Lexus UX300e priced from under $75k

LEXUS has announced pricing for its two-variant UX300e battery electric compact SUV, which is scheduled to arrive in local showrooms early next year. 

The range begins with the UX300e Luxury, which retails for $74,000 and is topped by the UX300e Sports Luxury, which is priced from $81,0000). Both prices exclude on-road costs.

On top of the wide-ranging customer support program and free-charging plan that was announced previously, Lexus has also detailed a five-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and ten-year/unlimited-kilometre assurance period for the high-voltage battery pack, including a comprehensive BEV system health check after the fifth year of ownership.

Apart from the 10-year warranty, the high-voltage battery is also covered for up to 160,000km if the energy storage capacity falls below 70 per cent, Lexus says.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive Scott Thompson said Lexus was committed to delivering the UX300e with competitive pricing and the most comprehensive ownership standard for BEVs.

"Lexus listened closely to our loyal owners, ensuring that luxury compact SUV customers are put first with an all-encompassing ownership package designed to make the UX300e both great to own and fun to drive," Mr Thompson said.

"Our comprehensive ecosystem of customer care and owner benefits now includes an exceptional warranty, complete servicing, effortless recharging – plus the Encore Platinum owner benefits program complete with the pioneering Lexus on Demand," he added.

Capped-price servicing is set at $295 for the first five years, with Lexus pegging the UX300e’s service intervals at 12 months/15,000km. The service plan includes five years’ roadside assistance, a three-year membership to Lexus’ Encore Platinum program, a complimentary home charger and installation, and three-year complimentary on-road recharging via the Chargefox network.

Lexus says the AC home charger, installed by leading BEV infrastructure specialist JetCharge, can charge the UX300e’s battery from depleted to fully charged in “about 6.5 hours” and includes a comprehensive six-year warranty. A high-speed DC public charger – available at more than 770 locations countrywide – will top up the lithium-ion battery pack’s charge in around 80 minutes.

Speaking to GoAuto previously, Mr Thompson said the UX300e would attract a new type of buyer to the Lexus brand and that the right ownership package was key to generating interest in battery electric vehicles.

"I think the UX300e will attract a new buyer. Our focus is very much on the portfolio of products, trying to satisfy the needs of all customers, " Mr Thompson said.

"Hybrid is a mainstay for us and will continue to be a mainstay for us in terms of affordability and driveability, but there is a specific customer out there who is after this kind of vehicle, and we believe the cross section of all four options (petrol, series hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric) is where we need to be from an overall Lexus point of view.

"I think in terms of our overall hybrid conversation, electrification is a natural progression for us to move into there when the time is right for the car, but we want to make sure that we have the right package to offer for customers in terms of the overall ownership experience, so it’s not just about the vehicle, but the overall ownership experience," he said.

2022 Lexus UX300e pricing*

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.