Lexus HS 250h

The negative perception of hybrid cars has always been that they are great on fuel economy (and quite sensible), but not a lot of fun and certainly not luxurious. However, with Lexus entering the HS 250h into the fray, it is clear that this perception no longer applies, at least not to every hybrid on the market.

To many, it may seem strange that Lexus would even enter the increasingly-crowded hybrid car market, since Lexus already has carved out a niche for itself with its successful current lines of automobiles. However, statistics have shown that at least 60% of those that buy luxury automobiles would choose a luxury hybrid, if such a thing existed. Now, thanks to Lexus, it does, in the form of the Lexus HS 250h.

Unlike previous Lexus hybrids, this model is only available as a hybrid and not as a gasoline-only model. The focus has been worthwhile, as the HS 250h boasts 35 miles per gallon in the city, as well as 34 miles per gallon on the highway. It accomplishes these figures even with a substantially larger engine, at 2.4 liters, than what the Prius offers (1.8 liter). The horsepower is quite different also, with the Prius only offering 134 horsepower, compared to the HS 250h’s 187.

Luxury automobile enthusiasts will immediately want to know what kind of features are provided by this new Lexus offering, and they won’t be disappointed. With Bluetooth connectivity, a front-view monitor, heads up instrument display, and a navigation system that features real-time updates to weather and traffic situations, there is a lot to be seen here. The HS 250h also features adaptive cruise control, as well as amenities that Lexus owners would expect, such as leather trim and sound-deadening features to keep your ride smooth and relaxing, no matter where you are.

The Lexus HS 250h is instantly more attractive than the rather pedestrian looking Prius, with a sleek look that is in line with the rest of Lexus’ offerings. With the HS 250h, you get a surprising amount of room for the considerable fuel economy, with the expected four doors for convenience and family use, as well. The design is very aerodynamic, with a drag co-efficient of just 0.27, also. Other features, such as LED headlights, can lower the power consumption of the vehicle while illuminating the road in a more effective way. Lexus has also seen fit to include such useful features as Intuitive Parking Assist, which uses a total of six sensors that detect obstacles and alert you to their proximity via the information display.

Clearly, Lexus is taking their foray into true hybrid sedans very seriously, and it would not be surprising to see the HS 250h become one of the more popular hybrid sedans on the market in a short amount of time. Lexus believes that there is a lot of demand for a luxury hybrid sedan, and there is no doubt that the HS 250h will deliver what those who want a luxury hybrid want.