One look at the frumpy 2010 Lexus HS250h confirms what we've suspected all along of Prius drivers: the hybrid's smug visual statement is as important to the purchaser as its fuel economy. This explains why the dorky Prius handily outsells the quite ordinary-looking Camry Hybrid, and is probably why Lexus didn't simply build a hybrid version of the ES.
The Lexus ES, as you know, is essentially a reskinned and well-equipped Camry. Since the Camry Hybrid already exists, one assumes Toyota could have created a hybrid version of the ES in no time at all. But there'd be one problem: the ES is a great-looking car. To make sure that the HS looks nothing like any other Lexus, Toyota ignored the ES and created an all-new car for the brand's first hybrid-only vehicle.
The HS shares much of its platform with the European-market Avensis sedan, with an 185-inch shadow halfway between the 181-inch IS and the 191-inch ES. Its narrow and tall proportions recall the Corolla, though, which isn't exactly a great thing for the Lexus brand. Importantly, however, it uses the double-wishbone rear suspension from the Avensis in place of the torsion-beam setup in the Corolla (and the Prius), which results in better ride and handling. In fact, the HS250h handles better than its seriously front-heavy 61/39 percent weight distribution would suggest.... Read full article