2010 Lexus HS 250h at 2009 Detroit Auto Show

• Competes with: Nothing; there are no other hybrid-only luxury models on the market
• Looks like: Some of us think it resembles a Toyota Corolla
• Drivetrain: Hybrid gasoline/electric drivetrain with a combined 187 hp
• Hits dealerships: Late summer

This is it — the first hybrid-only luxury car. While a few automakers already have hybrid luxury cars, they're all based on existing models. Lexus’ 2010 HS 250h is a stand-alone model that the company will slot between its IS and ES sedans. In terms of length, that’s also where the HS lands. It is, however, taller than both those cars.

Lexus hasn’t revealed mileage yet, but says the HS will get 30% better mileage than any other Lexus on the market. The IS 250 currently has that distinction, coming in at 24 mpg combined. A 30% improvement over that would be 31.2 mpg, which is quite good.

The HS is based on a European Toyota platform, but it features the company's new navigation and entertainment system that we recently tested in the 2010 Lexus RX and RX hybrid. Base models will come with 17-inch wheels, with 18s optional. A head-up display will also be available as an option.

More photos below. 

Comments

Hybrid or not, I feel like this car is going to cheapen the Lexus upscale image, the way the last Infiniti G20 did to Infiniti, because it looks cheap. Like a Corolla with tuner taillights and a Ford Grill.

Broq

Looks like a cross between a Lexus IS & a Toyota Avensis....with a Honda grill...LOL

You guys forgot the "Rediculous Feature" for this car, the H-ness of the name. Of course, the second H in the name will just give green yuppies and rich people even more of a warm and fuzzy feeling you know where. :P

It's Lexus' answer to the Cadillac Cimarron.

It looks like they put the Camry Hybrid's drivetrain into a slightly smaller package, so it will probably have outstanding performance while averaging 35 mpg.

Why the three bar grill? That's a Ford thing. Looks like it's gonna be a real slippery profile which should give it really low drag. Interior looks to be up to Lexus IS standards. If they price this in the mid 30's it should do well.

This car looks bad from every angle and I dont get why Lexus keeps putting mirrors on the doors like that. Its not an attractive design feature. Also, why are the heated seat controls buried on the floor between the seats? They better keep this affordable but with all these options I imagine its going to get real pricey.

Is this car based on the Avensis? Uninspiring but some people will feel attracted to the high tech content.