The intent is increased efficiency. By not controlling unoccupied parts of the cabin, you can reduce the load on the electrical system and the air conditioner, which, at least in theory, can reduce fuel consumption. I generally don't bother with it.

 

The S-flow air conditioning technology in the luxury version uses sensors on the seats to detect if it is occupied or not when the S-Flow button is switched on. No air is sent to the air vents directed towards the empty seats to cut down energy consumption. In the non-luxury package versions the air flow is turned off to the rear seats only to cut down energy consumption. The S-Flow system also measures the ambient temperature both outside and inside the vehicle to determine the optimum level of air-conditioning required and also calculate the target volume airflow for each seat. The system initially works to bring the entire cabin’s temperature to a set temperature. Once this is achieved, the system focuses on only on heating or cooling the seats that are occupied.


Has anyone researched the S-Flow 'nanoe technology' in the GS?
Ummm... The S-Flow system also has a new feature called ‘nanoe technology’. What nanoe technology does is release nanoe particles (negatively charged ions wrapped in water molecules) through the driver’s dashboard air vent. The nanoe ions eliminate odours by attaching themselves to airborne particles and molecules. The nanoe air purifying technology automatically comes on when the air conditioning system is turned on. The nanoe particles also deodorize the seats and roof lining to create a cleaner cabin atmosphere. Also, nanoe particles have a moisture content of about 1000 times that of conventional ions and have a moisturizing effect on human skin and hair.

 

I've seen the reference to nano technology in the GS before but have always been a bit skeptical about it.

 

It's actually called 'nanoe' technology where nanoe ions are emitted through the AC system. This technology has been advertised by Lexus on various Lexus models, but it appears that maybe this nonoe technology is not available in the U.S., but I'm not sure about that...

 

I believe "nanoe" is the Panasonic trademark for their air filtration system. It uses nano sized electrostatic atomized water particles. Lexus uses it from Panasonic.

 

During my search for a GS I remember reading in two blog reviews the nanoe thing worked very well. One tester put a smelly rag in the car for some time and when AC was on, with nanoe, the smell was gone. I don't remember how the other one did it, but he also confirmed unpleasant scents were gone. Sadly the professional testers don't do such tests, they just race a car mostly, since that's what people care about, how good a car handles when you take a turn at crazy speeds. I don't know how trustworthy such bloggers are.

 

That's correct - it is a Panasonic named system. What I don't know is if Lexus has actually installed this nanoe air filtration system in all versions of the GS 350 (and some other models), and if it is for all worldwide destinations. It doesn't appear that Lexus advertises this nanoe technology for the U.S. market.