Lexus HS 250h – The World’s First Hybrid-only Luxury Sedan

By Tim Moran – NY Times

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is a statement car and is definitely not your ordinary mid-size luxury sedan.

Lexus has been selling hybrid versions of its RX luxury crossover, GS sports sedan, and of course the LS sedan for a few years.

Lexus introduces the world’s first hybrid-only luxury vehicle. Not to be confused as a morph of the Toyota Prius, the Lexus HS is a standalone, dedicated hybrid luxury car.

Lexus HS uses a 147-hp, 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle engine. After you push the “start” button, a space-age navigation screen rises up from the center console. That’s it, the HS 250h car is actually running, even though you can’t hear the traditional engine noise.

The front-wheel drive HS 250h is deceptively fast while cruising down the road. The vehicle is rated as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle, and emits an impressive 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car.

The five-passenger HS 250h sedan base price starts at $34,200 and offers numerous features including: 10 standard airbags, daytime running lights, active headrests for front seats, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, direct-type tire pressure monitoring system, headlight-off delay feature, remote-activated illuminated entry and Lexus Safety Connect with automatic collision notification and emergency assist button.

An option for buyers is a pre-collision system the includes dynamic radar cruise control and driver monitor.

Although the Lexus HS 250h was not designed or intended to be a performance car, but the vehicle’s ride and handling is excellent.