Enhanced Hybrid System for the 2024 Lexus UX

The European compact SUV from Lexus benefits from a slight stylistic update and an optimized hybrid powertrain.

The most significant change in the 2024 Lexus UX lineup is under the hood with the introduction of the new UX 300h Self-Charging Hybrid, replacing the previous UX 250h. While retaining the 2.0-liter gasoline engine, this new model adopts the fifth-generation Lexus Hybrid technology to deliver more power and enhanced performance.

The UX 300h receives a new 60-cell, 222 V lithium-ion battery, more efficient, replacing the former 216 V nickel-metal hydride unit with 180 cells, and benefits from a redesign of the inverter, which now is integrated into the electric motor instead of being a separate unit. The new battery allows an 8% increase in total system power, which rises from 184 hp/135 kW in the UX 250h to 199 hp/146 kW in the new UX 300h. Models equipped with the e-Four all-wheel-drive system feature a new high-torque permanent magnet rear motor-generator that is 5.6 times more powerful than the previous induction unit, developing 30 kW (compared to 5.3 kW) and 84 Nm of torque (compared to 55 Nm). Ultimately, the UX 300h offers better acceleration. In front-wheel-drive version, it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds (instead of 8.5 seconds), while with the e-Four all-wheel drive, the benchmark time has been reduced from 8.7 to 7.9 seconds.

Small Progress for a vintage 100% Electric Lexus

Launched in fall 2020, the UX 300e was Lexus’s first 100% electric vehicle with a battery. For the 2024 model year, the time to charge the battery to 80% with a fast DC charging system has been reduced from 80 to 60 minutes. This improvement complements a series of technical updates introduced in 2023 that increased the UX 300e’s range by 40%. The introduction of a larger-capacity 72.8 kWh lithium-ion battery enables up to 448 km (17-inch wheels) or up to 441 km (18-inch wheels) on the WLTP cycle. The range is further enhanced by aerodynamic optimizations, including a smooth flat surface beneath the battery and a sealed undercarriage.

There are few changes inside the cabin, apart from appearance, style, and the information displayed on the digital instrument cluster, which can be customized. Additional soundproofing material has been added under the center pillars and on the vehicle floor, as well as a material that dampens vibrations from the dashboard covering and rear wheel arches. These measures have collectively reduced interior noise by 1.7 dB.

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