Lexus has treated its domestic market to a more powerful version of its part-electric UX crossover. The old UX 250h has been replaced with a superior spec called UX 300h. It is set to go on sale in early 2024.
The original UX 250h (see video) had 184 PS (181 hp / 136 kW) at its disposal. The new version gets a superior 199 PS (196 hp / 146 kW) from its 2.0-liter engine and e-motor.
Paying extra will get you a second e-motor built into the rear-wheel drive. The old 250h spec offered a rather weak motor rated at 7 PS (7 hp / 4.4 kW) and 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) of torque for its AWD system. The new one is much more capable with its 41 PS (40 hp / 30 kW) and 84 Nm (62 lb-ft) of torque. Lexus has not released any sprint times yet.
Aside from the above, the new hybrid benefits from a stiffer body, improved shocks, brakes and sway bars, and enhanced noise proofing particularly in the roof and wheel arch areas. Upgraded assist hardware now fares better at detecting bikers and cyclists on the road, the company claims.
Inside, the main novelty comes in the form of a 12.3-inch digital dashboard supporting multiple display modes. The transmission selector is now a floating joystick instead of a traditional lever. The trim color palette has been complemented with a new metallic paint changing its hue depending on the light angle. This finish can be found on the transmission tunnel, door panels and the dashboard.
The new Lexus UX 300h starts from 4,559,000 Yen and maxes out at 5,657,000 Yen in Japan, which translates into U.S. $31,800–39,500.
