I have my GS300H Premier for seven months now, and covered just over 4000 miles. Previously I had an IS300H, and had no plans to change it. Then I took it into the dealer for its second service and saw this GS300H in the showroom. Atlantic blue, with tan leather and bamboo wood trim (which sounds odd but looks fabulous). I was smitten. I had a long test drive in one, and loved the smooth comfort. I ended up buying the one in the showroom.

Like all Lexus cars it is superbly built, and has a lovely, lovely interior. It has loads of bells and whistles as standard, with lots of lovely touches (such as the drivers seat automatically moves backward when you switch off the ignition to make it easier to get out of the car. When you get back in again and put on the seatbelt, the seat moves back to your preferred driving position).To equip a Mercedes, or BMW or Audi to the same specification would cost many thousands of pounds more.

At first I was worried that having the same engine as the IS300H in a larger, heavier car would mean a sluggish performance. However, it feels at least as lively as the IS did. Having said that, this is a car that is at its best with a relaxed style of driving, when you can appreciate the supple ride, and the hushed interior.

The CVT gearbox in all Lexus cars attracts critical comments from road testers, yet I don't have a problem with it. Yes, if you just put your foot down the engine revs rise and you become aware of the engine noise. I don't find the noise unpleasant at all. Perhaps it is the contrast between not hearing the engine at all for most of the time that causes road testers to comment. There is about a half second lag between putting your foot down hard and the car starting to accelerate, which is initially disconcerting. However, if you anticipate your overtaking manoeuvre, and switch it into sport mode and use the flappy paddles to drop down a couple of (simulated) gear ratios, then there is no hesitation at all.

Even though the engine has not fully loosened up yet, I am currently averaging 45 to 47 mpg, which I think is very good for such a large heavy car. Road tax is a mere £20.

If you want to hoon round the country like an i****, go and get a BMW or an Audi. If you want to make serene progress in a lovely, comfortable cabin, go and buy a Lexus.

I have just two gripes: firstly,the manual supplied with the car only covers the basics and is inadequate for configuring the sophisticated systems on the car. Full manuals are only available on line or hard copies on request from the dealer. It took my dealer six months to get me the two manuals (one for the car, one for the navigation system)

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GS300h Premier

reviewed by Anonymous on 23 March 2015