Lexus UX

Finally Lexus enters the competitive European C-SUV segment. He does it with Lexus UX, an SUV with an attractive design that is positioned as the smallest model in the crossover range, just below its older brothers, the Lexus RX and the Lexus NX. In this way, the Japanese brand manages to position a model in each of the market segments, although it still has to cover the gap in segment B.

We have tested this car:

Test Lexus UX 300e, the first electric Lexus has a range of 315 km

The Lexus UX is also the youngest model of the firm. Its presentation took place at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Its acronym corresponds to the abbreviation of Urban Explorer, The bulk of the commercial landing occurs at the beginning of 2019. One of its keys is based on efficiency. All units for sale in our country will come with some type of electrification, including of course hybrid technology.

In turn, the UX becomes the first 100% electric model of the Japanese firm. The Toyota Group has considered Lexus to be the brand to introduce the first electric ones since at the moment the price is high. The Lexus UX 300e is announced in late 2019. Years later, in the spring of 2022, an update to the range is launched, mainly focused on improving the equipment and the autonomy of the electric unit.

Technical characteristics of Lexus UX

Beneath the elegant and attractive bodywork of the Lexus UX hides many components shared with its parent brand, Toyota. Employs the group's TNGA scalar platform in its compact variant which receives the denomination GA-C. It is the same that we can see in other models such as the Toyota CH-R or Toyota Corolla. The three models could be crossed out as cousins-brothers.

Outwardly it reaches 4,49 meters long, 1,84 meters wide and 1,52 meters high. Along with these dimensions we find a wheelbase of 2,64 meters. Despite generous dimensions for the segment in which it is located, the UX does not make the most of the space, offering a small cabin in the rear seats.

The trunk also penalizes for this lack of use, and is postulated as the smallest in the category. It has different volumes depending on the mechanics and traction. The minimum volume is 283 liters for hybrid models with 4×4 drive. With front-wheel drive it reaches a minimum of 320 liters, and it is the electric one that has the best capacity, with 367 liters.

Lexus UX mechanical range and gearboxes

Lexus UX300e

The mechanical range of the Lexus UX, while efficient, is limited. As it is already a philosophy in the house, all versions arrive with the poster of efficient. Two options are available for our market: a hybrid and an electric. The latter is the most recent in the range and at the moment it is not possible to obtain its services. Although in other markets it is marketed with medium power gasoline engines, these will not be available in Spain.

The UX can manage the power by sending it either to the front end or by distributing it through a 4×4 scheme. The hybrid engine, the UX 250h, arrives with a block of four cylinders and two liters. It is accompanied by a nickel-metal hydride battery and an electric motor. The total power of the system is 184 horses with an approximate electric range of two kilometers. Management is derived from a continuously variable e-CVT automatic transmission. Scheme very similar to the one we see in the Toyota RAV4.

For its part, the electric, the UX 300e it becomes the first 100% electric Lexus to hit the market. It has a front electric motor and a 72,8 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery. develop a total of 204 horses, and according to its WLTP approval, it has a autonomy of 450 kilometers, a 40% improvement over the previous version.

Equipment of the Lexus UX

Lexus UX MY2023

Lexus never disappoints with its interiors. Although it is a brand with a clear conservative approach, at least in the interior, its quality is on par with that of its rivals or even above. The quality of the UX finishes is very high, with great care for details. This conveys an expanded sense of comfort for the occupants, although the design approach is too conventional for the times.

The range of equipment for the Lexus UX is distributed in four different levels: Business, Business City, F Design, Executive, F Sport and Luxury. A wide range of possibilities with very closed packages where customization options are limited. The biggest difference between the finishes lies in the load of equipment and in a few aesthetic details.

As far as equipment is concerned, 2022 and newer models get a new systems package. Among the many elements that can be included, it is worth highlighting: Full LED headlights, sunroof, keyless entry and start, 360º camera, wireless connectivity, and multimedia system with panel up to 12,3 inches. Of course, we must also mention a wide range of driving aids and assistants collected under the umbrella of the Lexus Safety System +2.

The Lexus UX on video

The Lexus UX according to Euro NCAP

The Lexus UX passed the demanding Euro NCAP safety tests in 2019. In the different tests to which it was subjected, got the highest score possible, 5 stars. The protection percentages are as follows. In the event of an impact, adult occupants get 96 percent protection. This data, in infants is 85 percent. Pedestrians, in case of being run over, have 82 percent protection. Finally, in active help it achieves 77 percent. This valuation remains in force after the slight renewal of 2022 as there are no changes in the structure of the vehicle.

The Lexus UX of Km 0 and second hand

The commercial journey of the Lexus UX is not as successful as that of other rivals. This greatly limits the supply of units available in the second-hand and Km 0 channels. Like the rest of the house's models, a high degree of quality is presupposed, and excellent reliability, which allows it to offer an average depreciation of 28%, a standard figure within the category.

If we review the offer of second-hand vehicles available, we discover more than a hundred options. Starting prices start in amounts close to 25.000 euros for 2020 models with hybrid mechanics and almost 100.000 kilometers traveled. In the Km0 market, the offer is scarcer, being available from an approximate price of 34.000 euros for hybrid models.

Lexus UX rivals

With the arrival of the UX, Lexus finally enters the C-SUV segment, a market of great importance due to the high number of sales that take place in it. being considered a model of a premium nature, its most direct rivals are found in that segment. Some famous names are: Listen Q3, BMW X1, Jaguar E Pace, Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes GLA y Volvo XC40. Industry heavyweights with much more background and experience than the Japanese. However, over them the UX has the advantage of its extravagant design and its efficient mechanics. The electric version also has important rivals such as the Mercedes EQA and Volvo C40 Recharge y Volvo XC40 Recharge, similar in size, features and price.

Highlight

Designer
Execution quality
Efficient mechanical range

To improve

trunk capacity
hybrid performance
habitability

Lexus UX prices

The commercial landing of UX is already active in our country. It is an expensive model if we compare it with general models, but with figures similar to those of its rivals. The starting price of the Lexus UX is 38.800 euros, without offers or promotions. That price corresponds to a 250h unit with 4×2 drive and Business finish. The most expensive member of the family is the UX 300e with electrical mechanics and Luxury finish. Its starting price starts at 62.100 euros, without offers or promotions.