munchit

But the McLaren does have 903bhp, the Lexus does not work in the same way. The McLaren electric motor sits in a different place and is combined with the power hence the output, as opposed to the Lexus system which is explained above.

Clearly you like powerful engines given what you've already had, but i wouldn't rule out the 300h.... it goes a lot better than the figures suggest in my IS. I doubt you'll get the same sort of performance you get at the moment but it may be more than adequate. I'd at least give one a go and see!

I have had no issues at all with the performance. It's no Ferrari if that's what you're asking but the performance is very impressive, your main hinderance to out and out pace will be the gearbox, it goes about things at its own pace and will not be hurried. That said, the instant torque of the engine means that when you're moving the way it gains speed is very impressive. IMO it is quicker than your average Audi A4 Diesel, Mercedes C220, BMW 320d that are cars usually associated with the purchase. Off the line the weight is an issue as is the gearbox but throwing it along a nice a road or cruising on a motorway once you've adapted to the gearbox I think you'll be very happy. Sport mode and paddle shift on the gearbox make a difference on the aforementioned A road too....

No car will get the claimed fuel economy. They're tested in lab conditions, no wind resistance, no hills, no traffic, no emergency braking etc.... the IS300h in my experience is quite capable of doing high 50 mpg (my journey to work reported 55.6) but it is strongly affected by real world factors. Gentle throttle, learn how to optimise the hybrid system and don't drive too fast on motorways and you'll get over 50 reasonably easy.

I go through the same junction every day - as you say it can be quite nice being in traffic. I don't get that MPG though, despite doing a similar speed with cruise and in ECO mode. Maybe I accelerate faster!?

Blimey - do you only drive downhill at 50?? I'm up to 47 average after 2000 miles, but mine is mostly motorway driving at 70 (ish)

My journey is mostly motorway too, i get 46mpg more or less - though it is only 2 weeks old. Tank range is around 650 miles post refuel

a) It's cruel to show non F-Sport owners the amazingness of the slidy thing on the instrument panel. b) 30.3mpg... someone has been enjoying their new car

Wonder if that was on the same boat as mine?? Not that I need it until the end of May mind...

Yup had spotted that after. That was after some training from a 'hybrid trainer' apparently.... basically just the usual intelligent driving stuff, not braking too often, coasting where possible, gentle inputs etc. Impressive stuff nonetheless!!

http://blog.lexus.co.uk/2014/01/what-car-names-lexus-is-300h-as-the-most-efficient-executive-car/#.U2CzOV4hNYs Doesn't say, but it's part of their 'True MPG' which they claim is designed to simulate real world driving.

Hmm, wonder if they'll throw in the bike rack i like

I certainly saw the gains come back in the bumper to bumper crawl. The IS seemed to like a steady throttle which an A road may not have, on a motorway it was certainly better than the BMW for me. Your engine might be rather tight at the moment too, quite a few folks have said it does loosen up a lot. I think it's a common theme though, it's nowhere near the claimed ones unless you drive miss daisy, whereas BMW do seem to get a little closer. Factor in the cheaper fuel costs for petrol vs diesel though and 42 vs 50 probably is closer than it seems.

Had one for a few days on demo, fair amount of motorway driving at around 75mph (indicated, officer...) with some heavy traffic and some town work. When I handed it back, it was showing 51mpg average. That car had done 4000 miles so was maybe run in a bit better than brand new models. This compared very favourably with the 320d ED as in traffic the stop/start system was useless, whereas the Lexus hybrid system was in its element! A few folks, me included, appear to have been able to use the low BIK to our favour to het the IS.... much better than a 3 Series etc as i've still only seen a handful of IS's on the road since they came out!

I had one on demo a while back before placing an order and had the sat nag volume muted. I personally can't stand the directions being called out as it interrupts the stereo. I appreciate it isn't a solution for everyone, but with no voices being called out at all, I also received no beeps for speed cameras - it could work as a temporary solution for those with sleeping ladies in the car?