LEXUS HS 250h: Is the world ready for an eco-minded midsize near-luxury hybrid?

摘要

HIROYUKI KOBA, THE DUCATI-riding 47-year-old chief engineer of the Lexus HS 250h, likens himself to a conductor. And yes, this new Lexus is his symphony, an artful balance of several key elements (luxury, hybrid powertrain, advanced technology and ecological sensitivity) all directed to form a harmonious sedan. Hence, the HS name. As some have suspected, the HS 250h is based on a version of the Toyota Prius' platform, even sharing its 106.3-in. wheelbase. But that's where the similarities end. The HS is a much bigger car, slotting nicely between the IS and ES in size. What's more, it shares no body parts with the Prius; it's 9.2 in. longer and 1.6 in. wider, plus it has an independent multilink rear suspension, quite unlike the torsion beam axle of the Toyota.