2010 Lexus HS 250h: First Drive

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h — the company's first stand-alone hybrid — won't hit dealerships until September, but my first drive of some pre-production models left me confident it will be a solid hit.

When you break it down, the two most important facets of any hybrid are its mileage and its price. The HS 250h is EPA rated at 35/34 mpg city/highway, with a combined rating of 35 mpg. Though the price won't be set until closer to the on-sale date, estimates put it in the mid-$30,000 range. Compared with the 2010 Toyota Prius' 51 mpg and the midsize Ford Fusion Hybrid's 41 mpg ratings (both in city driving), 35 mpg doesn't seem too impressive, but in the world of luxury cars, it's unbeatable — especially because it calls for regular gas, not premium.

2010 Lexus HS 250h Video

Lexus debuted its dedicated hybrid, the 2010 HS 250h, at the 2009 Detroit auto show. The automaker plans for the vehicle to be the most affordable luxury hybrid on the market. If that distinction sounds like several contradictions in terms, Cars.com’s Joe Wiesenfelder explains why this may very well be a savvy move for Lexus, while also checking out backseat legroom, interior finish and other key components.

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.