I also own an Prius. I have read that the Prius's battery is placed low in the vehicle, creating a very low COG. This means that the Prius is quite solid on the ground. While you can screech the tires (not recommended as it will mean prmature tire wear), the Prius can corner very well.

Does the ES300h also have this 'feature'?

 

Heheh, a fellow hot rod hybrid owner

The ESh battery is behind the rear seats, almost in line with the rear axle. It adds about 100 kg to the back of a front-heavy car. I find the steering to be a bit lifeless but the back end feels planted, even when the front understeers at the limit. It's not nimble like a Ford Focus or even a Mondeo but it's fun enough on mountain twisties, especially when laying down that electric torque in Sport mode.

 

Although I have a 300h, and had a BMW, they don't even compare on handling. From your spreadsheet, drive ability (ride) is unlike handling since the 328 BMW can be low on drive ability but high on handling.

 

I included things like quietness of a car, as well as the ability to suck up cracks and potholes in the road with drivability. The handling is a completely different issue, but I tried to roll it up into the same category. I gave the Q50 a low score because the car was so jittery that I could barely drive straight on the road...

 

I am exactly one week in from trading up to the 300H from a 2010 Prius. As someone already said, the battery is right behind the rear seat on the ES rather than under the rear seat as it is on the Prius. In theory, this should indeed raise the center of gravity. In my limited 250 miles I can't say that I can really tell a difference. It has been all mild city driving though.

After nine years in two different Priuses, this ES 300H is truly a delight. It is just so quiet and smooth. I still think the Prius is an awesome vehicle, they just aren't very quiet. They are very purpose-built to be a great commuter and they fit that bill extremely well, but I think the ES 300h will too at 40 MPG.

 

Doug- you will enjoy the 300h.

Art

 

Had a 2010 Prius IV, great car for what it was, but not the price of, nor the refinement of the 300h.....no comparison.

 

Before buying the 300h, I thought about getting a Prius. But.... as Canesguy says, no comparison.

 

had a 11' prius...reliability ergonomics form over function great, but it was the biggest pos when it came to rattles and squeaks. especially in the winter months, and it drove me to the point of getting rid of it.