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Lexus unveils the HS 250h hybrid sedan

Toyota, until recently, has been wowing the U.S. auto buyers with its Prius hybrid. The fuel efficient hatchback is embraced by everyone from celebrities to Sally Homemaker to tree huggers. The vehicle has certainly struck a chord with auto buyers, and Toyota is looking to spread a little more hybrid love to its Lexus family.

Lexus is already home to the three hybrids: the GS 450h, the LS 600h L, and the RX 450h. There is now one more vehicle to add to the hybrid fleet: the HS 250h. The HS 250h is based on the Prius platform and ditches the hatchback design in favor of a traditional four-door sedan look. The end result is a vehicle that looks like a mash up of a Lexus ES 350 and a Toyota Corolla.

Power comes not from the Prius' tiny four-cylinder engine, but instead from the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine from the Toyota Corolla and Camry. The gasoline engine when combined with the Lexus Hybrid Drive System provides a total of 187 HP. Lexus hasn't given EPA mileage numbers for the HS 250h yet; it simply states that the vehicle will be "more than 30-percent better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup".

The HS 250h will come standard with a leather interior, Bluetooth, moonroof, active front head restraints, vehicle stability control, and ten airbags. Optional equipment will include LED headlights, Lexus' Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Hard Disk Drive Navigation System, and an LED-based Heads-up Display (HUD).

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Lexus HS 250h is expected to retail for around $35,000 when it launches later this year.

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So basically
By FITCamaro on 1/11/2009 1:53:24 PM , Rating: 4
Now you'll pay $35,000 for a Prius with nicer seats and worse fuel economy.




RE: So basically
By Chaser on 1/11/2009 1:59:02 PM , Rating: 2
Like them or not. Lexus' do exceptionally well in sales and customer satisfaction the United States.

I own a higher end Lexus and the service, reliabilty and dealer support is without compare in my city.

I'm sure this one will do just as well as all the others.


RE: So basically
By Samus on 1/12/09, Rating: 0
RE: So basically
By seamonkey79 on 1/12/2009 2:27:31 PM , Rating: 2
Michael Jackson doesn't even have a nose anymore.


RE: So basically
By Spuke on 1/12/2009 2:58:02 PM , Rating: 2
I've been hearing this a LOT lately from the domestic car fanboys. And before you even get started, I own a GM and Toyota product and am in the process of getting a Ford that's going to replace the Toyota. In the past I've owned Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, and VW. I've enjoyed all of my cars except the VW. It was slow, gas mileage sucked, and it was a POS on top of that.

I don't see the point in badgering people for their choice in cars. If someone spreads some misconception then by all means cite some facts to dispute it but it's ridiculous to badmouth someone's choice in car. I could almost understand it if you were badmouthing a bad choice but Lexus makes great cars, whether or not you like them, and buying one is a good choice.

Would I buy one? Nope, but that's because I'm a sports car guy not a luxury car guy. Personal preference.


RE: So basically
By SimpleLance on 1/12/2009 6:23:00 PM , Rating: 2
Consumer Reports did a very recent survey, and 32% of the respondents believe that Lexus has the best styling. That is the highest score in the survey.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/01/08/toyota-to...

Mercedes only comes second in that survey, at 19%.

The common people in the U.S. love the Lexus styling, and it shows in the sales numbers of Lexus.

This may not be true outside of the U.S.


RE: So basically
By teriba on 1/11/2009 2:01:27 PM , Rating: 5
How can you even compare the two? It has more power, it's bigger, it's faster, it has way more tech (LED headlights!), etc.


RE: So basically
By Brandon Hill (blog) on 1/11/2009 2:25:08 PM , Rating: 1
Bigger? It uses the exact same platform, so passenger legroom/shoulder room should be about the same as the upcoming third-generation Prius. Headroom is likely less and cargo capacity will definitely be less than the Prius.

With the exception of the radar cruise control, the other options will likely be available on the Prius.


RE: So basically
By Lord 666 on 1/11/2009 6:13:52 PM , Rating: 3
The real trunk versus the glass hatch of the Prius is a selling point in urban areas. One of the reasons why I passed on the Prius actually... second to safety concerns.


RE: So basically
By Tsuwamono on 1/11/2009 7:16:47 PM , Rating: 2
Prius looks like a coffin on wheels to me.


RE: So basically
By sprockkets on 1/12/2009 12:01:57 AM , Rating: 3
Yeah, and the sad part is the HID Xenon headlamps might end up using less energy than LED ones.

(Yes, I picked up on your humor)


RE: So basically
By FITCamaro on 1/12/2009 9:34:10 AM , Rating: 2
Looks to have the same width and interior space (at least in the front seats). Based on that, thank you for proving my point. And I would say its "faster".


RE: So basically
By Alexvrb on 1/12/2009 7:32:39 PM , Rating: 2
In that a geo metro is faster than a typical golf cart, yes, its faster. But its hardly "fast", especially looking at the rest of the Lexus lineup.


RE: So basically
By corduroygt on 1/12/2009 1:38:46 AM , Rating: 2
Or a Camry Hybrid with smaller interior and cargo room.

This thing looks ugly, like those sedans they make in third world countries by adding a boot to a popular hatchback model, like chevy aveo sedan or honda jazz sedan. The boot looks forced.


RE: So basically
By Lord 666 on 1/12/2009 6:59:43 AM , Rating: 2
The naming for the car is peculiar; HS 250. First read on it made me think of the Horse Shit 250.


RE: So basically
By theapparition on 1/12/2009 9:48:41 AM , Rating: 2
At least they didn't call it the 6000 SUX.


RE: So basically
By Drexial on 1/12/2009 3:25:44 PM , Rating: 2
I always loved how after showing off his hot car, he closes the door and the mirror falls off the window. That gets me rolling every time I see it.


RE: So basically
By Raidin on 1/13/2009 4:37:05 PM , Rating: 2
Lexus uses the 'xS' monikor as an acronym for <something> sedan. LS I think is Luxury Sedan. Don't remember what ES or IS stood for. I'm guessing HS is simply Hybrid Sedan.


RE: So basically
By mmcdonalataocdotgov on 1/13/2009 11:56:49 AM , Rating: 2
Actually, Toyota already sells this car with almost the exact same features for around $30K. It's called the Camry Hybrid. That car has every item on the list in the article, except the hard drive navigation system, but it has more passenger room (built on the Avalon platform). In the Camry, the nav system is DVD based. Combined it gets around 34 MPG. I have had one for two years and average 36 to 38 mpg combined, depending on the time of year.

Leather, nav, 2.4L, 7 air bags (missed one there), bluetooth in-dash phone, satellite radio, voice commands, pre-collicion, stability control, ABS, moon roof, etc.


Looks fine to me
By IvanAndreevich on 1/11/2009 3:16:27 PM , Rating: 3
To my eyes, the design looks pretty good.




RE: Looks fine to me
By joey2264 on 1/11/2009 3:42:30 PM , Rating: 3
Can I second that? I'm not sure where the hate for this car is coming from. Looks hot.

I assume it's midsize?


RE: Looks fine to me
By UNCjigga on 1/11/2009 5:15:46 PM , Rating: 5
To be honest, I think it just looks cheap for a Lexus.


RE: Looks fine to me
By rubyxc7 on 1/12/2009 1:14:52 PM , Rating: 2
Agreed. Does anyone else think the center console looks like its cheap plastic? Either way, it doesn't look like it would have been designed for a luxury brand.


RE: Looks fine to me
By Murloc on 1/11/2009 3:43:58 PM , Rating: 2
I don't like the front.


RE: Looks fine to me
By donxvi on 1/11/2009 4:11:08 PM , Rating: 2
Really ? Before I even read the article I thought it looked really frumpy for a Lexus. A dolled up Prius, of course !
Folks, meet the Lexus Cimarron.


RE: Looks fine to me
By Omega215D on 1/12/2009 2:28:47 AM , Rating: 2
The Lexus Carolla, a hybrid in terms of brand.


Looks
By WileCoyote on 1/12/2009 9:42:05 AM , Rating: 2
When I shop for a car, the "look" is the last thing on my mind. I shop within my budget and then find a vehicle that meets the needs of my business and lifestyle. From there it's a checklist - reliable, good safety features/record, low tco, and convenience. If it looks good, lucky me. I don't understand why there is so much passion/emotion when it comes to vehicle style.




RE: Looks
By superflex on 1/12/2009 12:38:54 PM , Rating: 2
Because a vehicle is a reflection of you.

Prius = Green Douchbag
Corvette = Compensating for small penis
BMW = Compensating for lack of penis
Audi = I can afford more than you


RE: Looks
By austinag on 1/12/2009 12:59:16 PM , Rating: 2
Your sign on is superflex.
What are you compensating for?


RE: Looks
By FITCamaro on 1/12/2009 1:58:30 PM , Rating: 1
inverted penis due to the juice.


RE: Looks
By superflex on 1/12/2009 8:55:22 PM , Rating: 2
At least I'm not drinking the Obama kool aid. Plus, under the chosen ones new health care plan, I can get a penis inversion at the expense of big oil or wall street fat cats.


RE: Looks
By Jimbo1234 on 1/12/2009 1:40:41 PM , Rating: 2
I don't get the Audi line. They are cheaper than BMW, M-B, and Porsche (Cayenne vs Q7). So how is that "I can afford more than you?" It's the German bargain luxury brand.


RE: Looks
By superflex on 1/12/2009 8:52:18 PM , Rating: 2
Base price on an Audi is typically cheaper than base on a comprable BMW or MB, but Audi uses an ala carte approach to some options which are standard on MB and BMWs. Apples to apples. Audi RS4 is more $$$ than BMW M3.


RE: Looks
By Jimbo1234 on 1/13/2009 2:09:21 PM , Rating: 2
While the RS4 may be more than the M3, this is not the typical case. All the German brands have the same approach to options that force you into packages. You want homelink? Sure, get the technology package or whatever. Go to BMW's site and price out a 328i. Base price: $33,600. With all packages and options (not accessories): $52,195. Audi A4 2.0T base price: $32,700. With the Prestige S-Ling trim and all possible boxes checked: $48,375. There are a lot more boxes to check on the Bimmer. With Audi, they at least have 3 trim levels to choose from. Much more like the Japanese.


UGLY!!!!!!!
By BillyBatson on 1/11/2009 5:41:23 PM , Rating: 2
this thing is so ugly! It looks like a prius had a child with an old model lexus is/gs with some es headlights




RE: UGLY!!!!!!!
By plewis00 on 1/12/2009 7:42:26 AM , Rating: 2
Actually it looks an awful lot like the new IS shape:

http://stadium.weblogsinc.com/autoblog/hirezpics/i...

I'm, in fact, surprised it wasn't called an IS 400h or something like that.


RE: UGLY!!!!!!!
By Raidin on 1/13/2009 4:39:40 PM , Rating: 2
I don't know why the author goes with the ES/Corolla look, it's far more IS/Corolla imo.


Not bad.
By matt0401 on 1/11/2009 9:43:06 PM , Rating: 2
Oddly enough, I'd prefer the Prius over this when it comes to aesthetics. I'm also more of a hatchback kind of person when it comes to hauling stuff, hence me liking the Prius design. This doesn't look too bad though. I Like the front, but the back looks a bit awkward. I think they could have done something else with those rear lights. Or maybe I'm just old fashioned and not a fan of the silver rear lights?




MPG
By Jimbo1234 on 1/12/2009 1:42:49 PM , Rating: 2
"more than 30-percent better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup"

Well it should be. It's the smallest Lexus in the line up.




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