Lexus UX: The hybrid drive is getting better

For the 2024 model year, Lexus will prepare the UX crossover SUV and the fifth-generation hybrid car. The upgrade also gives the model a new name. UX 250h (see video) becomes UX 300h.

More power, new battery

The new Lexus UX 300h develops a system output of 199 hp, an increase of eight percent over the 184 hp of the current Lexus UX 250h. In the F Sport and Luxury Line equipment variants, a two-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine works on two electric motors as well as the more powerful e-Four all-wheel drive system. Instead of the 5.3 kW induction motor, a 30 kW permanent magnet motor is now used on the rear axle. A 60-cell, 222-volt lithium-ion battery also replaces the previous nickel-metal hydride battery in all variants.

With Powerplus, driving performance also improves. The front-wheel drive Lexus UX now sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds in all-wheel drive mode, a run time reduced by 0.8 seconds to 7.9 seconds compared to the previous model. The now variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles is intended to increase driving pleasure and safety.

Consumption, on the other hand, has fallen. The Japanese estimate an average of 5.2 to 5.0 liters per 100 kilometers for the front-wheel drive model, while the all-wheel drive model gets 5.7 to 5.6 liters per 100 kilometers.

Bigger shows, new assistants

The interior has also been upgraded. In the center of the cockpit is an eight-inch multi-information display for the entry-level version. From the Executive Line onwards, the full digital display grows to 12.3 inches. The Pergamon White interior color is also new to the range, as is the leather-free interior package and Tahara imitation leather seats as well as the imitation leather cover on the gear knob and heated steering wheel.

Also new on board is the camera focus assistant, which brings the car to a stop if necessary. The driving assistant offers a range of functions, and the Safe Exit Assistant is also new, which warns of road users coming from behind if the door is opened. The design update is rounded off with an expanded color range and a new two-tone painting.

Lexus has yet to announce pricing for the UX 300h.