Lexus HS250h officially priced, starting at $34,200

[cwerdna]

Lexus HS250h officially priced, starting at $34,200

It'll be interesting to see how well/poorly this sells. For people strictly wanting value, I think this car's a non-starter. But, there are obviously people who want luxury and/or the name plate and wouldn't want to be driving around in a Toyota, Ford or Nissan...

I'd love to check out quality of the interior and see how refined the driving experience is.

I forwarded this to a friend whose dad was interested in one of these. Apparently, the price was better than the dad expected. I dunno, I told him that for that kind of money, I'd look into a fully loaded 2010 Prius, fully loaded NAH ($3250 incentive + $2350 Federal tax credit) or a Ford Fusion.

[dogfriend]

But its a Lexus.

[TonyPSchaefer]

It's a 34/35mpg Lexus at $35,000.

Someone who's going to go out and buy a Lexus anyway might have otherwise selected a less fuel efficient model. So I suppose it's better than achieving only 25mpg. In that regard it represents a 50% improvement and that's nothing to sneeze at.

[Paradox]

I'd love to check out quality of the interior and see how refined the driving experience is.

I remember reading in a recent review of it that they said while it is a Lexus and its craftsmanship is superb the interior materials are not as high end as other Lexus models.

Last year, early in the year before I knew I would go with another Prius, I was seriously considering this car. Once I saw a picture of it and it had a trunk, I knew it was out for me. I love having the rear hatchback. Another thing that made me go for the Prius was the mileage in the HS250h just wasn't enough to justify the cost in my mind. While a loaded HS does have more than the Prius, it will cost considerably more. My Prius V AT has plenty enough gadgets and a beautiful enough interior to keep me happy.

[Tideland Prius]

wow, that's a lot lower than I expected. That means it'll be just about $40k to start in Canada (maybe $38k). That's pretty good for a Lexus hybrid (considering our current cheapest one is the RXh at Cdn$60k.)

[justlurkin]

Hmm.. With the $34,200 price tag and its ho-hum not-so-unique styling and branding, I think either one of two things will happen:

1 - Toyota Camry Hybrid buyers might consider the Lexus HS250h instead.

or...

2 - Those considering the HS250h might just opt for the TCH instead.

If #2 happens, I have a feeling the HS250h may very well go the way of the Honda Accord Hybrid in a couple years.

If #1 happens, Lexus may have a moderate success on their hands.

Personally, I think #2 is going to happen. Just my gut feeling.

[Tideland Prius]

I don't think #2 will happen. If anything, those potential HS buyers might look into a Prius instead. The TCH is too similar in mpg and with a Toyota badge. (and it's a Camry). With the Prius, it has no boundaries. Buying a Prius is like buying a MINI or a smart. There are no age, income, gender, culture boundaries.

[DeadPhish]

OMG, it begins just above the level of the top trim Prius, how coincidental.

[Rybold]

Originally Posted by TonyPSchaefer

It's a 34/35mpg Lexus at $35,000.

This vehicle was not designed for the rational that want maximum MPG (like the Prius 51mpg). This vehicle was designed for the people that want to be "cool" because they are in a "Lexus," and "like oh my God, it's also one of those hybrid thingies."

I'm sure there will also be an equal number of baby boomers that will buy it to sit in their driveway five days out of the week (like they do right now with their [third car] Prius). At least five of my neighbors (that I definitely know of), think they are somehow saving the environment by having a Prius sit in their driveway five days out of the week.

Back to Lexus... it will be interesting to see if the HS250h is a huge success, low production, or a failure. I hope it sells like hot cakes .. but only the general public knows.

[justlurkin]

The general feeling I get from searching Google News and looking at Lexus's efforts at publicizing the car is that there isn't much excitement out there for the HS250h. At least, nowhere near the level of excitement there was for the 3rd-gen 2010 Prius.

It just isn't distinct enough IMHO. It doesn't look radically different from other Lexuses (Lexi?) despite it being a "dedicated hybrid."

That's why I'm thinking it may very well be another Honda Accord Hybrid sort of debacle.