2010 Lexus HS 250h: Dedicated Hybrid Sedan with 187HP 4-Cylinder Engine

Sunday, January 11, 2009 | 12 comments » Categories | , , , , | Bookmark and Share

Revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new HS 250h is Lexus' first dedicated hybrid model as well as the first to future a four-cylinder gas engine. Seeing the first photos of the HS 250h we couldn't avoid making a comparison - in terms of design- with the European market 2009 Toyota Avensis. The two front-wheel drive saloons share many design cues like the small, triangular shaped extension of the front window as well as the overall shape of the car.

Furthermore, they share the same wheelbase length (106.3-in.) and have similar exterior dimensions. And oh, they also get the same steering wheel. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not... Overall, the HS 250h isn't going to win any beauty pageants, which is a pity as Lexus had the chance to create a unique hybrid vehicle that would stand out from the crowd.

2010 Lexus HS 250h HybridSlightly longer than the IS and taller than both the IS and ES, the Audi-A4 sized HS 250h fits between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan. Power comes from Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system mated to Lexus' first four-cylinder gas engine, a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle unit, for a total output of 187 HP. As you may have already guessed, power is driven to the front wheels through an electronically controlled continiouslt variable transmission (CVT).

2010 Lexus HS 250h HybridThe Japanese automaker said that the HS 250h sedan's expected fuel efficiency will be more than 30-percent better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup.

Sales of the all-new 2010 HS 250h will begin in the States in late summer.

2010 HS 250h PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

2010 HS 250h

Total Hybrid System Horsepower

187 hp

Engine

2.4-liter 4-cylinder

Transmission

Transmission Electronically
Controlled Continuously
Variable Transmission

Seating Capacity

5

Width (inches)

70.3

Height (inches)

59.3

Overall Length (inches)

184.8

Wheelbase (inches)

106.3

Driven Wheels

FWD

Wheels

17x7.0
w/ P215/55R17
or
18x7.5
w/ P225/45R18
(Optional)

Emissions Rating

SULEV

2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid 2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid 2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid 2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid


12 comments

  1. Anonymous // January 11, 2009  

    A Lexus Hybrid-Corolla. It's a sad day for a LUXURY brand...with this ugly display of design confirms what many of us already know. Lexus is NO BMW/Audi/Mercedes.

  2. lazy penguin // January 11, 2009  

    Did you mean "future" a four cylnder engine or "feature" a four cylindar engine? Also, it looks pretty boring for a Lexus.

  3. Anonymous // January 11, 2009  

    Truly a frankenstein model from TOY-ota/Lexus. Some IS styling elements fused with the new RX headlamps and the Avenis. And you thought only Ford USA has gillette grilles. Nasty looking wood, cold interior with that 1970s digital clock and boring front end design that looks like a next-gen Corollla. Flop!

  4. Anonymous // January 11, 2009  

    I reckon the rear looks respectable and if they just change the front grill and jazz up the interior it'd look alright.

  5. Jenny // January 11, 2009  

    Proof once more that Toyota/Lexus can't design cars that look good. They needed an Italian to help bring a recognizable image to their bland and boring line-up, and just when they thought they understood his recipe to success, they take an interpretation of his designs and uglify it to the nth degree. The HS? What is this, a Corolla with a bit of chintz? The RX? An IS meets CX-9! I'm sure Fioravanti looks at this design with absolute disgust, but if he felt like me, he'd just chuckle, because the best thing Toyota/Lexus had ever seen in years was HIS work, not theirs.

  6. Anonymous // January 12, 2009  

    And that's it... I see that all around are super designers and everyone want to be a tough guy.
    Italian to help? Stop it! Can someone help italian to get rid of making cheap "sickly-sweet" things.

  7. Anonymous // January 12, 2009  

    Completely agree with Jenny on Toyota/Lexus' complete lack of design nous. This design is just a random mishmash of cars from the Toyota/Lexus stable and ends up looking confused and cheap. They are still using that pathetic digital clock and cruise control stalk from the Camry. What is worse is that miniscule gear stick contraption just to the right of the steering which just looks like some nasty, puny, wobbly joystick.

  8. Anonymous // January 12, 2009  

    It will look better in a dark color... but it really looks like that ran out of money on the design team. LOL... Ford/Gillette grilles... LOL I do hate that look. The grill on this care did reminded me of the Honda Insight Hybrid concept.

  9. Anonymous // January 12, 2009  

    Would anyone seriously pay US$50,000 for what is essentially a Prius wearing an IS suit?

    "Probably yes."

    Okay, but that doesn't make it right.

  10. Dave S. // January 15, 2009  

    Horrible....simply horrible.

  11. Anonymous // January 18, 2009  

    It be worth more to give the design fee to Leahman bro. or better if it was given to GM or Chrysler. I mean better for the economy, on-job rates, just simply better for the planet.

  12. Anonymous // February 02, 2009  

    Beautiful car.

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