The luxury-segment car manufacturer wanted to achieve a combination of fuel economy and reduced emissions level while providing customers a high level of comfort and driving performance. The HS 250h is meant to fit in Lexus' range between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan.
After thorough market research, Lexus has discovered that more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if avaiable, so the Japanese carmaker wanted to fill a gap in its model range with a viable purchase option.
The vehicle's initials derive from Lexus' idea of a “harmonious sedan”. The idea aimed at creating a car capable of living up to consumer quality demands, reduce its environmental impact, record one of the lowest levels of fuel consumption for a premium sedan and still offer a pleasurable driving experience.
The car is capable of delivering 54.19 mpg (4.34l/100 km) thanks to its hybrid system and achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.27, which places it among the most aerodynamic cars in its class.
One of Lexus' biggest challenges in developing the car was manufacturing its interior from Ecological Plastic, which is a plant-based plastic that emits less carbon dioxide during its life cycle. A second important feature of HS 250h's interior is it's driver oriented cockpit that was specifically designed to lessen the need for physical movement or switching visual focus while driving.
Lexus plans on introducing the HS 250h in North America this September.
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