Lexus ends production of its first electric SUV, the UX 300e, after weak sales. Find out what’s next for the brand and its lineup. Read more!
Lexus announced that the UX 300e – its first fully electric SUV – is being withdrawn from the UK market after just five years on sale. The model has been removed from the brand’s official website, and a spokesperson confirmed to Auto Express that sales will cease by the end of 2025.
Why the UX 300e Is Vanishing
Since its launch in 2021, fewer than 3,400 UX 300e units have been registered in the United Kingdom. By contrast, a single month’s sales of the Ford Puma this year surpassed the total five‑year registrations of the Lexus electric SUV. The sluggish demand prompted Lexus to cease production and likely foreshadows a similar pull‑back in other regions.
Only One Electric Model Remains: The Lexus RZ
With the UX 300e leaving the lineup, the larger Lexus RZ becomes the brand’s sole fully electric offering. Priced from £48,365 (about $51,100), the RZ is positioned as a premium alternative, delivering a markedly longer WLTP range of up to 556 km (depending on the trim) and fast‑charging capability of 10‑80% in just 28 minutes thanks to a 150 kW charger.
- Battery: 71.4 kWh (RZ) vs. 54.3 kWh (UX 300e)
- Range (WLTP): up to 556 km (RZ) vs. 299 km (UX 300e)
- Charging: 150 kW fast‑charge (RZ) vs. outdated CHAdeMO on the UX 300e
The Hybrid Option Still Lives On
Even as the pure‑electric UX 300e fades, the plug‑in hybrid UX 300h remains on sale. Starting at £38,095 (around $50,800), the UX 300h slots between Lexus’s compact LBX and the midsize NX SUVs. It competes directly with the latest BMW X1 and Audi Q3, offering a blend of electric assistance and gasoline efficiency that appeals to buyers hesitant to go fully electric.
What This Means for Lexus’s EV Strategy
Lexus’s decision underscores the challenges luxury brands face when introducing early‑stage electric models in markets where infrastructure and consumer demand are still maturing. By concentrating on the higher‑priced RZ and maintaining a strong hybrid portfolio, Lexus appears to be betting on a staggered rollout: premium EVs first, with broader electrification to follow as market conditions improve.
Consumers interested in a Lexus electric vehicle will now look to the RZ for a genuine EV experience, while the UX 300h offers a familiar hybrid alternative for those not ready to commit fully to electric driving.