Lexus IS Saloon (2013 - 2020) 300h Advance (Lexus Premium Navigation) auto 4d Owner Review

Having owned from new a 2010 BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics for four years, followed by a 2014 Mercedes C220d AMG Line, also for four years, I decided I wanted to drive something different (i.e. non German and not an SUV), that was reliable and that didn't shake me to bits or sound like a tractor. I have now had my Lexus IS300h Advance with the Premium Nav (12.3" screen + enhanced audio system) for nearly 12 months. In that time nothing has gone wrong, the car is exceptionally quiet, refined and relaxing to drive, and it is returning an average of 48mpg (though I'm suspicious that the computer is a bit optimistic). My Mercedes on the other hand, suffered a failed start/stop system, blew and injector that required a 5 week visit to the dealers, suffered a failed temperature sensor in the exhaust system and then had a minor oil leak oil which required the engine to be removed to fix. The car looked great, but was just such a pain to live with. On top of it's faults it had rock hard, unforgiving suspension that after a while became uncomfortable and annoying - especially when all the door seals constantly squeaked and chattered. My BMW was more reliable but it also had the exhaust gas re circulation valve replaced multiple times. Both cars were just so noisy and unrefined. If I was to pick on anything with the Lexus it is the tendency for the engine speed to feel disconnected from the road speed due to the eCVT, but this only happens if you floor it - and in fact, you don't need to do this. If you accelerate gently but confidently and in a controlled manor everything is much more civilized. Sport mode also increases the boost from the electric motor which makes the throttle more responsive. And if you do floor it you can always go that bit further by pushing the throttle just a bit more - because at the end of the travel is a switch that kicks in maximum boost! The one annoyance was the inflexibility with model spec and options - not that I wanted loads of options. I just wanted the Sport (18" wheels) with premium nav. A configuration that wasn't available. You either had to go for the Sport with standard nav/audio or the Advance which allowed Premium Nav/audio as an option (but no 18" wheels). Of course, you could pay loads more for the top spec F-Sport or Premium, but in the end I went for comfort over looks within budget. Since 2018 the spec's have changed again, but I think they are still quite inflexible. In summary, I am very pleased with my choice - and probably for the first time it's one that I would make again.