The UX 300e first arrived in the UK two years ago as Lexus's first-ever full EV, based on the hybrid UX medium SUV. Despite its relatively short lifespan so far, it's been given some fairly major updates for 2023, the most significant of which concerns the battery. Simply, this is now a lot bigger, with capacity raised from 54.35kWh to 72.8kWh. Corresponding with this is a major increase in the range, which can be covered between charges, from a frankly poor 196 miles to as much as 280 miles on the official WLTP cycle, depending on spec (273 miles with the range-topping Takumi Pack equipment grade tested here). There's been no change to the electric motor, which puts out 204hp, but this is still enough to provide punchy acceleration. 

Lexus says the 2023 model has received chassis rigidity improvements; however, in bends there is still some wallow and roll, and vague uncommunicative steering contrived to make the car feel a bit unsure of itself at times on wet country roads during our test drive. In more positive news, the suspension does a very commendable job of smoothing out speed bumps, although the ride does have a hint of underlying firmness.

Another major update to the UX 300e is the fitting of bigger infotainment screens - up from 7in to 8in with the entry-level model, and from 10in to 12.3in with the rest of the range. These are also now touchscreens, rather than the previous trackpad-based set-up, and have been moved further forward to make them easier to use in this way, which having operated the system in our test car we would consider a success, with the screen well in reach and nicely responsive to touches. The head-up display that comes with Takumi Pack cars is relatively large and clear with navigation instructions well integrated, and we like the interesting inclusion of a physical EV range dial inside the otherwise digital instrument cluster. We also like the unusual copper interior colour scheme our test car boasts (although the area around the dashboard is darker and more subdued) and the quality of interior materials is generally high. 

Rear legroom is OK, but taller adults may face limited headroom (possibly due to the sunroof fitted to Takumi Pack cars). A 367-litre boot is a bit cramped for the segment.

Also new to the UX 300e for 2023 are extra features for the Lexus Safety System+ package, including intersection turning assist, emergency assist (which automatically makes small steering corrections to help keep the vehicle in-lane), and the addition of curve speed reduction to the dynamic radar cruise control system. 

In terms of price, the UX 300e isn't too far away from rivals such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1 and Mercedes-Benz EQA. However, according to KeeResources, the Lexus does suffer from relatively poor expected residual values compared with the Audi and BMW in particular, meaning it should cost more to run over a three-year/60,000-mile cycle. Combined with its dynamic shortcomings, this means that although the improvements to the UX 300e have made it far more competitive, it still isn't in a position to challenge the best.

Lexus UX 300e Takumi