boe

I admit I'd probably get one this December if they offered it. Strangely one of the bigger selling points for me of the IS over the ES, is the steering wheel. I truly despise the partial wood steering wheel with partial heating and partial comfortable grip.

boe

Hopefully at the LA autoshow they'll discuss offering a hybrid in the US.

mgis

I almost didn't buy an IS at all once I heard the hybrid wasn't coming over.

Trexus

I would certainly purchase an IS 300h if Lexus offered in the U.S. However Lexus doesn't bring it here because it won't pass U.S. crash safety laws and Lexus doesn't want to spend the time and resources to redesign it to comply with U.S. crash safety laws.

Yes, having an IS 300h would definitely save on gas and the longer you drive it the savings become much more relevant and a hybrid does hold it's value longer.

Lexus is missing an opportunity in the U.S. by not offering the IS 300h. Lexus should expand the IS line here in the U.S. Lexus please bring the IS 300h to the United States...

IS 300h
IS 250/350
IS 250/350 C
IS F

boe

Thanks - if they don't want to fix it, I can understand if it isn't worth the expense. That being said, I do wish they made a US version of the hybrid IS 300h that did pass crash safety requirements.

magne

Does anyone knoe exactly what the IS300h did fail in the US crash test?
In the Eu crash test, the Euro-n.cap the car did get the highest 5 star rating...

If they are worried the batteries will catch fire in an accident, the batteries in the GS, the CT and other hybrids are placed the same way.

Maybe something they made up in the US after a couple of teslas cought fire after accidents?

boe

I'm not exactly sure that is the reason they don't offer them in the US. I don't think Canada uses our crash test safety regulations and it isn't available there either. If Canada ran it's own safety test and the IS failed, it would seem odd that it passed in Europe.

magne

Here is a link with the results from the euro test.
This test is what all of europe use, and refer to in all safety issues and facts.
So this is a big prestige test and manufactures take it very seriously.

http://www.euroncap.com/results/lexus/is/522.aspx

boe

Maybe they are coming out with a new turbocharged unit and will release it at that time.

Trexus

Most likely Lexus will bring the next generation IS F to the U.S. before or if ever the IS 300h.

Lexus is missing an opportunity by not selling the IS 300h in the U.S.

Very soon Lexus will make a CT 200h/300h sedan which might make it to the States before an IS 300h...

Trexus

I e-mailed Lexus corporate and here is an e-mail response from Lexus regarding the IS 300h:

Dear Mr. Academia:

Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. We are dedicated to providing superior service. In circumstances that require our attention, we will assist in the resolution process.

We are not offering the IS hybrid in the U.S. because we have ES 300h and CT 200h in the entry-level luxury hybrid segment. With the sporty 43 mpg CT and the luxurious 40 mpg ES 300h, we have the entry level segment covered with our hybrid offerings. At this time we have no plans to offer the IS 300h, but if consumer demand is high it is something we could evaluate. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

If you require further assistance, please respond to this e-mail, or contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-255-3987, Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 6:00 pm, or Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Pacific Time.

Sincerely,

Art Rodriguez

Lexus Customer Satisfaction