• New, self-charging hybrid UX 300h replaces UX 250h 
• Greater total power output and faster acceleration for hybrid model 
• Rear electric motor for e-Four all-wheel drive system is 5.6 times more powerful 
• AWD driving dynamics enhanced by optimized front/rear torque distribution and more rigid body 
• Large 12.3-inch digital instrument display now available 
• Extended bi-tone colour scheme available for F SPORT and F SPORT Design models 
• Lexus Safety System + with more functions 

 The Lexus UX urban crossover, one of the brand’s best-selling models in Europe, will bring a substantial powertrain upgrade and other refinements in 2024. These changes further enhance the on-road dynamics of a vehicle designed and developed to combine the secure feeling and practical flexibility of a crossover with the enjoyable driving characteristics of a hatchback. The UX is available as a self-charging hybrid model and a battery-electric model, and as such plays an important role in the brand’s global electrification strategy.

The new UX 300h also produces greater total power to 146 kW (199 hp), an 8% increase over the UX 250h’s 135 kW (184 hp). This gain is made possible by a fifth-generation hybrid system which replaces the previous 180-cell, 216-volt nickel-metal hydride battery with a more efficient, 60-cell, 222-volt lithium-ion battery. As a result, 0-100 km/h acceleration is reduced in the front-wheel drive model from 8.5 to 8.1 seconds, and in the all-wheel drive model from 8.7 to 7.9 seconds. Fuel consumption has also improved, thanks to a more efficient powertrain and weight reduction, to 5.0 – 5.2 l/100km in the combined WLTP cycle for the front-wheel drive model and to 5.3 – 5.7 l/100km for the all-wheel drive model.

In the most significant development, the self-charging hybrid UX 250h is replaced by the new UX 300h. Like the UX 250h, the UX 300h is powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine coupled to two electric motors – but the rear electric motor for the new model’s e-Four all-wheel-drive system is 5.6 times more powerful than its predecessor. In place of the UX 250h’s 5.3 kW (7 hp) induction motor, there is now a 30 kW (41 hp) permanent magnet motor. This sharpens throttle response and makes the car even more satisfying to drive.

Faster acceleration is complemented in the all-wheel drive UX 300h by more composed driving dynamics. Body roll is better-damped during hard cornering; the car’s posture is even more stable under heavy braking; and when the road surface is more slippery on one side of the vehicle than the other, the car can accelerate more strongly, and brake hard and turn sharply with greater controllability.  

These improvements have been achieved by fine-tuning the e-Four all-wheel-drive system’s dynamic axle weight distribution control, which continuously checks the driving environment in order to optimize front and rear torque distribution. Driving dynamics also benefit from greater body rigidity, attained by introducing a radiator support stability brace and stiffening the trunk door.

Comfort and convenience are also further refined for the new UX 300h, as well as the UX 300e Battery Electric Vehicle.

In the cockpit, a new 12.3-inch fully digital multi information display is now optionally available. This digital cockpit can be customized both in terms of look and feel and type of information delivered, creating a seamless and intuitive user experience for accessing information, entertainment, and connectivity. Its appearance changes according to the selected drive mode and its layout can be customized to suit the driver’s personal preferences. The 8-inch multimedia touchscreen has also been updated.

UX buyers can now also choose a new interior colour, Ammonite Sand, and a leather-free interior pack with fabric or synthetic leather seats, and with synthetic leather for the heated steering wheel and shift knob. The steering wheel is updated to integrate a Driver Monitor camera. This constantly checks for driver alertness and recognizes if the driver has lost concentration through tiredness or being unwell. If the driver fails to respond to alerts, the monitor initiates Driver Emergency Stop, bringing the vehicle to a controlled halt and activating the hazard lights.

Two more features are added to the latest iteration of Lexus Safety System +. Proactive Driving Assist uses the car’s front camera to spot hazards at lower speeds around town, such as pedestrians about to cross or walking along the edge of the road, parked cars, and cyclists. Automatic Rear Flashing Hazard Lights operate at high speed if there is collision-risk from a following vehicle. And another additional feature, Safe Exit Assist, helps prevent collisions between vehicles approaching from the rear when a door is opened.

For the UX’s exterior, a new colour, Sonic Copper, is available for all model grades. For the F SPORT and F SPORT Design models, there is an additional variation of the bi-tone colour scheme, with a dedicated set of exterior colours, which now extends from A-pillar to C-pillar, connecting the end of the rear glass with the rear doorline.

The front-wheel drive UX 300e continues to employ a 72.8 kWh lithium-ion battery. In the new model, DC charging time from 0% to 80% has been significantly reduced, from 80 to 60 minutes. Wide-ranging upgrades were made to the UX 300e in spring 2023, when its range was increased by more than 40% to 450 km and its cockpit equipped with a new multimedia system with greater functionality and bigger 8- and 12.3-inch touchscreens.

The striking monochrome work won the popular vote among six artists’ submissions presented by Lexus Spain on its customer website. The art car will shortly make its debut at an exclusive media event, hosted by Lexus Spain.

The images of the car were created in the courtyard of Club Alma in Madrid and capture the exceptional detail in the piece. Clap Studio – artists Jordi Iranzo and Angela Montagud – completed their work within a month, inspired by the UX’s key qualities of technology, design, innovation and detail.

At a time when need for the world to pause and contemplate is all the more valuable, Clap Studio sought to express a world where people and nature can coexist in perfect harmony. “Our concept is a Zen garden that represents a state of mind: calm, pure consciousness,” they explained.

The traditional Japanese garden brings together the free and arbitrary character of nature, which will always find ways to grow, with precise and magical qualities perfected by the human hand: symmetry, technology and innovation.

“In our Zen garden, Lexus represents perfect harmony, it is the union of nature, technology and innovation. A man’s creation of geometric lines and impeccable symmetry covered in plant life,” said Iranzo.

“We have used paper, a significant element in Japanese culture, covering the car’s exterior in a form of Lexus vegetation, giving it volume,” Montagud continued. “Light is another essential quality in Japanese art and design and here it transforms the Lexus UX into a living thing. Depending on the position, tone and intensity of the light, it generates changing textures and colours throughout the day.”

The competition also featured entries from artists based in Bilbao, Madrid, Seville, Murcia and Barcelona. All the submissions can be viewed online at https://www.lexusauto.es/estilolexus/lexusuxartcar/.

ART AS AN INSPIRATION

Lexus UX Art Car is a Lexus Spain project design to join the brand with original art through national competition, and international exposure for the winner.

In the first edition the winners were Antoñito and Manolín with their creation Gyorin Kozane (Scale Armour), presented at the 2019 Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille.

Since introducing the RX 400h in 2005, LEXUS has been a pioneer in vehicle electrification technology, playing a leading role in offering products that possess both performance and environmental friendliness. At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus unveiled its global electrification strategy, called “Lexus Electrified”, which targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control and driver enjoyment.

In particular, the technology of Lexus Electrified enables integrated control of powertrain, steering, suspension, and brakes, realizing the ultimate potential of the motor control technology cultivated in HV. With this technology, we can control the driving force to provide ideal vehicle posture according to each driving situation. Lexus endeavors to continue providing enjoyable and safer driving vehicles.

As the first production model under the Lexus Electrified banner, the all-electric UX 300e was developed for excellent on-road performance. Lexus engineers kept the distinctive design and the utility characteristics of the UX crossover intact, and focused on the opportunities to build on the performance advantages unique to EVs. The UX 300e’s high-output motor provides a natural-yet-brisk acceleration character, and the high-capacity batteries, located directly underneath the floor of the cabin, deliver a low center of gravity and 400km-driving range (NEDC). Combined with the newest connectivity technology, the UX 300e maximizes the advantages of EVs while realizing driving performance and convenience in a single package. (‘yet’ philosophy)

The UX 300e is scheduled to go on sale in the Chinese and European markets in 2020, and in Japan early in 2021.

MAIN FEATURES

The first EV from Lexus embodies the refined driving performance and NVH of the brand’s DNA

Lexus has always focused on providing a distinctive driving performance, and the case is no different with development of a BEV. Starting from the refined Lexus driving signature of the UX, Lexus engineers were able to leverage the new electric drivetrain to even further enhance the vehicle’s on-road performance. At the same time, UX 300e has one of the quietest cabins in its class, as befits the sound management heritage of the Lexus DNA.

• UX 300e’s Drive Mode Select function lets customers manage smooth acceleration and deceleration according to their situation. Drivers can feel the powerful acceleration and instant torque of the EV powertrain as they push the pedal, and use the paddle shift in a similar manner as engine braking, through four levels of deceleration regeneration – all while enjoying a natural on-road feel.
• The UX 300e provides excellent dynamic performance thanks to the low center of gravity resulting from motor and battery placement underneath the vehicle body, combined with optimized of front/rear weight distribution and moment of inertia.
• The high-performance level of the GA-C platform is enhanced with additional braces and optimization of the shock absorbers’ damping force to match the dynamic changes of electrification.
• While EVs are naturally quiet, UX 300e adds insulation beyond just the battery and suppresses outside noises such as wind or pebbles which would be otherwise noticeable in the absence of an engine and transmission. Lexus focus on sound management lets drivers enjoy comfortable tranquility in the cabin.
• Engineers also focused on sound while driving to provide a natural feeling. Active Sound Control (ASC) transmits natural ambient sounds to allow for understanding of driving conditions, and provides a natural feeling for the cabin’s occupants.

Legendary Lexus reliability inherited from hybrid heritage

In developing the UX 300e, Lexus utilized the knowledge acquired developing the brand’s industry-leading hybrid systems, and applied the same level of quality and comfortable operation to its first production EV as it always has with other vehicles. The Lexus engineering team delivered outstanding battery reliability, and also adopt the latest connectivity technology to maximize everyday usability and the functionality with smartphones.

• The efficiency of the motor, inverter, gears and high-capacity battery were all maximized, utilizing the knowledge acquired developing hybrid vehicles. By improving the performance of the entire system, the UX 300e’s driving range is an anxiety-free 400km.

• The batteries are equipped with a temperature management system that operates at low and high ambient temperatures. Reliability is also increased with the use of multiple monitoring systems that regulate charging and prevent conditions like overcharging.

• UX 300e offers the latest in connected car technology. By linking to a smartphone using the LexusLink app, drivers can check the battery state of charge and driving range. Charging controls are also included such as a timer function to inform the owner when the vehicle will be fully charged or to schedule the charging according to when the vehicle is expected to be driven next or when energy prices are low. The app also allows the owner to remotely control the climate of the car.

【UX 300e Motor specifications】

【UX 300e Battery specifications】

＊1. NEDC

Featuring the distinctive design and high functionality of the original UX

Distinctive styling and high functionality from the Lexus UX compact crossover were passed on to the UX 300e, providing an excellent overall package.

• In addition to the bold and sophisticated exterior reminiscent of tough and agile driving, Lexus developed special aerodynamic wheels and underbody cover for the UX 300e.
• Location of the shift-by-wire system on the center console contributes to the simplicity and functionality of the interior design.
• Lexus prioritizes the development of the most advanced safety technologies and quickly delivering them to drivers. UX 300e adopts Lexus Safety System+, as Lexus continues to pursue the prevention of accidents and fatalities, as well as decreasing driver stress and developing driver assist systems to provide a more natural and safe driving experience.

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Lexus is an official partner to the fifth edition of the event, which takes place in the formal grounds of the historic Château de Chantilly in France, 50 km north of Paris. It is internationally renowned as a historic and elegant showcase for the finest classic, modern and concept cars, with competitions for the best exhibits, a parade of “The Most Beautiful Cars in the World” an auction and many other activities and entertainments designed to celebrate the “art de vivre à la Française” – the quintessence of the French way of life. As an event dedicated to luxury, style and craftsmanship, it is the perfect setting for Lexus’ anniversary celebrations.

The thousands of visitors to Chantilly will themselves be the judges of the winner of the Lexus UX Art Car competition. Four unique examples of Lexus’ new compact crossover will be on display, each serving as a three-dimensional canvas for artists to explore ideas and emotions evoked by the car and its design, inside and out. The contest is a further example of how Lexus has moved beyond the automotive world to become a luxury brand that explores new areas of lifestyle, design and creativity.

Lexus hosts will welcome guests, introduce the art cars and invite them to cast a vote for their favourite. The winner will be announced at the end of the afternoon by the celebrated French journalist and television presenter Denis Brogniart.

The artists whose work has been selected for the final are Ana Soler Baena and Antoñito and Manolín from Spain; the collective Leitmotiv from France; and René Turrek, from Germany. Full details of the artists and their artworks are provided below.

Lexus LC Convertible Concept

The Lexus LC Convertible Concept made its world debut at the 2019 Detroit Motor Show, presented as a study for a new open-top version of the LC flagship. The concept car has been designed on the theme of “ultimate beauty” in every detail, from the rake of the windscreen to the smooth contours of the rear deck. It will take part in the Concours d’Élégance at Chantilly.

European premiere of the new RX

Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille will host the European premiere of the new, revised Lexus RX luxury SUV. The updated model features enhancements to its exterior styling and changes to the suspension and braking systems to raise the quality of ride and handling and precision and responsiveness of the steering. The new RX is also the world’s first model to feature LED BladeScan technology for the headlights’ Adaptive High-beam System.

The new RX will be on display alongside the new ES sedan, the RC F Track Edition performance coupe and the famous and rare Lexus LFA supercar.

Lexus UX Art Car competition – featured artists and artworks

Bluz, by Ana Soler Baena

In Bluz, the invisible becomes visible; light takes shape and can be touched. The UX’s exterior surfaces are covered in vectors in the form of light sticks, positioned to show off the contours of the car’s design. The sticks have a fluorescent tip that is activated with a static black light. Blue lasers are incorporated in the black sections, creating the visual effect of an infinite wake from the car’s directional styling lines. The cabin is filled with warm light and crystal spheres that resemble transparent oxygen bubbles. The sense is that the artist’s work doesn’t intervene in the skin of the UX, but in its aura.

Ana Soler Baena’s work includes huge installations that invade the exhibition space: clouds of balls, chains of molecules, floating objects and flying implements, works in which the spectator becomes the protagonist.

Gyorin Kozane (Armour of Scales), by Antoñito and Manolín

Gyorin Kozane – Armour of Scales – is an organic mesh made of blue and red scales, representing the skin of a fish – a motif that is frequently found in Japanese art and culture. The mesh is a three-dimensional structure made from a bio-epoxy material, superimposed on the UX’s bodywork like a two-dimensional canvas. Its duality and contrasting qualities converge in the same spirit as the engawa architectural concept the UX’s designers applied to create a seamless connection between the exterior and interior of the vehicle.

Antoñito and Manolín – Trini Salamanca and Pablo Párraga – are self-taught artists who create experimental furniture objects using totemic, geometric shapes with apparent simplicity. Their seats, dressers and sculptures display a refined brutalism, while acknowledging the earth in their choice of colours and materials.

Leitmotiv UX Art Car, by Leitmotiv

Leitmotiv will work on-site at Chantilly to transform the UX into a sculptural art installation. Each artist will use a part of the car to express their personal skills and interpretation, giving the UX many different facets and multiple identities, from illustrative and dreamlike to abstract and spontaneous.

Leitmotiv is a collective of three French artists: Keim, Wozdat and Ygrek. All are graduates in applied arts, and exponents of urban painting. Their specialisms are complementary and combine to give their work visual energy.

The Way of the Samurai, by René Turrek

In The Way of the Samurai, René Turrek has spray-painted the passenger side of the UX with concise lines in different colours and thicknesses to symbolise the power and modern technologies of the Lexus brand. By using neon shades, he creates special effects that change when the car is viewed in daylight or under ultra-violet light. The driver’s side of the vehicle has lines that echo the curve of a samurai sword applied to a grey background that reacts to sunlight or a camera flash to turn a glowing silver-white.

Turrek is a German-born graffiti artist, designer and pioneer who has developed new paint techniques, finishing and special effects. This is his second Lexus art car, having previously turned an NX SUV into an artwork with the Lexus Forum Osnabrück in 2015.

ENDS

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