How to improve a premium urban crossover that already works

The Lexus UX urban crossover, one of Lexus’ best-selling models in Europe, features a major engine update, implementation of the latest generation of safety systems and other improvements for 2024. These changes further accentuate driving dynamics on the road of a vehicle designed and developed to combine the feeling of safety and practical flexibility of a crossover with the agile handling of a compact vehicle.

The range includes the new self-charging hybrid UX 300h, which replaces the UX 250h, along with the current electric model UX 300e. Together, these models play an important role in Lexus’ global electrification strategy and the application of new technologies to improve vehicle performance, handling and control, as well as driving pleasure. With the “Lexus Electrified” vision, the brand moves towards carbon neutrality in a way that puts premium electrified driving within reach of customers through various powertrain options.

The most notable novelty of the UX range for 2024 is the introduction of the new UX 300h self-charging hybrid model, which replaces the previous UX 250h. In addition to maintaining the well-established 2.0-liter gasoline engine, with its first-class thermal efficiency, the new model adopts features of the fifth generation of Lexus hybrid technology to increase power and performance.

New features include the introduction of a new, more efficient 222V, 60-cell lithium-ion battery in place of the previous 216V, 180-cell nickel hydride unit, as well as a redesign of the inverter, which goes from being an independent unit to being attached to the engine. The new battery allows an 8% increase in the total system power, which increases from 184 DIN HP in the UX 250h to 199 DIN HP in the new UX 300h.

In the case of the all-wheel drive version (4×4), a new rear electric motor is incorporated that is 6 times more powerful than that of its predecessor and offers a power of 30 kW (compared to 5.3 kW) and 84 Nm of torque. torque (vs. 55 Nm). The result is quicker throttle response and an even more rewarding driving experience, with superior stability and a sense of control.

The rear electric motor also serves as a generator for the vehicle’s regenerative braking system, and increases the amount of kinetic energy that can be accumulated when braking or decelerating to accumulate in the hybrid battery. Optimizing the level of assistance of the electric motor to synchronize the engine speed with that of the vehicle generates a sensation of linear and immediate acceleration, without the engine having to rev too much. The hybrid system can switch off the gasoline engine to run on electric power at speeds of up to 115 km/h, for example when descending long slopes.

The 2.0-liter engine plays an essential role in the overall efficiency of the UX 300h, and features advanced technical features such as laser-developed valve seats, a precisely designed air intake profile, a high compression ratio, 13.0:1, and a fuel injection system that combines direct and secondary port injection to achieve high-speed combustion. Intelligent variable valve timing –VVT-iE–, with an electric actuator on the intake side, improves driving characteristics and reduces exhaust emissions. Combustion engine performance and fuel efficiency are further optimized thanks to a fuel pump with continuously variable capacity and a cooling system that uses an electric water pump, features that reduce internal friction losses. This system also makes it possible to quickly heat the cabin on cold days, and cool it down more quickly when the air conditioning is used.

Thanks to the higher power, the UX 300h offers faster acceleration. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h has been reduced from 8.5 to 8.1 in the front-wheel drive model, while with the E-Four (4X4) all-wheel drive model, the bar is lowered. has dropped from 8.7 to 7.9 seconds. Thanks to the increased efficiency of the engine and the measures taken to reduce the weight of the vehicle, fuel consumption has been reduced. In the front-wheel drive model, the WLTP combined cycle values ​​are 5.0– 5.2 l/100 km; in the all-wheel drive, they are 5.6 l/100 km. Applying the same WLTP scale, the respective CO2 emissions are 114 – 119 g/km and 128 – 129 g/km.

The UX was conceived as an “Urban eXplorer”, a vehicle that combines the functionality of a high-positioned SUV with the world-class refinement and intense driving dynamics of Lexus. From the moment the driver sits behind the wheel, the UX conveys the feeling of an agile premium compact, with a driving position that features a relatively short waist-to-toe distance, giving the sensation of being closer to the ground than in other SUVs.

The vehicle has been developed on Lexus’ GA-C global architecture platform, a lightweight and exceptionally rigid structure that responds with great precision to the driver’s input. The UX’s 2,640 mm wheelbase contributes to a smooth, stable ride and a spacious cabin, while the curb-to-curb turning circle of 5.2 m makes for easy maneuvering and parking.

Driving characteristics also benefit from the vehicle’s low center of gravity, which is helped by the location of the battery, placed under the floor at the height of the rear seats in the UX 300h and under the cabin floor in the UX 300e. . Also important are lightweight body components such as aluminum doors, wings and bonnet, as well as a tailgate made of a composite material.

The cabin of the new UX is always quiet and calm, not only when operating in electric mode. Measures have been taken throughout the vehicle to prevent or mitigate noise and vibration, from the inherent strength of the vehicle structure to the strategic placement of sound-insulating and absorbing materials and the use of acoustic glass in the windows. Wheel arch liners reduce the entry of sound from water, stones and dirt projected by the tires.

The new 12.3-inch (31 cm) “Lexus Digital Cockpit” digital instrument cluster – depending on the finish – can be customized, both in terms of appearance, style and the type of information provided, giving you It results in an integrated and intuitive user experience to access information, entertainment and connectivity. Its appearance changes depending on the selected driving mode, and the layout can also be adapted to the driver’s personal preferences. The system can save multimedia, sound and navigation preferences for up to three people.

Additionally, Lexus introduces the new UX with a bold new color option, Copper Petra. This special color uses Lexus’ advanced sonic paint technology, which incorporates a layer just a few microns thick that aligns the paint’s metallic flakes more evenly and compactly, resulting in greater shine and color tone. deeper throughout the body.

In total, you can choose between 12 colors, of which Nova White and Electric Blue are exclusive for the F SPORT and F SPORT+ finishes. Additionally, for the F SPORT+ finish, a two-tone combination is incorporated in which the contrasting black reaches beyond the roof, to the upper edge of the side window frames and the front and rear pillars.