Lexus UX andUX All-electric

The UX 200 Petrol will no longer be produced for the Australian market as local Lexus customers continue to favour HEV, PHEV and BEV powertrains.

The latest Lexus Safety System² technologies integrated into the popular UX range completes the revitalised lineup.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said the updated UX 300h introduces welcome additions as part of the company's push for continuous product improvement.

"Since launching in 2019, the UX has offered Lexus customers an attractive blend of silky hybrid performance, striking design and luxurious Lexus quality in a small SUV," Mr Pappas said.

"These latest UX upgrades deliver better performance and economy along with more technology and safety features."

To increase total system output by 11kW the M20A-FXS engine gained an upgraded intake system and exhaust to improve the petrol engine's output to 112kW/188Nm. A boltless engine cover is also installed, while new engine oil is said to aid fuel consumption.

Changes to hybrid componentry also plays a role, with the previous nickel-metal hydride battery replaced with a compact and lightweight lithium-ion unit, providing 15 per cent greater per-cell output while lowering fuel consumption.

The UX 300h 2WD's average fuel consumption has dropped to 4.23 litres per 100 kms (previously 4.3), while the UX 300h AWD is down to 4.4 litres per 100km⁴ from 4.6.

Output for the permanent magnet synchronous motor in the front transaxle is increased slightly from 80kW to 83kW, together with 206Nm.

Additionally, the rear transaxle on AWD grades receives a notable lift in performance while also shedding size and weight, and now outputs 30kW/84Nm - an increase of 25kW/29Nm.

The improved power helps better facilitate the E-Four all-wheel-drive system which can precisely distribute torque front-to-rear by between 100:0 and 20:80, enhancing traction while contributing to faithful cornering performance true to the Lexus Driving Signature.

Shift-by-wire is another efficient introduction, featuring a new shift knob for smooth and easy operation.

The UX range opens with the UX 300h Luxury 2WD from $55,370 plus on-road costs⁵, which may be complemented with an optional Enhancement Pack for $2050.

Two-wheel drive is also offered in UX 300h Sports Luxury grade from $62,320 plus on-road costs with the option of an Enhancement Pack, or UX 300h F Sport grade from $63,110 plus on-roads with two Enhancement Packs available.⁵

The AWD powertrain is available on UX 300h F Sport or Sports Luxury grades, which now come with more standard equipment.

The UX 300h AWD Sports Luxury is priced at $70,520 plus on-roads⁵ and gains a moon roof and Smart key card. The UX 300h AWD F Sport priced at $73,210 plus on-roads⁵ and also gains moon roof and Smart key card, but adds: heated steering wheel, panoramic view monitor and 13-speaker Mark Levinson®⁶ premium audio system.

The all-electric UX 300e continues to be offered in either Luxury or Sports Luxury grade from $80,720 and $88,190 plus on-road costs respectively,⁵ underpinned by its 150kW/300Nm battery-electric powertrain and 72.8kWh battery, providing 560km of range on the NEDC cycle¹.

Electrically controlled braking is standard on the UX range, which helps facilitate the newly added Vehicle Braking Posture Control system which varies the front-rear brake force distribution to minimise pitch and roll, making for a more comfortable driving experience.

Occupant safety is enhanced with the expansion of the Lexus Safety System+, with new features including Safe Exit Assist, which may provide occupants exiting the vehicle on the roadside with warnings if there is a chance of a collision with an approaching vehicle or bicycle.²

Furthermore, the Pre-Collision System may now detect motorcycles in the daytime and bicyclists at all hours, and adds intersection assistance to detect and avoid collisions with vehicles crossing at an intersection.²

The new Driver Monitor feature includes a camera mounted on top of the steering column which may check the driver's behaviour, and is linked to a range of active safety systems including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert and Emergency Driving Stop System.²

Parking Support Brake functionality is enhanced with improved static object detection, while the Panoramic View Monitor available on selected grades links with Parking Support Brake and the Pre-Collision System which may provide visual warnings in the event of an impending collision.²

Owners are assured peace of mind with over-the-air software updates for the latest safety and infotainment technology. OTA updates are facilitated though the UX's inbuilt Data Communication Module or Wi-Fi, allowing selected new features to be added without having to visit a dealership.

Immediately noticeable inside UX 300h Luxury is the larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with added customisation replacing the previous 7.0-inch display. UX 300e Luxury grades now pair the new display with a colour head-up display which can be configured in three display modes ranging from full to minimalist layouts.

The 12.3-inch multimedia system now supports full smartphone pairing⁷ with the addition of wireless Android Auto™⁸ (previously wired) alongside the existing wireless Apple CarPlay®⁹.

Sonic Copper exterior paint finish replaces Blazing Carnelian in the UX's colour palette, which is available in up to 10 colours for each variant. Solis White interior trim also replaces the discontinued Rich Cream.¹⁰