Okay my final thoughts....

I take the car back tomorrow morning so here is some final words. Today I met some buds for dinner and it was funny that one said "Mike I was wondering what you were doing in a Toyota" before I explained what the car was (S2000 owner). The 3 checked it out and one is a techie guy so he liked it (G35 owner), the TL owner is on his 5th tranny and his car is falling apart so he was intrigued by the quality. We all agreed the looks simply turn us off and them in particular. They all liked the interior and felt it was well built and commented on the dash a lot.

Today I got 32 MPG in mixed city/highway driving. One thing I forgot to mention the car takes REGULAR unleaded, no premium needed (for comparisons sake a I-4 Acura TSX asks for premium for whatever reason and I think all other Lexus takes Premium).

As I've discussed before my G/Fs lease is up next year so we are deciding next steps and while we like the HS, we wouldn't purchase one. The exterior looks are just too odd for us. (sidebar when the G35 owner was with me a new TL stopped next to us with a lady around 106 years old driving and he instantly started complaining about the new styling before I opened my mouth). I understand the functionality of the styling completely and I also understand most hybrid owners want to "stand out" with their looks but it is simply not for us.

I would like to see the new 2.5 with the hybrid power-train instead of the old 2.4 and I would like to see a 40 MPG rating next go round. I feel for the 35 MPG rating, I would lose the 5 MPG and get the RX 450h instead since they are similar in price.

Now to me when a used "Loaded" HS is for sale around 20 grand, it would make a GREAT daily driver.

This car is loaded with technology and the hybrid powertrain is seemless. This is no rebadge, there was a LOT of effort and thought put into this vehicle.

 

what! it doesnt have LED license plate lights? that is very un lexus like

 

Speaking of G's, have you taken your G/F down to the Infiniti store to check one out? Since you and her have ruled out an HS, and she is driving a Maxima (or is it an Altima?) seems like the G37 would be one of the natural step-ups. And, of course, if you want something for her with good wet-weather grip (I know there's not much snow in Atlanta), there's the G37x.

 

Quote frankly, if I was to choose between Maxima and G37, I think I'd prefer the Maxima. For some reason Maxima feels way torquier (is that a word?) at low rpm range, and the CVT is lovely.

 

Not a fan of the HS.I feel Lexus just should have just made a IS 250 Hybrid
I don't like the exterior design and what's with that dash piece extending over the console?
To me,it looks like Lexus was about to do something with that design and just decided to stop half way.
Load it up with options and it's just under $50K.

 

IS has no space anywhere as it is, there is nowhere to fit hybrid system... Plus RWD would get worse mpg...

 

If Lexus would bring back the IS Sportcross body style, there might be room behind (or under) the rear seats for the hybrid-battery pack. And RWD is not necessarily mandatory.....Toyota and Lexus also have some 3-electric-motor hybrid systems that effectively function as AWD.

Realistically, though, I don't see Lexus bringing back that body style......it sold in very low numbers when it was offered.

 

Agreed...the Maxima is a nice car, and yes, the Nissan CVT is well-programmed, but the CVT reliability seems to be questionable, especially with those big V6s. Nissan just recently announced extended warranties on the CVTs.

 

Mike, thanks for the "final thoughts", the extensive seat time resulted in a very thoughtful and practical review. As useful, comfy, roomy and efficient as this car is for a daily driver, there's no rush to put one in my garage.

 

Thanks everyone. Sorry for the last thought but today since I was taking it back, I decided to drive in POWER all morning and on the way up there.

I was expecting MPG to drop but ODDLY I got 35.6 MPG. I am not sure if ECO would have gotten me closer to 40 or so but I MUCH MUCH prefer to drive it all day in POWER like a regular car and still get 35 MPG.

That left a good last impression on me. Now I'm getting 23 MPG in the 450h as I miss the power

 

The A4, C-Class, and next 3 series have all grown significantly. The IS is going to have to catch up. But if the next generation IS grows, then the HS is placed in an even more awkward position. I kind of have to agree with him, I'd rather an ES hybrid, rather than 3 entry level sedans.

 

+1

 

and all 3 still have poor reat seats compared to non-premium competition...

HS is very different car to ES... a bit smaller and a lot more sportier, with better interior quality. People here are love cars and therefor HS is much better choice than ES Hybrid.

 

I am really looking forward to my next service. I know my service advisor said they were supposed to start switching the fleet from the IS to the HS. I was blown away by the 27-28 mpg I used to get with the IS250 loaners. I am sure the HS will blow me away, BUT how is the power. Can you pull on the freeway??? Is there any juice left by the designers of the car for a little spirited driving ????? If its a Lexus it should still perform. Then again I guess the new "performance " for this type of car is MPG not 0-60

 

Performance was fine in Power mode, never did I feel I couldn't do something. In ECO mode, again, it feels like it has 100hp as the throttle response is very timid.
When its the same crap over and over they are not welcome.

Wut? The A4 is the only one to grow significantly to around 185 inches from 180. Do you know why? It is b/c the A3 is going to grow in size and expand its lineup. Surely you knew that. Before then they were all 177-180 inches long. (we are well aware of IS backseat room)

Catch up? Did you even bother to look at the dimensions of the 3 cars instead of spreading more crap.

Length IS 180.3 3-178.2 A4-185.2 C-class 182.3
Wheelbase 107.5 108.7 110.6 108.7
Overall Width 70.9 71.5 71.9 69.7

Takes 30 seconds to compare here
http://www.lexus.com/models/IS/compare/index.html


An ES hybrid makes sense yes and with Toyota promising all vehicles will offer a hybrid model by 2020, it will just be a matter of time.