The Lexus UX 300e electric compact SUV is to become available to test-drive for the first time when showrooms reopen next week.

The brand’s first all-electric model, the UX 300e (see test drive here) opened for orders last summer and started first deliveries in March 2021.

Priced from £43,900, it features a 54.35kWh lithium-ion battery that powers a motor on the front axle, giving a total 201hp and a range of up to 196 miles. 0-62mph time stands at 7.5 seconds and top speed is 99mph.

It supports charging at up to 50kWh, giving an 80% charge in some 52 minutes, while a full recharge can be accomplished from a domestic power supply via a wallbox system in around eight hours.

Lexus is also partnering with British Gas to help customers obtain wallboxes, using a simple online service and priced from £549, inclusive of supply, installation, VAT and the current OZEV £350 grant.

The battery is guaranteed by a standard eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, which can be extended 10 years/600,000 miles if the customer includes a battery health check in each vehicle service.