Competition in the hybrid vehicle scene is heating up in a huge way. Big players like Mercedes and BMW are offering hybrid versions of their luxury sedan flagships, and Honda’s selling a two-seat hybrid sportscar in the very near future, too.

As a business decision, the HS draws on Lexus’s expertise with both hybrids and luxury cars. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

The most recent in a line of Lexus 'firsts' after the rip-snorting IS-F, Japan's new upscale eco warrior is called the HS250h. As a business decision, the HS draws on Lexus’s expertise with both hybrids and luxury cars-- and it aims to put a Lexus hybrid into market segment that didn’t have one yet.

In a nutshell, the latest Lexus gets a187 horsepower, room for 4 adults and claims a combined mileage average of under 6 L/100km. More importantly, it’s the first small hybrid luxury sedan available. If it’s successful, it won’t be the last.

Subtly styled
Outside, the standard Lexus visual qualifiers are all installed-- including chrome trim, alloy wheels, projector headlamps and LED taillamps. It’s subtle and understated at a glance, though quietly sophisticated on closer inspection. The HS is far from the most exciting-looking car in its class, though it holds its own where compact luxury is concerned.

A unique, functional and upscale cabin
Things are stepped up a notch once drivers are on board. Inside, soft-touch leather, contrasting colours and a high-tech and classy atmosphere keep the eyes and fingertips busy. It's no LS inside, but the premium trim and leather accenting expected by Lexus owners cover many of the cabin’s surfaces.

Dash layout is slightly unconventional though easily learned and enjoyed after several minutes. A space-saving, floor-mounted parking brake and tiny, joystick-style shifter help maximize space, and there’s plenty of room for virtually any item you'd like to keep within arm’s reach.

Soft-touch leather, contrasting colours and a high-tech and classy atmosphere keep the eyes and fingertips busy. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

The tester also got heated leather seats, a powerful CD-changer audio system, automatic climate control and a full arsenal of power accessories. There’s a generous centre console, two cup-holders and a handy change tray with lid, too.

The tester also got heated leather seats. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

In all, most shoppers won’t find issue with space or storage-- and many will agree that the HS hits above its weight in terms of luxury, quality and sophistication.

187 partially-electric horses
Just ahead of the cabin is a 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine teamed up with Lexus’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Total system output is rated at 187 horsepower, all of which are sent to the front wheels via a CVT transmission.

Unlike earlier hybrids, the HS isn’t compromised or limited in terms of performance. It drives and accelerates like most any other small luxury sedan, and even bogeys along nicely when drivers plant their right foot.

That’s thanks in part to assist from the torquey electric drive motor-- which also enables low-speed, electric-only cruising when drivers aren’t in a rush. All required electricity is generated on board, and there’s no need to plug the HS250h in.

An animated display and power indicator in the instrument cluster show what the gas-electric systems are up to in real time, and several driver-selectable ‘modes’ are offered for fine tuning of one’s preferred combination of performance and mileage at any given time.

On your writers watch during a late-February test-drive, overall mileage averaged around 8L / 100km. Not as impressive as a Prius, but decent given the overall performance and driveability.

Reprogrammed driving dynamics
The winter test-drive also gave your writer a chance to test the HS’s chassis electronics while driving on various amounts of snow and ice. The tester had been given a software update to improve programming of its driver assistance systems, addressing several issues with stability control and ABS operation reported by owners driving Toyota hybrids in the snow.

Just ahead of the cabin is a 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine teamed up with Lexus’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

The update seems to have worked. Ultimately, the electronics teamed up to keep the HS in line on a variety of slippery surfaces, under breaking, or during high-speed panic manoeuvres. Even during panic ‘brake-and-evade’ tests over a variety of surfaces, the HS remained safe, steerable and stable as gravel, snow and ice passed underfoot.

End of the day, the HS proves that the compromise factor associated with driving a hybrid is quickly disappearing. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

Best of all, the stability control isn’t invasive-- and actually minds its own business during mild slides unless drivers panic and fight the steering. Note that winter tires were mounted, giving each stability and braking system more traction to work with.

Minor Gripes
Complaints? Trunk space is limited thanks to the battery packs, there are a few cheap interior trim pieces, and noise levels at speed were a little higher than expected.

End of the day, the HS proves that the compromise factor associated with driving a hybrid is quickly disappearing. This is Lexus’s first dedicated hybrid model, too-- meaning it was developed as a hybrid from day one, rather than fitting a hybrid drivetrain to an existing car.

Take that to mean Lexus is pretty confident this technology is sticking around.