New UX 250h Crossover Delivers Wide-Ranging Benefits With Fourth Generation Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid Powertrain

The all-new Lexus UX 250h is not just another premium crossover, it reaps significant benefits from a fourth generation Lexus self-charging hybrid powertrain. Like all Lexus hybrids, it achieves class-leading fuel efficiency and emissions levels, with none of the inhibitions of plug-in charging or range limitations. In turn, it can deliver significant cost of ownership savings compared to its key competitors.

In real-world city driving, the UX can run purely on electric power, with zero emissions and fuel consumption and near-silent operation, for up to 50 per cent of average European urban journeys.

The hybrid system orchestrates a seamless blend of power from the highly efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and the compact yet powerful electric motor(s). The new model is available with front-wheel drive, or with Lexus’s E-Four electric all-wheel drive system.

The system features a compact new transaxle and power control unit and a new nickel-metal hydride battery, compact enough to be located beneath the rear seat so there is minimal intrusion in the load space and no compromise in the UX’s low centre of gravity. Importantly, development of the new-generation system targeted a high level of driving appeal, in addition to fuel economy and low emissions.

Low cost of ownership

As well as being rewarding to drive, the UX 250h offers low cost of ownership and high residual value, underpinned by Lexus’s proven experience in hybrid technology, the development of batteries that can last at least as long as the car itself, and inherently low wear and tear.

For UK owners, the new UX outperforms its key competitors in terms of total ownership costs. For business/company car drivers in particular, a first-year benefit-in-kind tax rate of 23 per cent places it well below rival diesel-powered models from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Volvo; in the first three years of ownership, the tax saving can be almost £5,000.

Factoring in depreciation, fuel costs, servicing, maintenance and repairs, car tax (VED) and employer National Insurance costs, the UX driver can enjoy savings of up to around £8.000 compared to key competitor models over a period of three years/60,000 miles (total ownership cost data from CAP; model quoted UX 250h Premium Pack).

The UX has no clutch, and the starter motor and alternator are integral to the hybrid system and require no servicing or replacement. In place of a conventional timing belt there is a maintenance-free timing chain. This simpler arrangement makes for savings in routine servicing and maintenance.

With a proven reliability record from around 37 billion miles of driving worldwide, a Lexus hybrid battery is designed to last the entire life of the car. Rigorously engineered for performance and durability, it is covered by a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

The regenerative braking system, which delivers the first half of all braking force, significantly reduces pad and disc wear. Over the course of 56,000 miles, a Lexus hybrid will usually require no disc replacement and just one set of replacement brake pads. Additionally, the higher tyre pressure of hybrid vehicles helps to decrease shoulder wear on tyres, while linear power delivery and the car’s balanced weight distribution reduce tyre wear even further.

The new Lexus UX is available to order now, with first deliveries to UK customers from March this year.