2021 Lexus UX 300e: electric SUV to start from £40,900

• UX 300e could have up to 196 miles of range
• Capable of 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds
• Customer deliveries start in March 2021

The pure-electric Lexus UX 300e is now available to order, with prices starting from £43,900 before the government’s £3,000 plug-in car grant (PiCG). It’s the brand’s first fully electric car, and is capable of an estimated range of up to 196 miles. Full specifications will be confirmed later this year, with the first customer cars expected to be delivered in March 2021.

2021 Lexus UX 300e prices, specifications and release date

The Lexus UX is available as a standalone entry-level model, or with two equipment packs that are essentially separate trim levels. Every UX is well-equipped with LED headlights and automatic high beam, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, a reversing camera, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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It will also come with a companion ‘LexusLink’ app for your smartphone, allowing you to check the battery status. This app can also be used to set the climate control remotely too.

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Upgrading to the Premium Plus pack costs £44,400 after the £3,000 grant, and adds leather upholstery with front-seat ventilation, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a wireless phone charger.

The flagship Takumi pack adds a 13-speaker premium stereo system, a sunroof, power tailgate, a head-up display and additional driver assistance technology on top. This range-topping model starts from £53,500, meaning it’s not eligible for the PiCG saving which is capped at £50,000. Two standard paint colours are available along with seven metallic or special finishes.

Performance, range and charging

The UX 300e features a 54.3kWh battery and an electric motor, which are good for a range of up to 196 miles. This puts the car on a par with the electric DS 3 Crossback E-Tense but behind the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia e-Niro and the forthcoming Volvo XC40 Recharge. The UX300e will get from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and go on to a top speed of 100mph.

Fast-charging support is included, with a 50kW charger taking around 40 minutes to charge the battery to 80% capacity. If you use a standard 6.6kW charger, a full charge will take around seven hours.

Like the hybrid Lexus UX SUV, you’ll be able to adjust the levels of brake regeneration using the paddles behind the steering wheel. In its top setting, you’ll be able to drive the UX 300e on just one pedal, as the car will slow itself down when you take your foot off the accelerator. A selection of driving modes can be toggled to change the character of the car and the power delivery.

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The battery pack is fitted underneath the floor but doesn’t impinge on the 367-litre boot, which is bigger than the 320 litres offered by the hybrid UX. Lexus has also installed additional sound deadening in the cabin to help reduce wind noise and tyre roar.

The exterior features minimal changes over the other UX models, with a streamlined front grille and bumper, and smaller air intakes the only giveaways of the car’s electric powertrain. An active sound generator is also fitted, emitting an audible warning sound at lower speeds to warn pedestrians.

Read our guide to the cheapest electric cars on sale now, or see what else you can look forward to in 2020 and beyond.