Lexus UX 300e to start at £43,900

The UX 300e, the first fully-electric Lexus, is now available with a 196-mile range. Prices start at at £43,900.

Lexus says indicative pricing starts at £43,900 for the UX grade model and customers can specify either of two option packs: Premium Plus at £47,400 or Takumi at £53,500. Confirmed prices will be announced in October, when customers will be able to place orders.

The electric crossover's price tag makes it eligible for the Government's £3000 plug-in vehicle grant, unlike  rivals like the Volvo XC40 Recharge. However, those that spec the over £50,000 Takumi pack will not be eligible for the grant.

The UX 300e is powered by a 150kW electric motor and is equipped with a 54.3kW/h lithium-ion battery. The system produces a maximum 204PS and 300Nm of torque, enabling it to reach 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.

Electric range on a full charge is a claimed 196 miles and, - using a 50kW rapid DC charger - an 80 per cent charge should take 52 minutes. Connection using a dedicated domestic AC charger should allow a full recharge in eight hours.

Standard features include automatic LED headlights, heated front seats, parking sensors, a reversing camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Premium Plus adds leather seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, keyless entry and a wireless smartphone charger, while the top-spec Takumi trim includes an upgraded sound system, a 10.3-inchinfotainment screen, a 360-degree camera, 18-inch alloys, head-up display, ower-operated back door and a sunroof.

The standard colour for the UX 300e is Fuji Red or Velvet Black, with five metallic options and two special finishes, Sonic Titanium and Sonic White, to choose from.

Customer deliveries are set to get under way in 2021, with prices to be confirmed in October.