March 18, 2024

Is Lexus Bringing The All-Electric UX300e To The Philippines?


Is Lexus ready to add another Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in the Philippine market? Based on documents filed with the LTO, that seems to be the case and the vehicle in question is none other than the UX300e.

First launched in 2020, and then updated in 2023, the UX300e is Lexus’ first BEV (the Lexus RZ is their first dedicated BEV).

Based on the LTO documents, the model heading to the Philippines is the updated UX300e complete with the bigger 72.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. The battery can be fully topped up using an AC charger in about 10 hours or up to 80 percent using a DC fast charger in just an hour. Though the quoted range (based on WLTP) is 450 kilometers, in the LTO paperwork, it’s listed as 560 kilometers.

Tractive effort is provided by a single motor driving the front wheels. The outputs are 204 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, while top speed is pegged at 160 km/h.

Other interesting key specs revealed in the documents include its dimensions: 4,495 mm (length), 1,840 mm (width), 1,520 mm (height); wheelbase (2,640 mm); and ground clearance (140 mm). Its curb weight is listed as 1,845 kilograms.

Like its hybrid UX 300h counterpart (which has also received its own certification), the steering and suspension has been recalibrated for better ride and comfort. A total of 20 new spot welds have been added too for improved structural rigidity. The Philippine model is confirmed to sport 18-inch tires measuring 225/50R18s (run flats on the UX 300h).

In terms of powertrain, the UX300h gets a 1,987 cc (2.0-liter) engine. Given the model designation, this means the Dynamic Force 2.0-liter with 152 horsepower and 188 Nm of torque. This is paired to an electric motor generating 113 horsepower and 206 Nm. All in all, it should make around 198 horsepower.

The updated UX sports either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment screen, available full digital gauges, wireless smartphone connectivity, a wireless device charger, and a myriad of USB Type C chargers.

For safety, the new UX sports the updated Lexus Safety System. The performance of the single-camera/millimeter wave radar combo has been expanded to detect cyclists and pedestrians even in low light conditions. It can also detect oncoming vehicles at intersections, and pedestrians crossing the street from the direction toward which the vehicle was traveling. Also featured are functions such as Emergency Steering Assist, which assists steering within the vehicle's lane as cued by the driver.

As for the likely price, it will surely be below the RZ 450e (P 5.228 million), but above the current UX 250h F Sport (P 3.838 million). Since it’s competing against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQB (P 4.190 million), it will likely have a price tag between P 4.2 to P 4.5 million.

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