As the automotive world as a whole began its electric transition, Toyota, the grand master of hybrid technology, was eagerly awaited on its zero-emission technology. It is the Lexus UX300e that for the Japanese giant makes this transition to the all-electric era a reality. Converted essay?

When you have become in a few decades master of a technology that has changed the face of the automotive world, it is not necessarily easy to excel from the start on the next step. While waiting for the launch of the ambitious Bz (Beyond Zero) range, the only all-electric "Toyota" (apart from the ProAce utility, developed with Stellantis) is the Lexus UX300e.

Typically Lexus compact crossover / SUV, with its very distinct Japanese design made of sharp angles, this electric version of the UX model (also available in hybrid and thermal) therefore has the heavy burden of embodying the first zero-emission family model of the Toyota galaxy.

Serious and Premium

Externally, very few details differ from other thermal and hybrid versions of the UX. A full grille, an "Electric" logo on the bottom of the rear doors, two charging hatches (one for conventional sockets, the other for high power combo sockets), as well as dark plastic wheel arch protectors, with aerodynamic virtues, supposed to promote the flow of air flows.

Inside, we are far from a shimmering atmosphere, everything inspires seriousness, sobriety, but it is a real Lexus, with a high degree of finish, from the quality of the plastics to the leather of the seats. Fortunately, the interior is bright enough, thanks to a beautiful glass sunroof (Executive version tested), and benefits from a number of small practical details. A good point for a Lexus product, where ergonomics are sometimes confusing ...

The highlight: still Lexus than a Lexus!

Comfort is typically Lexus, very high quality. The seats are enveloping and comfortable, and the living area is very Zen-inspired, extremely well soundproofed. A real little cocoon. Small, that's the word, especially in the rear seats, which are not very big and rather deep ... But which are still very comfortable.

Once the ignition is on (with a curious, very… ghostly inspired artificial rolling noise at low speed!), This all-electric Lexus becomes… Even more Lexus. As if the brand's products were almost "made" to be originally. The integration of this engine (a 54 kWh battery and a front electric motor with a power equivalent to 184 horsepower) is remarkably natural, in a vehicle that is pleasant to drive, because it is rather light for an electric machine. (1.7 tons).

Even if the UX300e is capable of nice acceleration in Sport mode (0 to 100 km / h in 8.7 seconds), the ideal in urban and peri-urban traffic will be to set the traction in eco mode, and put in position B on the gear lever, which guarantees the highest energy recovery power when braking. Thanks to this, you can drive with the only pedal on the right, the machine braking very clearly when you lift your foot. Thanks to these very economical settings, the UX300e has a fairly decent range for commuting use: it is advertised at 260 kilometers (WLTP).

The recharging times are a good surprise too, with 5 hours on a Type 2 socket at 32 amps, and around 57 minutes on a 50kWh super combo charger. Despite everything, you will have to wait 18 hours on a low-power household outlet ...

The downside: rather small trunk and interior

Some details will leave a little skeptical, like the trunk, rather small at 360 liters, especially when it is already well occupied by the kit of charging cables. Don't plan to pack much more than a big suitcase and a big gym bag. The somewhat austere interior of the cabin may not appeal to some, as may rear capability, again measured.

Finally, the steering gearing as well as the very flexible suspension settings will leave motorists who like to "feel" the road hungry. While that is not the overall purpose of this UX300e, we are really not in the realm of automotive thrills. This Lexus, which has become "even more Lexus" in this fully electric version, will it not finally become ... "too Lexus"?

But at what cost? Good price, but watch out for the competition to come

At 49,900 euros in the Basic Pack version, already very well equipped, Lexus is rather fair in terms of prices. Already stacked to be eligible for government bonuses (3000 euros on this version).

Then, this Lexus is positioned from the start in a segment where there will not be many competitors for a little while, its rivals may be the Mazda MX30 (cheaper at 34,000 euros attack price, but voluntarily restrained at 200 kilometers of autonomy) or the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric (more autonomous at 400 km, but much more expensive at 58,480 euros and therefore without bonus).

However, its more serious rival will be the Mercedes EQA, priced exactly the same in attack price ... And much more autonomous at 416 kilometers. This will be the main enemy of the Lexus UX300e, while waiting for the reply from Audi or BMW… but with a significantly different approach. The Japanese are counting on a higher commercial impact, especially on sales of professional vehicles.

These aspects aside, if the objective was to demonstrate with a single product that Toyota is completely ready to embark on the 100% mass electric vehicle, with a very efficient and fully mastered technology, we can say that the test is transformed. This Lexus UX300e is an undeniable success.