Nico72

3 hours ago, PRT68 said:

Yes, I do have an RC300h. Silver with grey leather (that smells nice!)

Again,drives beautifully. Obviously different to the ISF. 

It 's a lowly Luxury version. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but good enough for me.

Thanks. I do like the shape of this car. It looks quite sporty but not practical enough I think for my needs...

2 minutes ago, PRT68 said:

2 years ago, I had an ES as a courtesy car for 48 hours whilst my ISF was in for servicing. I don't remember the model specification, but it drove beautifully. The only thing I didn't like about it was the interior smell! It smelled of plastic. 

More emphasised by the lovely aroma of leather when I got my ISF back. 

On research, my loan car had synthetic leather. 

Thanks for the reply. Interesting. Do you drive an RC 300h? if so, how is the car?

4 hours ago, ste42 said:

the main reason im not going for an hybrid is the spate of cat thefts that are getting worse 

To be exact, the cat thefts cannot get in for the GS 450h, as I have been informed by Lexus. I had asked if I should fit my car with a Catlock. And they said no need as it is located in an area that thieves can not cut and get it out...

Just now, Spacewagon52 said:

Has she considered the UX? Depends on how much space you need in the back?

We did and it is a great car to drive but there is not boot space! Shame...

3 minutes ago, Zotto said:

In normal city driving it's not, but extra power is a drug, you may even never need it, but you know "you may use power". 

About interior quality and space in ES, as I can see is "almost" same for quality but better for space. And fuel consumption if far better.

You are so right. It is hard to get it off, when you know you have great power available when you want it. It is addictive. But I may opt for comfort as first choice this time - maybe?

16 minutes ago, superatticman said:

This is a great thread as its something I'm going to have to ponder at some point. The part about London traffic very relevant though. If, like me you spend the majority of your time in traffic, or cruising along the speed camera infested motorways then you have to question whether the extra power is worth it? London is only going one way, with 20mph limits, yet more speed cameras etc etc. So a moderately powered hybrid makes sense. I've yet to even sit in an ES300 but it needs to have at least even headroom to my GS for it to work. 

The ES is lauded as a high quality, reliable and comfortable car. But....it does seem pricey for what it is. 

 

 

I completely agree with you. The current traffic situation in London is so abysmal and reducing main roads to one lane is insane. More pollution will be inevitable. Introduction of Ulez this October meaning that Ulez approved cars will be allowed inside north and south circular or a daily fee of £15 (I think) 24/7 to drive in if car is not Ulez approved. So my car is Ulez approved, so it is a good thing. But as you say, I am not really using the full power, only if I overtake but speed limit is constant in many places (including average speed limit) that it does make you think whether it is worth going for fast cars. I think I will have to do a test drive for a few days to explore if I would settle with this ES300h. The other task I have is that my wife has to change her car this year (she drives a Tiguan 2009 diesel) as it will not pass the Ulez. So, she wants an SUV vehicle. I have been trying to convince her to either go with NX300 or RX 450h. She does not want the RX as it is too big. But she is not so keen on the NX either. Shame. So I am trying to see what she wants first to decide on my next car too. If she gets another SUV then I would certainly not want to have another SUV like RX as two SUVs will look a bit odd on our way drive in my opinion. So hence why, I am still thinking Saloon as first choice. Or keep my GS 450h or get another GS 450h... Not sure.

27 minutes ago, Zotto said:

It was the same dilemma that led me to change my top luxury version of GS300h  for a RX450h: I missed too much the v6 engine on my former GS450h MY2008. Nonetheless Es300h is quite a wonderful car where to live in, and mpg are better. At the moment I am happy with my RX, waiting for  some new model from Lexus (may be electric?). The alternative choice, a LS hybrid sedan is "too much" for me, and getting older stay sitting higher is a plus.

All this, unless I receive an offer I can't refuse...

I see your point too. I was tempted for the LS500h but it is too big to drive it in London. Finding a parking space will always be tricky unfortunately. The car is very sumptuous and I don't feel ready for this level of comfort yet! Some day maybe (when I get older).

2 minutes ago, Spacewagon52 said:

I am very wary about listening to car reviews. The best review you can get is from an owner who has had the car at least for 6 months.

See which dealers will offer you an extended test drive. Should be easier after the end of June. Gives you time to research more.

Thank you. I agree with your observation. Well it is wise thought. I think, I will ask my local Lexus in Edgware Road if they would loan me an ES for test drive for a day or 2...

2 minutes ago, Spacewagon52 said:

 

 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Really appreciate this.

You say: "My thoughts, in your position, would not be about power but comfort." I concur and I accept this - so true. Lexus are making best seats and the level of comfort is extremely important for me. 

I have not tested the ES 300h and I think I should to form a better opinion of it rather than relying on the various car reviewers. I had not thought of this! Obvious thing to do really, which will help me decide on your next points you quoted:

"Will a ES 300h be as comfortable as your present GS? 

Will it have the space you need for the family?

Will you enjoy driving the ES as much as the GS (not because it is newer)?

Will how the car looks on the drive sway my feelings?

Will the extra cost implications make it worth the change?"

I mean not to exclude those who drive GS300h as I think, the choice for going with ES 300h, maybe an easier alternative to proceed... But it is when you have the extra power that you have to ask yourself: do I want to keep it or lose it?

Hi Gents,

This is, I think, an interesting question to ask, as I have been wanting to know from those who drive a GS 450h if you would consider changing a GS 450h to an ES 300h? It sounds like a downgrade on first sight, right? The obvious suspected answer is that the ES 300h does not have the punch of the GS 450h and it is only front wheel drive, so for me it forms an obvious reason to keep my GS 450h over the new ES 300h.

But, there are a number of things that I am now beginning to appreciate the ES more than before. At first, I thought, nice design but the power train and engine is not enough to convince me. However, strangely enough, over the last few weeks, I have begun appreciating it more, I think it has to do the introduction of the new 2021 ES make over. The look is beginning to grow on me lately. 

When looking at the ES 300h, I now appreciate more the front grill and front look - it is really looking stunning. The rear is something, that I am not so keen on. I wish it was designed sportier than what it looks. I am not sure the rear spoiler is right, but I could live with it. The cabin interior looks refreshing, interesting design and I love the luxurious feel of it. This car is like a baby LS 500h to me, which is cleverly thought. But, whilst it looks very luxurious, there are a few bits that let the interior down with presence of plastic bits like plastic on the side of the console, plastic on the front bit of the navigation screen, side bottom doors. However, the cabin still looks outstanding - I love the new steering wheel for, either, Sport or Luxury type and both really look elegant and inspiring to drive. The sat nav can be too small to operate for my liking, so I would prefer the bigger sat nav screen of the 2021 ES model. The driver seat, according to car reviewers is well built and is extremely comfortable (same as GS). They have made the cabin extremely quiet and well insulated that apparently it is more relaxing to drive. The Hybrid has had an upgrade as you can still drive EV mode (providing enough battery cells are charged) up to 70mph, where as my GS is up to 40mph.

Overall, I really want to like the ES more but the sticking point is the 2.5 Litre engine and front wheel drive that make me hesitant to trade for GS 450h. If only, Lexus were creating an ES 450h, it would really solve my problem in an instant. 

However, I must admit one thing: as I live in London, most of my journeys are in town, the traffic is often congested (due to London Mayor reducing lanes prioritising extra lanes for cyclists! Insane) so I cannot really use all the power of my GS, unless on motorway, which is only occasional. Again, with all the speed limits and cameras, there are no possibilities of truly experiencing its power without the risk of getting caught speeding. So for that matter of fact, you could be driving a 911 and you would get no real benefits when driving in town, we all have to follow the congestion lane. But, what Lexus does, is making the driving much more special even when we get stuck in traffic, the EV mode quicks in on its own and it is like being secluded in your own capsule and enjoying Zen at its best, it is so relaxing that you don't mind being stuck in traffic and it is even addictive. So, driving an ES would give me more of this tranquility feeling for sure... As I understand it is better insulating than the GS. 

Or am I now getting old? I used to think that I am sporty driver but, since having my Lexus GS, Lexus has done something with my driving style. The Hybrid mode has changed the way I drive. Yes, I do like to hear the V6 growling at times on the motorway, but there are times, I feel just cruising and driving relax enjoying the moment and appreciating what the Hybrid does. It definitely makes me think, if I change my car, it will be another Lexus and certainly another Hybrid too. 

So here I am now doing lots of thinkings, lots of car reviews viewing on YouTube to see what could be my next car in future. Why? It is because my 3 year lease with my GS will end at the end of this year.

4 Options I can see fit:

1) keep my GS 450h and pay a small balloon left and extend my warranty afterward and continue to enjoy driving my current car for another year or so and then decide later on what I would want to replace it with - definitely another Lexus for sure!!

2) I could trade my car with a new Lexus vehicle... a) choose an ES300h if I want to stay within saloon type of vehicle, or b) go a for a newer GS 450h year 2017 (which is a lovely car too), different steering wheel, different sat nav upgrade, different grill, and LED lights, but same dimension as my current, same power train, which would make GS 450h more rare than ever when driving on the road.

3) or try SUV like the RX 450h... As when you drive 3.5 V6 engine, you would want to keep the same sort of power or engine category. The interior of the RX 450h is just outstanding. Will it be sportier than my GS? Well no, but it has a whole new level of luxury that I cannot ignore.

4) Or go mental and choose a GSF (rare and still expensive) or choose a RCF, as I did once with driving my E63AMG 6.3 naturally aspirated Performance Pack for near 3 years - I adored the car, but it was expensive to run. This last option, will mean that I must be ready for all added costs: more expensive car insurance, extra costs for changing rear tyres more often, go to Petrol station more often, change brake pads and brake discs more often but having lots of fun - again if my main driving is in London (which it is), I will be restricted to have fun with this car, unless I take it to the motorway every now and then...

Are you in identical situation, having to think what would be the next vehicle after GS 450h? If so, I would love to hear your views and comments. 

16 hours ago, superatticman said:

Hi

Just to remind me didn't you buy that 450h from Lexus Edgware?? Pretty sure I test drove it but didn't fancy taking out credit. Also....had just racked up 6 points from speed cameras and didn't fancy adding to them.....

cheers

 

Yes indeed, I bought it from Lexus Edgware. Then I am lucky to have had it then...

6 hours ago, STE041 said:

I didn’t have a GS450 - last one was an ES300h

Oops. Sorry I was misread the posts (and late last night)...

Lovely photos and the car looks stunning. Did you not miss the power you had from your GS450H?

Hello everyone,

Here is my new released video focusing on the Sat Nav and Infotainment system of my own GS 2014 model. Why? Well, I thought this video could help decide anyone who is undecided about getting this vehicle due to the bad press it gets with the infotainment system - so my video is giving what I truly think of this system after driving my GS for over 2 1/2 years now. All in all, I think it is a decent system and I explained why in this video...

So if it helps anyone decides to purchase an older vehicle, then great!

This video is now about to be launched as a premiere launch imminently: https://youtu.be/qwTG3tbbhZk

10 hours ago, Initial P said:

Thanks for the video's it was nice to see a owner review of a GS for change not many of those about in the UK.

I'm seeking a 450h or 300h as my next car keeping with Toyota.

Thanks Pete, indeed these cars are quite rare. Both the GS 450h and GS 300h are great cars in their own way. But for me hearing the V6 growling gently is a plus and more attractive to have and the power you get is phenomenal. It holds so well on the motorway and reminded me of my E63 AMG 6.3 Naturally aspirated engine car that I had years ago (W212) when you press the accelerator. The power is there and if we had the Autobhan in the UK, this car would have no trouble getting to the top speed. And the comfort is sublime. I had the opportunity to have a courtesy car in 2019 and drove a Range Rover PHEV sport new model made in 2018 and I did not like the way it was driving and the seats were not comfy at all. The rental company were shocked when I said I am returning the car sooner and wanted my Lexus back (which was in for workshop minor paint repair). That is how good the car is. I know that I will have a difficult time to get a new vehicle (when the time comes) because it simply ticks all the boxes at this moment of time. One of the best cars I have driven to date!! No question.

31 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

You two are doing a wonderful job in enhancing the value of my 450h. Do keep up the good work!

 

There is one phrase that springs to my mind and perhaps other Lexus drivers have recognised this too?

Whenever, I get into the car, whether to drive it, check something in the Handbook, or simply to put it into Ready Mode to recharge the Battery, I experience an "inner peace".

Glad you feel that way too! The tranquility feeling is addictive!

I think my next video will be focusing on the Infotainment system as there is lots of good stuff that many may not be aware: you can receive your text message, emails on the infotainment system and let the system read it aloud whilst you are driving. And there are some presets answers ready for you to click quickly so that you can respond on the move without having to write a full reply. All these are free of charge! BMW would charge you an annual subscription and if I remember it is around £140 a year! Lexus does it standard... You can play any songs on your phone and play them via Bluetooth connection under 'BT' link and it works really well. I use Spotify and never had a single issue. So for a car that is 2014 manufactured, it is very well built to allow most of current needs we may have in mind. The home button is very good as it gives you 3 separate screens one for music/radio, one for Sat nav, and one for air con. It is very clever indeed.

7 minutes ago, Spacewagon52 said:

I much prefer your honest appraisal than twaddle from a professional hack!

Thanks David! I know a lot of them are being paid by the German car manufacturers who are so biased in their reviews. For instance, they always tend to seek 0-60MPH how quick the car gets, but frankly there is much more than this. How the car drives and whether the engine is refined or not is more important to me. They also criticise the infotainment system but honestly, there is nothing wrong with it! It works well if you adjust the sensitivity, which they all seem to not know this!!

8 minutes ago, Spacewagon52 said:

You have sold it to me Nick! 

 

If I were to replace my LS400 with another saloon, I think the GS450h would definitely be the one!

 

 

That is good news David! I am glad you are sold about this GS. It is a fantastic car.

26 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

Vey good Nick.

No discernible rattles, squeaks, or wind noise. Exterior traffic/vehicle noise was minimal, or not noticeable. Roar from engine only evident when you depressed the accelerator ala BMW,  rather than receive the gliding effect of linear acceleration.

Photography gave the effect of driving through a constant mist rather than affording a view of looking directly through the windscreen. Possible to rectify?

Everything seemed so calm and tranquil that I kept thinking of Beethoven`s Pastoral Symphony--you might consider using that to introduce the GS ?

Anyway, thanks once again.

Thank you John for checking the video. I know the contrast was a bit of a challenge and I could not get around it as the phone camera focuses on the immediate surrounding. I wish it was clearer on the road. I did this video with one camera only and it was all done as a hobby. I am not pertaining to be a car reviewer expert! They do this job way better than me. But it was fun to do the project. I will check out the Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony and will see what I can do on the next video for you! 

Hi folks,

Here is the link of this new video I made yesterday...

Good evening everyone,

Here is the link of this video, which is going to launch as premiere as soon as it is released, which will be within 10 minutes from sending this post:

https://youtu.be/ElE4t-IhXHU

Good evening all,

A third video is on its way currently being uploaded on my YouTube Channel... Driving GS 450h on motorway.

If you are brave enough to watch the whole of it, you will see another 2 white GS mk4! GS 250 and GS 300h! It never happened before and I am glad my video is a testimony for seeing these identical cars in one trip! Stay tune... I will share the video link shortly.

Driving GS on motorway

34 minutes ago, royoftherovers said:

Thanks Nick.

I`d have been much happier to see you have two hands on the steering wheel and the constant flapping of something was irritating.

I look forward to your next video.

Thanks for the feedback. I will work on this next time!