The updated 2023 Lexus UX is coming to Europe, bringing improved tech features, better refinement, and more. The most notable change, though, is happening to the all-electric UX 300e.
As has previously been announced, the all-electric crossover will now benefit from a new battery pack that increases driving range by more than 40 percent. Drivers will now be able to go up to 450 km (280 miles) between charges when fitted with the 17-inch wheels, according to the WLTP test cycle. The driving range drops to 440 km (273 miles) WLTP when fitted with the 18-inch wheels.
The new battery pack offers a 72.8 kWh capacity, instead of the old pack’s 54.3 kWh. The electric motor remains unchanged and makes 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque.
The model will benefit from a few subtle changes to the body and chassis, Lexus says, to enhance the driving experience and refinement of the UX 300e. Things like the power steering and shocks have been retuned, while the body now carries extra spot welding for extra rigidity, resulting in a sharper driving experience, always according to Lexus.
All three UX models (the UX 300e, the UX 250h, and the UX 200), also benefit from improvements in the interior too.
Read: 2023 Lexus UX Goes Hybrid-Only In America, Gets Infotainment And Chassis Upgrades
The biggest change that buyers are likely to notice inside the crossover is the bigger 8- and 12-inch touchscreen displays. On top of simply being larger, the interface behind them is faster and easier to use, offering greater connectivity options, including wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and including a cloud-based navigation system too.
New upholstery options also refresh the interior’s appeal, while new exterior colors and two-tone paint options will add some appeal to the exterior of the UX 250h and the UX 200.
The F Sport Design grade also joins the range for the first time adding sportier design touches, including an L-motif mesh pattern for the front grille, black wheel arch moldings, an F Sport rear bumper, a roof spoiler, 18-inch F Sport wheels in a dark metallic finish, and more.
The previously available F Sport grade is now enhanced with the addition of a specially tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension as standard, and a more precise steering feel, thanks to a new rigid joint positioned between the top of the steering box mount and the front suspension member.
The 2023 Lexus UX 200 will only be offered in select European markets and is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 hp (126 kW/171 PS). The UX 250h, meanwhile, gets an almost identical inline-four, but that is combined with two electric motors for a combined 181 hp (135 kW/184 PS)
The UX is the brand’s best-selling vehicle in Europe. Sales of the crossover are up 25 percent over 2021, and Lexus attributes much of that success to the hybrid and all-electric models.
Updates to the UX 250h and the UX 200 went into production this summer, while the improved UX 300e will be available starting in the spring of 2023.
