2023 Lexus UX 300e boasts 40% range increase and a giant touchscreen

• Larger 72.8kWh battery as standard
• New Lexus Link infotainment
• Due on sale mid-2023

The electric Lexus UX 300e SUV has just received a facelift for 2023. Despite only entering the market in late 2021, the Japanese premium brand’s first electric car has recently started to feel its age; thankfully, the updated UX 300e gets a greatly improved range as well as Lexus’ latest infotainment system.

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Pricing for the updated car is yet to be revealed, but we expect it to cost slightly more than the outgoing model’s £44,195 base price when it goes on sale in 2023. The premium compact electric SUV segment is one of the most rapidly developing in the entire car industry, with strong rivals that include the BMW iX1, Mercedes GLA and Volvo XC40 Recharge.

At launch, the Lexus UX 300e only offered a range of around 196 miles; while this is fine for electric city cars that spend most of their time around town, competitors such as Carbuyer’s Car of the Year, the Kia Niro EV, offered far superior range figures.

Now, thanks to a larger battery (72.8kWh up from 54.3kWh) range has been increased to a maximum of 280 miles, depending on its trim level and wheel size. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Lexus has upgraded the car’s 50kW fast charging capability, meaning 10 to 80% charge will take 50 minutes, even when plugged into the fastest of public rapid chargers.

On the inside, the facelifted UX 300e also gets Lexus’ new ‘Lexus Link’ infotainment system, as seen on the larger NX hybrid. Entry-level cars get an eight-inch touchscreen, however, high-spec models boast an expansive 14-inch display with physical climate control dials. Overall, the system should be a massive improvement from the brand’s systems of old, with a touchscreen that’s more intuitive to use than the old car’s clunky touchpad.

Finally, Lexus has made a few other incremental improvements to the UX 300e to improve the car’s overall appeal; there’s a new paint colour in Sonic Platinum, plus there is a new Hazel interior fabric that incorporates traditional ‘kagome’ stitchwork. In terms of tech, the UX 300e is now equipped with several USB-C ports and the improved Lexus Safety System+ pack adds Intersection Turning Assist to scan for oncoming vehicles in your blind spot.

Want an electric crossover but don’t want to wait till 2023? Check out our list of the top 10 best electric SUVs