For most things that works. But I find for this particular car a lot of the negativity is from people who have never seen it in person, or actually have driven it. It’d be different if it’s constructive criticism, or criticism of something actually wrong. It’s like people who leave a review based on someone else’s experience, even though they haven’t been there or experienced what that first person experienced.

But then again, everyone is entitled to their opinion . I

 

For this particular car, 99.9999999% for the people who have written about it on the Internet haven't driven it. That's why I'm eager to hear from the very few who have driven it both the pros *AND* the cons.

 

Same…. I’m eagerly awaiting true driving impressions from a few different people. It’s annoying that we have to wait so long to hear about them in the North American market.

The other market reviews that I’ve seen so far are OK but the problem is is that they’re not truly the same in terms of engine size as they have 2.0 versus 2.5 L engines.

I didn’t get a lot of time to drive the battery one, meaning I didn’t spend 30 minutes driving up and down the highway like I normally would to test drive a car. It was enough for me to get the feel and see if I would be comfortable with the size of it. But also because I know I’m not interested in battery I really wasn’t going in depth with the drive as I probably will with the hybrid.

 

I do the same. Good advice.

 

I wouldn't care much for the subjective negative reviews. I've bought things that many people might not like, yet I personally enjoy them and find them useful. Just keep negative reviews in mind because sometimes they point out small but annoying details that are worth checking thoroughly before committing; in case they end up bothering you.

Have you ever driven the current 300h? In my '23 300h the transition from EV to ICE is seamless, you won't notice it 99% of the time while cruising or in stop and go traffic. So, I'd expect the new 350h, which uses the same A25A-FXS engine, to perform at least slightly better using the updated 6th gen hybrid system. If you like the 8gen design and size and don't drive aggressively, I'd say there's a good chance you'll really enjoy and end up buying the 350h.

Most of the negatives so far are for the overall style, size, and specs compared to the alternatives, but I expect the 350h to drive similarly or slightly better than the current 7gen once driving reviews drops. Comparing the EV to the HEV is really apples to oranges.

 

The car just appeared and almost nobody had a chance to drive it. To be honest, it started to grow on me but still the door molding and the body around the headlights need to be painted to match the rest of the car, and the 21" are a must. Now, for me the EV is not an option, so that means no Luxury, no 21".
If I buy it in Europe, the engine is 2.0, I can get it in Luxury but still no 21".

 

That's actually really good advice thank you! I will try to read their reviews a little bit more when people actually start seeing it in person lol because until then their comments on the styling doesn't move me as I like what it looks like.


That's actually a good idea to drive the 25 300 H , except most dealerships that I've looked for it at, are not there anymore. They only have the regular gas ones in stock. Everybody bought up the hybrids I guess. I couldn't get past the seats of the 25 else I would've ended up with a 25 300 H. But by time I realized I might want to test drive it there were none left. So now I have to wait until this current one comes out.

 

One of the reviews I read, said that the reason why they have the 19 inch wheels on the hybrid is due to battery placement that they have in the rear and the size of the wheels wells. I haven't been able to find out if you could switch wheels after purchase or during the deal to 21 inch wheels anyway because I prefer the styling of it. If you can switch it, it would be my choice to switch before I even take possession of it. But if you truly can't do to whatever dynamics they have then I'll just stick with the 19 and keep it pushing. One thing I wish they would do is a full panel roof, but because the panel is oversized, it doesn't bother me as much but I wish it was there and have it not open either. I'm not too upset about the body molding although I don't like the teardrops at the front it is what it is. I plan on getting the cloudburst gray which to me is the best choice because in person the all black wow very nice. I don't really wanna deal with the heat that comes with having all black. But it is my second choice if I can't get the clap was gray Palomino combo at the time that I want.

Shipping it from Europe is an option within you would have to deal with tariffs and then you would have a smaller engine which I don't know if it's worth it for that unless they have the same 2.5 as we do.

 

Why?

 

I've now watched both of these videos. Both say that the 8ES is a significant step up from the 7ES in terms of smoothness, ride, quietness and handling. The first video says it's a lot of fun to drive. That's great news, but I'm waiting to see if that assessment is confirmed by other reviewers.

OTOH, they both say that the 300h/2.0L engine is more than adequate. Call me a skeptical on that one. Also, there's no mention of the sound of the engine, which was a significant hit on the 7ESh.

 

The reason is there's no Luxury package and that means no 21".



The car looks much better with them.

 

I'm absolutely fine with the 19" below.
Smoother quieter ride, often better mileage, cheaper to replace, and more forgiving at the limit of adhesion.

 

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By Jeff:

 

Raiti's: