Meet the HS 250h—the most fuel-efficient Lexus vehicle ever built
A NEW KIND OF LEXUS
The HS 250h[1] is a new type of Lexus vehicle, a compact hybrid-only model designed specifically for maximum fuel economy and minimum ecological impact. It achieves all of this while remaining a shining example of premium Lexus quality, from its spacious, leather-trimmed interior to its array of groundbreaking driver-convenience features.
HYBRID POWER
The HS 250h sports a smaller, fuel-efficient in-line 4 cylinder engine, Lexus' first in North America. But like all Lexus hybrids, the vehicle is powerful, thanks to its Lexus Hybrid Drive system's efficient use of gas and electric power. During hard accelerations, the engine gets a boost from the electric motor (the dualpower system generates an impressive 187 horsepower[2]), and during low-speed driving, the electric motor takes over.
HYBRID INNOVATIONS
Beyond Lexus Hybrid Drive, the HS 250h features numerous technical innovations designed to help maximize efficiency. A key example: the car's Exhaust Heat Recovery System captures exhaust heat and uses it to help the engine warm-up faster, allowing the hybrid system to suspend use of the gas engine earlier and more often.
AERODYNAMIC ADVANCEMENTS
Also contributing to the HS 250h's exceptional fuel economy: an exterior that creates superior aerodynamics. Highlights include a low front nose, subtle front and rear-bumper spoilers, and side panels that taper from the vehicle's center to its rear—all treatments that both look good and help the vehicle slice through air-resistance.
FIRST IN EFFICIENCY
Not surprisingly then, the HS 250h achieves 35 mpg combined rating[3]. It also has an Eco mode that helps maintain peak fuel efficiency, as well as an EV setting for electric-only power at low speeds and under certain conditions (these are two of four modes: others are Power, which enhances vehicle response, and Normal, the default mode.) Also, the vehicle emits about 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle[4].
SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR
With all this talk of efficiency, some might shrug off the HS 250h as a somewhat spartan vehicle. Big mistake! This hybrid is 100 percent Lexus, with leather trimmed seats, available brown walnut wood trim, a dual temperature control system, and even an A/C air filter with pollen removal capability. It also includes sustainable materials such as castor seed-material seat cushions and CO2-reducing Ecological PlasticsTM.[5]
SUPERIOR SAFETY SYSTEMS
The HS 250h is the first Lexus in the U.S. to offer Lane Keep Assist[6], which helps guide the vehicle down the center of the lane of travel (on roads with clearly marked lines). Also: The vehicle body is designed to be extremely strong yet strategically resilient, to help absorb and distribute energy in the event of a crash, and it offers the Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS)[7] with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control[8].
LEXUS ENFORM WITH SAFETY CONNECT
The HS 250h also offers Lexus EnformTM[9] with Safety ConnectTM[10]. Safety Connect keeps drivers in touch with a 24/7 call center for emergency help, automatic collision alerts, stolen car location, and enhanced roadside assistance. With Lexus Enform, drivers get live help in finding an address, business, or Zagat-rated restaurant; they can also find destinations online and send them to the available navigation system.
EXCEPTIONAL INNOVATIONS
Also available: the Remote Touch controller, which allows some vehicle features to be manipulated with a computer-mouse-like device, as well as the casual-language voice recognition feature, Voice Command, which lets drivers use more regular speech, instead of robotic commands, to adjust audio, climate, and navigation.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
[1]Vehicle(s) shown may feature optional equipment.
[2]Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease.
[3]Based on 2009/2010 EPA MPG estimates. 35/34/35 City/Highway/Combined. Actual mileage will vary.
[4]This vehicle produces about 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.
[5]Compared to use of conventional petroleum-based plastics.
[6]Lane Keep Assist is designed to warn the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane. It is not a collision avoidance system and is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors. Please see your owner's manual for further information.
[7]The Pre-Collision System is designed to help reduce the crash speed and damage in certain frontal collisions only. It is not a collision-avoidance system and is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as speed, driver input and road conditions. See your Owner's Manual for further information.
[8]Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is designed to assist the driver and is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving practices. Please see your Owner's Manual for important instructions and cautions.
[9]Lexus Enform premium services Destination Assist and eDestination will function in the contiguous United States and Washington, D.C. These services may also function in Hawaii and limited areas of Alaska for vehicles that contain map data for those states. They will not function in Canada or in other countries outside the United States.
[10]Safety Connect services will function in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, and in Canada. The services will not function outside of the United States in countries other than Canada.
Learn more about the HS Hybrid
Reprinted Courtesy of Lexus Magazine