Zotto

Here in Italy Lexus sells only Hybrid models, probably to have an ecologic image but also because of taxes on cars with high thermal power, that destroyed internal market for over 250HP vehicles.

So, go for a BMW.

I think you have to decide your priorities. GS 450h is really FAST, while RX 450h is just a big fast SUV; both have very good mpg in their category of vehicles. I drive a Premier GS 300h, mainly because I am worried to keep my driving license happy for wonderful mpg but sometimes missing the power of 2008 GS 450h I had before . Besides, new GS is better for all the rest.

To me, seems unreasonable compare a Clio and a Lexus RC.

An answer for your need of better performance exists, and it is GS 450h.

It seems to me something from exhaust.

Not at all , Malc! Lexus cars have long life, you can see how many owners of old Lexus are here. About parts to replace, only usual ones, brakes last longer, no belts to worry about and a simple automatic gear system without friction and servo mechanisms. And , being not a diesel, no DPF, turbines and other components that could break.

In my long love story with Hybrid Lexus, I noticed that the difference is eCVT: there are no alternatives, love or hate it; if one loves to hear the engine revving up and down with gears changing and associates it with sport driving, eCVT is a torture, with that vacuum cleaner effect when running; if you like quietness and uniform ride eCVT is a reason to have a Hybrid Lexus. Personally, I would never come back to a traditional car not hybrid, and I was surprised of all people that need to hear engine sound to feel to drive a race car, but it seems a common opinion that a sport car need a particular "sound". To put a patch to this need, Lexus introduced artificial sound generator to simulate roar, and this is fool So, my suggestion is to enjoy silence, but if you need "sound", buy a traditional noisy car.

All cars if properly serviced serviced last for long time, the point is the costs of maintenance. With your intense use even more, and Lexus hybrids should cost less than Audi, even if oil and filters change are more frequent. Besides, IS300h has to be compared to A4, the direct competitor of A6 is GS.

Absolutely NO. The thermal and electric work in synergy, thermal engine goes off only under 70 km/h (about 50 mph) and in deceleration, or is kept off in acceleration only if the requested power from standstill is low so to permit only electric.

This is a reason more to have 0W-20 oil in hybrid. About engine life, consider that it works for almost half time compared to a traditional car, so the real miles with engine are less

It may be useful , with AC on, keeping windows clean using a good windows cleaner (foam type?); also a little bit of grease on glass contributes to make mist.

Batteries are NOT a problem. You shoud test both and choose what you like more; if you like to hear the usual change of rpm at gear change go for 250, if you like silence and smoothness in acceleration, better fuel spare but a sound of fix rpm in acceleration go for Hybrid.

Usually I found Michelin tyres quiet, at least for some thousands of miles. But if someone finds GS noisy, may be he needs a flying carpet.

I "never" use paddles in normal driving, may be you could try keeping normal mode, to have a good responsiveness you need.

You are too much worried. 0W-40 it' s more than your car needs, I would stay on oil recommended in your instruction manual (also for miles to change). A higher grade (50 or 60) could only give you a better protection at high revs and temperatures, worsening mpg; that's the reason why now Lexus uses 0W-20 especially with hybrid engines that work at lower temperatures. 0W ensures a faster lubrication at cold engine.

LoL, no. Try saying "help" and see the commands it should understand , only if you have a perfect japanese accent

Nick, about your concern, you can drive without worrying till indicated cruising range disappears ;-). I see all the topic not a problem, before or after you will need to put fuel .

Being rather old compared to internet people, I am allowed too to be nostalgic too for some cars from previous century, but driving hybrid (or electric) is the future; after all the recommendation of filling fuel in empty tank could sound silly. Usually I start to think for fuelling when reserve light is on, being sure that I can make much more km. without worrying.

Secret agent... opss...

I own a 2014 GS 300h so it's possible that something is different, but to properly activate Adaptive H Beam you need to switch ON High beam and AFTER set ON the AHB switch. On my GS works well but only above about 30 mph and in dark streets, if there are many lights around it swiches off high beam too much. About heated (and ventilated) seats, on my GS are automatic, if you need more heating you can set them in manual mode. Another difference about AC system is if you use it in ECO mode or not, in ECO the heating is done only toward occupied seats to spare energy, more efficient but less comfortable got the whole interiors.

The point to avoid to be without fuel in hybrid cars is that if this occurs, even not considering the risk to damage fuel pump, the driver insists moving in EV using traction battery, till totally discharge, and with tractio battery discharged it's impossible to start the car: it needs a complex operation of recharging with an external charging machinery that is NOT common to find even in Lexus garages. So, need of towing and a long time to wait to fix the issue, and much money to spend. This the reason why extimated miles in reserve are very prudential: on my GS with a 65 liters of tank the warning alert of low fuel appears with almost 10 liters and a indication of only 50 kms, while with my usual driving style I could do 160 more km. from light on (100 miles).

My question was about premium navi with hdd and connected services.

At last service with my GS 300h I asked about the long awaited firmware update and they told me it's coming for end 2016... Not so sure but let's hope.

With my previous GS 450h I improved low beam regulating the height of beam with a LONG Phillips screwdriver in holes for each projector.