Lincoln is taking an interesting strategy with its 2011 MKZ Hybrid. The vehicle, which is based on the same platform as the more plebeian Ford Fusion, will be priced at an aggressive $35,180 (including destination and delivery charges). What's most interesting is that this is the exact same starting price for the standard MKZ which is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine which produces 263 hp.

Lincoln's aggressive pricing on the MKZ Hybrid undercuts Lexus' HS 250h by a few hundred bucks (the HS 250h is priced from $35,525 including destination and delivery charges). The MKZ Hybrid also has the upper hand in the fuel economy department as well -- the MKZ hybrid is rated at 41/36 (city/highway) versus 35/34 for the HS 250h.

Lincoln talks up the Lexus HS 250h quite a bit in the press release and points out that the MKZ Hybrid betters its Japanese competitor due to standard features like SYNC, leather seating surfaces, genuine wood trim, power driver/passenger seats, heated/cooled seats, and reverse sensing system.

"Lincoln is about delivering luxury standard," stated John Felice, general manager for Ford and Lincoln Marketing. "Customers are very enthusiastic about the MKZ Hybrid and we think they will be even more excited to learn they sacrifice nothing to be able to go green in style. We're launching a world-class hybrid that beats all competitors, and at an introductory price that is sure to draw the interest of new customers to Lincoln."

It remains to be seen if luxury buyers will flock to Lincoln showrooms instead of heading down to the Lexus dealership. Lincoln definitely has a winner when it comes to features and fuel economy (and some may even say styling as well), but Lexus' brand name and reputation may still sway buyers to the less efficient HS 250h.