Lexus Malaysia to launch UX 300e compact SUV very soon

KUALA LUMPUR: At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus unveiled its global electrification strategy, called “Lexus Electrified”. Now some two years later this strategy arrives in Malaysia with the recent launch of the Corolla Cross Hybrid at RM137k.

Next, there will be a full battery electric vehicle from Toyota’s luxury vehicle brand, Lexus.

As you already know, in 2020 there was little enthusiasm from Lexus Malaysia on the arrival of this stylish crossover in Malaysia as there were still no government import tax incentives to encourage the import of electric vehicles to Malaysia.

Plus, there was a high yearly road tax fee on electric vehicles as there was no system to calculate this new form of mobility.

Fast forward to 2022 and there are rumours that the Lexus UX 300e all electric crossover might arrive soon and at a very attractive selling price. The petrol powered Lexus UX200 on sale in Malaysia retails for RM283,888 with full import duties included as there is no local assembly for Lexus.

This latest electric powered UX300e with full EV tax incentives might retail for around RM250,000 or so giving it an advantage over its immediate rivals who are all petrol and hybrid powered right now. Rivals like the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA are all petrol only powered. Then there is the Volvo XC40 which is a plug-in hybrid.

Well, 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 centre of gravity and 400 km-driving range.

Combined with the newest connectivity technology, the UX 300e maximises the advantages of EVs while realising driving performance and convenience in a single package.

In developing the UX 300e, Lexus utilised 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 adopted the latest connectivity technology to maximise everyday usability and the functionality with smartphones.

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

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 over-charging.

This UX 300e offers the latest in connected car technology. By linking to a smartphone using a dedicated 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.

With premium car buyers in Malaysia getting more interested in electric cars, this all battery powered Lexus could be here soon and will have good sales.

Also Read: Meet Toyota Land Cruiser’s lux version, the 2022 Lexus LX 600