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August 03, 2009 by Bill Kwong

Lexus HS 250h Causing Internet Buzz

The internet is buzzing with Lexus HS 250h excitement and observations, and it has been reported that the HS 250h is a Lexus version of the Toyota Prius. That is far from the truth.

All Toyota and Lexus hybrids use the series/parallel hybrid system, but that’s where the similarity ends between the Toyota Prius and the new Lexus HS 250h. So, let’s look at some of the differences.

The HS 250h is based on the European Toyota Avensis platform and uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine compared to the Prius, which is on another design platform and uses a 1.8-liter engine. The hybrid transmission, motor generators and electronic control systems are also different.

Specially designed for the luxury buyer, HS 250h has a double-wishbone rear suspension while the Prius uses torsion beam. All components of the front suspension are different too. The HS has more spot welding and has anti-vibration front and rear suspension members for a quieter and smoother ride.

Compared to Prius, HS 250h has premium standard and optional features including Remote Touch, Wide-view Front monitor, intelligent high beams, Heads-Up Display, Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™, a 40- gigabyte hard disk drive navigation system with Voice Command casual language voice recognition system, streaming audio via Bluetooth^® and Mark Levinson^® Audio Sound system.

In addition, as Lexus’ first dedicated hybrid, HS 250h offers the Lexus customer experience, which includes Roadside Assistance, complimentary dealer loaner vehicles, valet parking at dealerships, and other benefits and services.

Compared to its competitors in the entry luxury sedan segment, HS 250h is priced thousands of dollars less. It has the best combined EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings, at 35 mpg, of any luxury or diesel luxury vehicle in the U.S. In addition, the HS 250h emits 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car and is eight times cleaner than any clean diesel.

Model	MSRP	City (mpg)	Highway (mpg)	Combined (mpg)
Lexus HS 250h	$34,200	35	34	35
Mercedes E320 BLUETEC	$54,200	23	32	27

So, when entry luxury consumers are looking for a vehicle that is technologically advanced, has efficient design with great fuel economy and driving dynamics, the Lexus HS 250h, is definitely the clear choice and provides more value for your hard earned dollar.

Comments

Tow bar, December 21, 2009

The vehicle is safe to be towed with a tow bar, check with the company vehicle and know the state laws for the weight limit for vehicles to be towed.

Doug in USA, December 07, 2009

I've had the chance to drive an HS250h for a few hours (loaner vehicle), and I used ot own a Gen 2 Prius. My observations: The HS is definitely not a "luxury Prius"; it is a totally different car. It is way more powerful (has Camry Hybrid engine), it handles much better when driven assertively, and it has a trunk vice hatchback. It looks better in person than in pictures, although I prefer the ES and LS styling. It is a pretty quiet car; but, the ES has less road and engine noise. Seating is reasonably comfortable (I'm 6'); however, there's no cushion extender on the driver seat and the padding in the lumbar region is just so-so in comfort. The base stereo is incredible! There are nice touches like variable speed window closers, heated/cooled seats, footwell lights, and a handle under the trunk lid to close it. My biggest complaint: It looks a bit "cheap" inside due to lack of wood and many visible seams between plastic parts (assembly is impeccable, though). The sun visor is a joke - when flipping it to the side it hangs down at an angle, and it doesn't extend, although it has a plastic panel that slides out to block light. The panel's skinniness and the angle of the visor leaves a good 3" of sunlight streaming in the top of the door window. It's something I'd expect in a Kia but not a Lexus. Hopefully, Lexus will revise that design. Rear leg room is surprisingly good, due to clever scalloped front seat backs, but the feet of tall people will bump into equipment under the front seats. It's comfortable enough for taking colleagues to meetings and such, but after an hour it may be uncomfortable in the back. I drove the loaner about 3 hours straight, and found the seating comfortable, and I have a bad back. If Lexus would fix the visors and add a wood steering wheel or otherwise spiff up the interior, this would be an awesome car. My loaner stickers at about $42K.

Jan, December 03, 2009

Why are there only such big cars with hybrid? I would like to drive a small car!^^

tyre changers, November 08, 2009

Lexus HS 250h is a vehicle that the automaker is calling the world's first luxury dedicated hybrid. It also calls the HS an economy luxury car.It pairs a combined MPG rating of 35 with advanced technology and lower CO2 emissions.

Eddie, October 12, 2009

The HS seems ok in person, but what Lexus needs desperately is differenciations with the gas counterparts THAT LOOK GOOD. Not a plastic grille. ex. THE facelifted 2010 LS 600hL grille such a disappointment. it made me cry(not literally) but ITS a $100,000 car. Lexus, you should know better. Key Points. - Better design in all Lexus cars ( inspiring design, head turners) - Better performance and handling - More wood and Leather trim. ( the dash) ex (2010 Lexus RX)

mary, November 13, 2009

OH RUBBISH!!! Very subjective I would say... Best design on the road!

Doug in USA, October 07, 2009

Thanks for the informative article. Since the HS is not covered much in car websites due to not being a sports car or as fuel efficient as the Prius, it's hard to find a lot of specifics on it. This is a very appealing model to me, as I have a 4-hr daily commute and want something very comfortable/luxurious, loaded with high tech gadgets, and more fuel efficient than non hybrids without being tiny. My only concerns are that it appears to lack some of the commuter-friendly features of my ES350 (extendable seat cushion for tall drivers and extendable sun visor), and the unknown quality factor. By the latter, I'm referring to the fact it's a first year new model, and I the last two such cars I bought new were buggy (2007 Camry V6 XLE with failed transmission & other issues, traded in at big loss for 2007 ES350 with transmission and numerous other defects, and have been underwhelmed with dealer service skills. I'm a long time Toyota/Lexus customer but feeling let down and burned & wondering why I should continue to put my trust in the brand.

Jojo, October 05, 2009

"Specially designed for the luxury buyer, HS 250h has a double-wishbone rear suspension while the Prius uses torsion beam. All components of the front suspension are different too. The HS has more spot welding and has anti-vibration front and rear suspension members for a quieter and smoother ride." For a car that starts at around 22K dollars I would expect Toyota to put a decent suspension in the Prius. When independent suspension is now the norm, even in the compact car segement Toyota is still insisting on torsion beam. How about those 4 speed transmission? And why is it that almost all of your vehicles are so boring to look at with the exception of the new Prius? No, I'm not a car enthusiast. I wouldn't be looking at the Prius if I'm an enthusiast. It's just that time has change. People nowadays are well informed and they actually look at the car specs before making a purchasing decision.

E L Lofgren, October 01, 2009

I would wellcome a V6 or V8 Diesel in the Lexus family. As lexus owner I have enjoyed the 07 GS350 08 LS460 and my present 09 LS460. With all the hype given the Hybrid it leaves me cold no matter whose make.

Anonymous, September 25, 2009

Don't be a hater! As much as I like Mercedes, you can't compare APPLES to Oranges, LEXUS brand is much, much better in quality. I used to have a 2002 Mercedes and it had so much problems, I was lucky to cash out on a devalued vehicle at the time. My opinion only, Lexus over Mercedes, heck yeah!

Run&Ride, September 21, 2009

This is not a Lexus Prius. I own a Prius, which has much, much more trunk space. The Lexus is very nice, but missed the boat by not making it a crossover with more storage space.

Andrew, September 18, 2009

Hybrids are great local commuter. Diesel vehicles are great for long trips or for towing. The winner from a Diesel and Hybrid comparison can easily be decided by design of the test. Toyota, great job making the hybrid cars, but shame on you for not having diesel Tundra and Sequoia.

Thai, September 07, 2009

It is not the same as a Prius is obvious. However, how different is it from a Camry Hybrid? Is it any different than a Camry mechanically?? For a rational person, wouldn't Camry be a much better buy?? It is bigger, roomier, cheaper, and has the same powertrain. Yeah, it does not have electronic toys and Lexus exemplary (but extremely pricey) service.

dicktracy, September 01, 2009

You ignore the facts! It is necessary to be dispersed a little on a hybrid and fuel flows like water. And to save during parking it is not necessary - to switch off the engine easier. I choose diesel European cars! Besides, a Mercedes is much more convenient and more beautiful, than Lexus.

Dan Allen, August 31, 2009

My 2006 Mercedes E 320 CDI has averaged 34.5 MPG over 82,000 miles, and on trips it achieves well over 40 MPG. Those numbers are much better than the HS 250h. The Mercedes has a longer wheelbase for a much better ride.

kurt, August 23, 2009

HS 250h seems worthwhile improvement over Prius, but is sedan, not hatch or crossover, so it looses out on versatility. Sadly, RX 450h gained inches and roughly 450 pounds for '10. Hopefully Toyota/Lexus will someday offer a CUV with the 250h hybrid system but with AWD like the 450h AWD (essential in our NW states). Even the RAV4 AWD with a hybrid drivetrain would be a big step in this direction.

Tom, August 04, 2009

So you pretty much confirmed it, its a luxury Prius.

Run&Ride, September 21, 2009

But, at the end of the day, you end up driving a Mercedes. Having owned both (more than once), I can say that Lexus stands behind its products, whereas Mercedes produces inferior products (maybe rubbed off from Chrysler) and does not stand behind them.

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