New Lexus UX 300e vs new Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric: verdict

Both of these family SUVs promise to combine zero emissions with luxury. But which should you choose: the first ever fully electric Lexus or its equally fresh-faced rival from Volvo?...

Lexus UX300e vs Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge rears

Published24 September 2021

Our verdict

Given the recent influx of excellent electric SUVs that you could have for far less money, you could argue that it’s hard to justify spending so much on either of our contenders. But assuming you’re happy to do so, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is by far the better option.

It’s comically fast yet also comfortable, sumptuous and one of the more practical cars in the class. Upcoming cheaper, less powerful variants promise to make more sense, but the performance of this Twin model, and that useful range, does help to justify the price.

The Lexus UX 300e is inoffensive to drive, but it falls short on practicality, driving range, performance, infotainment and charging speed. It’s outclassed on too many fronts to be recommendable.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

1st – Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

For Storming performance; classy interior; longer range; more practical; fast charging
Against Pricey to buy; some rivals are more fun; could be better equipped
Recommended options Part-leather upholstery (£650), metallic paint (£585)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Volvo XC40 Recharge review >>

New Volvo car deals >>

2nd – Lexus UX 300e

For Solid interior quality; comfortable ride; good refinement; lots of standard kit
Against High price; poor practicality; slower charging; fiddly infotainment
Recommended options Metallic paint (£570)

What Car? rating 2 stars out of 5

Lexus UX 300e review >>

New Lexus car deals >>

Specifications: Lexus UX 300e Premium Pack Plus

Engine Electric motor
Peak power 201bhp
Peak torque 221lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic
0-60mph 7.2sec
30-70mph 6.3sec
Top speed 100mph
30-0mph 9.6m
70-0mph 46.9m
Noise at 30mph 60.1dB
Noise at 70mph 66.1dB
Kerb weight 1925kg
Wheels/tyres (std) 215/60 R17
Real-world range (est) 155 miles
Official range 196 miles
Efficiency on test 3.1 miles/kWh
Battery capacity 54.3kWh (50kWh usable, est)
Rapid charging type CHAdeMO
Peak charging rate 50kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 8hr 15min
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 50min
CO2 emissions 0g/km

Specifications: Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin AWD

Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric dimensions

Engine Dual electric motors
Peak power 402bhp
Peak torque 487lb ft
Gearbox Single-speed automatic
0-60mph 4.6sec
30-70mph 3.7sec
Top speed 112mph
30-0mph 8.6m
70-0mph 44.6m
Noise at 30mph 60.5dB
Noise at 70mph 67.3dB
Kerb weight 2188kg
Wheels/tyres (std) 235/45 R20
Real-world range (est) 203 miles
Official range 259 miles
Efficiency on test 2.7 miles/kWh
Battery capacity 78kWh (75kWh usable)
Rapid charging type CCS
Peak charging rate 150kW
7kW home wallbox (0-100% charging time) 12hr
Rapid charger, peak rate (10-80% charging time) 33min
CO2 emissions 0g/km