Detroit 2009: Lexus HS250h

Well, the wraps are off on Lexus's first dedicated hybrid vehicle, and what the brand is heralding as the world's first dedicated hybrid luxury vehicle. It also is the brand's first vehicle to be equipped with a 4-cylinder.The HS250h is a break from the past for Lexus, as the car takes the brand significantly downmarket from anything it has produced.

Lexus hopes to gain market share with this vehicle, offering a vehicle with high MPG for more budget minded consumers, while also appealing to those looking for an environmentally-friendly vehicle

It looks as if the HS250h is styled after the new Lexus RX hybrid SUV, with nearly identical headlights and similar overall styling. However, it seems to get a bit akward in translation on to a vehicle of this size.

I'm not sure what Lexus was thinking here with this design, and the car overall seems to have a more downmarket vibe then Lexus should be giving off in my opinion. Hopefully for Lexus, this won't turn out to be their Cimmaron.

In keeping with the environmentally freindly theme, "Ecological Plastics" or bio-plastics cover approximately 30- percent of the interior and luggage area, and according to Lexus, the HS250h will have approximately 20-percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions over it's lifetime as a result of using these plastics.

As with the new RX, it features Lexus's all-new "Remote Touch" controller that is positioned on the dash to control the navigation system and provide a mouse-like experience, complete with haptic feedback. The interior seems well thought out, and that "Remote Touch" controller looks to be very intuitive. That's something I'm anxious to try out in person.

While it's loaded complete with a complete array of luxury features, the HS250h styling gives away it's economy car roots. A 187-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, along with the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

It may be just be the right car at the right time for Lexus in these times though, given the probability of a low price of entry along with great fuel economy afforded by the hybrid system. The HS250h is set to go on sale this summer, the asking price is yet to be released.