes of electrification.
Lexus says by utilising the knowledge acquired developing hybrid vehicles, it has maximised the efficiency of the motor, inverter, gears and high-capacity battery to enable the UX 300e to have a driving range of 400km.
The batteries are equipped with a temperature management system that operates at low and high ambient temperatures. Reliability is also increased with the use of multiple monitoring systems that regulate charging and prevent conditions like overcharging.
UX 300e offers the latest in connected car technology. By linking to a smartphone using a dedicated app, drivers can check the battery state of charge and driving range. Charging controls are also included such as timer function to inform the owner when the vehicle will be fully charged or to schedule the charging according to when the vehicle is expected to be driven next. The app also allows the owner to remotely control various convenience functions such as the A/C, seat heaters, and window defrosters.
Since introducing the RX 400h in 2005, Lexus has been a forerunner in vehicle electrification technology. At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus unveiled its global electrification strategy, called ‘Lexus Electrified’, which targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control, and driver enjoyment.
Guangzhou Auto Show 2019: Volkswagen Group to invest over 4 billion euros in China in 2020