This is my 1st post here, Hi to all.
I would pick the Lex 10 times out of 10. I have had mine now for about a month - I work some 300 km´s from home and I drive it to work every Monday morning and back home Thursday afternoon. I needed to change to a diesel due to the fueleconomy and I really tested a lot of diesel cars before buying this one (IS 220 Sport).
What really surprised me was that I tried this car some 5-6 months earlier when it was almost brand new and back then I did not like it at all. (Engine, clutch, and gearbox). But I tried it again when it had some 12000 km mileage and it was a completely different experience/car. No problems at all - gearbox is all fine, it runs very quiet and the car is very comfortable (very important for me). I must say I don´t understad the problem with the 6th gear as described in this forum - perhaps Lexus have changed it by now as I experience no problem at all? I´m riding smothly on the highway on 6th gear in less then 60 mph if I want to.
Perhaps this kind of car need some mileage to perform at it´s best? I´ve heard a few in a Swedish autobobile-forum saying the same thing.
I have driven the Volvo before (I´m Swedish) so I know the difference. If space is not an issue for you Lexus should be your pick.
Good luck in whatever you decide.