The Lexus HS 250h, the first hybrid-only luxury vehicle, is expected to hit American dealerships later this summer. The vehicle is already on sale in Japan and according to UK-based The Green Car Website, sales are 17 times higher than Toyota projected upon launch. Toyota produced 2,000 HS 250h models in July but there are still 8,600 orders left.

The vehicle has been compared to the wildly popular third-generation Prius, but Toyota assures its customers that the HS 250h is not just a jazzed up Prius. All hybrids made by Toyota (including the full Lexus hybrid lineup) use the same hybrid system, but that is where the comparison between the Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h should stop.

The following is from an August 3, 2009 Toyota press release:

“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.“

As is the case with most luxury vehicles, the Lexus HS 250h also comes with a variety of premium upgrades including intelligent high beams, a navigation system with a 40GB hard drive, Bluetooth, and a Mark Levinson Audio Sound system.

The Lexus HS 250h has an MSRP of $34,200 and EPA fuel efficiency ratings of 35mpg city, 34mpg highway, and 35mpg combined.


For more information on vehicle availability, contact your local Lexus dealership.

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Filed Under: Lexus, Luxury Hybrids

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