So I find that in my 300h sometimes the IC engine starts so smoothly I absolutely don't feel it at all and other times I feel a slight -very slight shudder. Is there a technique to drive this car so that one never feels the IC engine kick in? The shudder kind of puts a damper on the Lexus experience.

Thanks

 

It'll get smoother over time, especially in Eco mode. My car had a strong shudder when new but it's almost imperceptible now. You'll still feel a shudder when the engine engages at highway speeds, I usually keep cruise control on and let the car decide what power source to use.

 

I notice the IC more in cold weather, mostly if I've been at a stop too long and it starts up because the battery stack is low or the engine/catalytic converter needs to heat up. Otherwise I never notice it.

If you're new to hybrids, you may notice it more in the beginning but, like other things in a new car, after a while it fades into the background.

 

Thanks. Does the frequent shaking wear out the engine mounts? Do they last in these cars? I bet they are expensive!

 

There's not much shaking once you get past a few thousand miles and everything settles in. The constant ICE on/off at highway speeds above 60 mph can get annoying, especially as the vibration is felt through the throttle pedal. That's why I usually use cruise control on highways.

I guess this on/off behavior is what turns people off hybrids. A Fifth Gear review of the GS450h mentioned that the engine is either off or purring quietly at idle, or roaring away near redline line for maximum power, with no middle ground. The CVT-like rubber band effect where engine speed shoots up first and road speed catches up later doesn't help either.