natnut

I agree that there is no substitute for a hands-on test drive but according to the article, the drive-train system in the M35h was jerky,clunky and unrefined as well as not particularly fuel efficient.

I just can't see how in any way that would be desirable in a $60,000+ luxury car with green credentials. Compare that to the impeccable drive-train in the GS450h which also doesn't lose out on the dynamic handling portion.

My point is that it would have been wiser to test-drive both back-to-back before making a decision.

LexFather

What does the LFA have to do with this? We can say it for any "expensive" car. Why single out the LFA on a Lexus forum? I seem to recall MT making a big deal about the price, which is appropriate, but not them declaring it a mistake.

Sadly the M35h is selling poorly like the entire lineup and reviews haven't been glowing. It has been out for a year now and its selling around 35-65 cars a month it seems. Modeler can only speak for himself and natnut is simply using a recent review to show how it fared. Now that the new GS 450h is out it seems to have completely trumped the M35h down to the sportier drive, the one point of buying the car. Now all those ads they did seem ridiculous. It's a shame b/c cars like the M35h need to sell well (at least hit targets) and do well in reviews to change public perception about expensive and high HP hybrids. Hopefully they can do a software update for the tranny as well as other updates for the MMC to help the vehicle.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

because nutnut generalized a review and say a car is bad because it's last in a review, so i simply expanded it to prove that's not appropriate. read my post again, i said clearing i did NOT agree with MT. read more

MDlexus

I've had my M35h since 10/1/11. I have been extremely satisfied with this vehicle. This is after owning 7 Lexus vehicle in the past( 3 GS's, 3 RX's and 1 GX). I was hesitant at first to make the switch. First of all, I did save ~ 200/month (for a fully loaded 66K vehicle)over my previous GS450h (62K vehicle), which I have to say was the main reason to consider switching. The other was that the new GS450h was not due out for several months.
The car is more dynamic to drive than the previous GS 450h. I love the interior styling more than the exterior, but still looks very nice IMHO.
The two things that I believe were better in the GS were the ML stereo and the seemless switch from gas to electric motor. The M35h occasionally jerks during those transitions
Other than these tolerable differences, I do enjoy this vehicle. I do spend a lot of time commuting, racking ~ 18-20K miles/yr.
Again, just my opinion

natnut

According to the 3 available comparos so far that pit the newest GS450h vs the M35h, the GS hybrid has won every time :

TFLcar.com :


Motortrend :

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...d/viewall.html

AutoBild ( German Car Magazine) :

http://translate.google.com/translat...&ie=ISO-8859-1

The main recurring points are :
1) The GS handles better and is more fun to drive
2) The GS has a better smoother drivetrain
3) The GS has better fuel efficiency

ghd8989

iTrader: (6)

The astonishingly bad styling of the entire new line up from Infiniti makes it so that its not even a consideration when I sell my GS 450. It better have some incredible driver feel and power to overcome the hideous exterior.

Modeler

I've had my M35h for over a year now, and I can't stand it anymore! I miss my 2007 gs450h. There are plenty of things to like about the M, but I HATE the transmission. It is soooo much worse than the CVT! I'm looking into getting out of my Infiniti lease and buying a new GS.