Hs250
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
Most of us are aware of the dimensions in inches, it's more the proportioning (tall profile, narrow track, tall side windows, long overhangs) that are not real attractive.
IMHO, the best way to judge car styling is in person. I plan to see one tonight when I pickup my Lexus from service.
Model __ Length __ Width __ Height
==============================
HS250h __ 184.8 in __ 70.3 in __ 59.3 in
IS2/350 __ 180.3 in __ 70.9 in __ 56.1 in
ES350 __ 191.1 in __ 71.7 in __ 57.1 in
Let's also not forget that the 2IS is RWD and HS250h is FWD, usually a FWD drive should have more interior space than a same-sized RWD car due to the mechanical limitations. Also the 2IS is designed to be sporty with the low roof and long hood so interior space was sacrificed. However that's not the case with the HS250h especially with the front extended A pillar, it's very clear that one of the goals is to maximize interior space.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
Don't think the HS is on sale yet but here's the exterior dimention:
Model __ Length __ Width __ Height
==============================
HS250h __ 184.8 in __ 70.3 in __ 59.3 in
IS2/350 __ 180.3 in __ 70.9 in __ 56.1 in
ES350 __ 191.1 in __ 71.7 in __ 57.1 in
Let's also not forget that the 2IS is RWD and HS250h is FWD, usually a FWD drive should have more interior space than a same-sized RWD car due to the mechanical limitations. Also the 2IS is designed to be sporty with the low roof and long hood so interior space was sacrificed. However that's not the case with the HS250h especially with the front extended A pillar, it's very clear that one of the goals is to maximize interior space.
Model __ Length __ Width __ Height
==============================
HS250h __ 184.8 in __ 70.3 in __ 59.3 in
IS2/350 __ 180.3 in __ 70.9 in __ 56.1 in
ES350 __ 191.1 in __ 71.7 in __ 57.1 in
Let's also not forget that the 2IS is RWD and HS250h is FWD, usually a FWD drive should have more interior space than a same-sized RWD car due to the mechanical limitations. Also the 2IS is designed to be sporty with the low roof and long hood so interior space was sacrificed. However that's not the case with the HS250h especially with the front extended A pillar, it's very clear that one of the goals is to maximize interior space.
I saw it today and sat in at Fremont Lexus. It's ugly with a large comfortable interior and roomy trunk. The floating console thing, mini van extra front windows and fade away hood (non-visible from drivers seat) are not pleasant from the drivers seat. But I agree, the intended buyer is completely different than a sports sedan buyer, so the car should be different, should be a successful car in this niche.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
Haven't forgotten the RWD vs FWD, most if not all here are aware.
I saw it today and sat in at Fremont Lexus. It's ugly with a large comfortable interior and roomy trunk. The floating console thing, mini van extra front windows and fade away hood (non-visible from drivers seat) are not pleasant from the drivers seat. But I agree, the intended buyer is completely different than a sports sedan buyer, so the car should be different, should be a successful car in this niche.
I saw it today and sat in at Fremont Lexus. It's ugly with a large comfortable interior and roomy trunk. The floating console thing, mini van extra front windows and fade away hood (non-visible from drivers seat) are not pleasant from the drivers seat. But I agree, the intended buyer is completely different than a sports sedan buyer, so the car should be different, should be a successful car in this niche.
Guest
Posts: n/a
I agree, Lexus might have pull another rabbit out of their hat with the HS, just like the IS-C, there is nothing special about these cars on paper, but somehow they are selling well. This must frustrate the other car manufacturer quite a bit, they are probably scratching their head trying to figure out how Lexus does it.
HS is the worlds first luxury hybrid only car. Yeah thats not special
IS-C has the fastest folding top in class and the most trunk space while accelerating best in class with the 335. Yeah thats not special.
Seems to me other car makers need to make something "special"
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
I agree that the HS is hitting it's intended mark (which is not the sports sedan enthusiast type).
Lexus has created the first luxury high-efficiency hybrid, certainly an upgrade over alternatives.
Currently all the high-efficiency hybrids are narrow, tall, oddly proportioned which is all part of the image the buyers of these vehicle accept or maybe demand. The HS having some of those characteristics is still the most conventional (3 box sedan), largest, plush and expensive (upmarket/premium).
A positive addition to product line that will expand Lexus market.
Lexus has created the first luxury high-efficiency hybrid, certainly an upgrade over alternatives.
Currently all the high-efficiency hybrids are narrow, tall, oddly proportioned which is all part of the image the buyers of these vehicle accept or maybe demand. The HS having some of those characteristics is still the most conventional (3 box sedan), largest, plush and expensive (upmarket/premium).
A positive addition to product line that will expand Lexus market.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
Thats exactly what I am talking about, who would have thought of a producing a 40 thousand dollar luxury economy car. If the HS succeeds, Lexus would have indeed pull another rabbit out of their hat. They will open up a whole new segment in the auto industry much like they did with the crossover years ago.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
Thats exactly what I am talking about, who would have thought of a producing a 40 thousand dollar luxury economy car. If the HS succeeds, Lexus would have indeed pull another rabbit out of their hat. They will open up a whole new segment in the auto industry much like they did with the crossover years ago.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thats exactly what I am talking about, who would have thought of a producing a 40 thousand dollar luxury economy car. If the HS succeeds, Lexus would have indeed pull another rabbit out of their hat. They will open up a whole new segment in the auto industry much like they did with the crossover years ago.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,582
Likes: 236
From: San Francisco, CA
the question is who DIDN'T think this was a good idea. Look how good the prius turned out for toyota. celebrities and the rich even bought it just to look environmentally cool. Im guessing they would have bought a lexus version if it was available.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,809
Likes: 143
From: MA
I guess thats the new thing, instead of showing off your car with so many horespower, the in thing to do is brag about your gas mileage, I must be getting old
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
Now they can enjoy the luxury of a Lexus too.
Rookie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: IL
The pictures are definitely deceiving! I initially thought that it was a luxury version of the prius, but I was totally wrong. I think the styling is a bit conservative for a luxury car, but it fits the RX/ES demographic perfectly. It is also in an excellent position because it has no direct competitors, meaning that it could entice the potential C300/328i buyers, since MB/BMW has no similar offering (Except for the 335 diesel which is more expensive.)