These tires were factory fit, Lexus uses this on the F Sport variant of the ES300h as a more aggressive alternative to the rest of the range. In practice that is fine, it isn't a car that wants to be thrown around by nature. However, I was absolutely delighted to see the back of them last week when switching to Cross Climate 2s.
The dry performance is ok, nothing to write home about and they give up very quickly when they find their limit. It was a little bit of a shock having used Pilot Sport 4S for a few years on my previous cars. However, in the wet it is like driving on ice.
I had very little confidence through the corners, would struggle to get out of junctions without wheel spin and they were utterly hopeless when it came to aquaplaning. The only thing that stopped me having a big one a few weeks ago after hitting a flood in the dark caused by a burst pipe was the fact I have Cross Climate 2s already fitted to the back due to a puncture the day before I travelled. It was an interesting experience having the front of the car feeling like a lost cause and the rears holding steady. Would not go near these again.
The car genuinely feels more confident and direct even in the dry on the CC2 over the SportMaxx, the ride is a little harder as expected but, I'm glad I now have a full set ahead of the wet Scottish winter.