Rekasasu Go Battery Electric

A compact luxury crossover SUV from Lexus that happens to be their first all-electric car? Oh, how very wrong it is to be prejudiced. The UX-emphatically-proves to be quite the complete car 

- Jim Gorde

ADMIT IT. WE'VE BEEN HEARING A LOT ABOUT Lexus cars over time and a lot more about electric cars over the recent years. After spending time with the premium Japanese models, however, any prejudice tends to vaporise. With the latter in terms of a "fuel", there is still a lot left wanting. Electric charging is still in a nascent, chicken-and-egg stage. However, as a power source, there are some inherent and undeniable-benefits. Electric motor cars are quick!

The Lexus UX is the smallest model with an SUV body style in the premium Japanese brand's line-up. At less than 4.5 metres long with a 2,640-millimetre wheelbase, the UX has a rather compact footprint. Yet, it's wide but low, making for good road presence and an aerodynamic form. The new take on the Spindle grille, the Lexus logo with the blue surround, and LED lighting are joined by a flowing profile with prominent lines and creases and sharp 18-inch wheels in 225/50 rubber. The low-slung but wide design wraps up in a neat tail with protruding tail-light clusters. It's a strikingly attractive package.

The UX 300e interior is among the highlights of the car. The seats are wide and supportive at the front. The ergonomics are excellent and the overall comfort is high, albeit a little snug. The rear is not as spacious but can fit two average adults with space in the centre seat available. The UX is not based on the new electric architecture, but is one that is shared with its combustion and hybrid siblings; hence the centre tunnel. Snug comfort combines with unique material and intuitive control elements. Lexus have thankfully-incorporated buttons, knobs, screens, and a touchpad for access to car functions. It has a nicely sized wheel with controls on the spokes as well as paddles to trigger energy recuperation.