First Drive: 2010 Lexus HS 250h
How to describe the HS driving experience? "Efficient"? Yes. "Soothing"? Maybe. "Luxurious"? Mostly. "Exciting"? No. It's just not the car's mission. Zero-to-60 takes 8.4 seconds, says Lexus. The process is accompanied by the usual hybrid accel curve of the engine spooling to maximum revs (and noise) while the electric motors do their CVT thing. The engineers have worked hard to quell engine roar, but you won't mistake Synergy Drive's four for a velvety six or small V-8. There's also the whirr of the regenerative brakes, the engine cutting in and out, various systems doing their thing. These techno sounds won't drive you out of the car, but they're there. The aim is efficiency, but it comes at some sacrifice to the impression of luxury.
The HS' electric steering has more feel and response than in the Prius, but you won't mistake it for a 3 Series. Ditto the brakes, which feel wooden and nonlinear. The car handles well enough, but won't set any lap records. It rides comfortably and is quiet on the cruise. There's minimal road rumble, and the low aero resistance keeps windnoise in check. We recommend the Touring package, which includes larger 18-inch wheels, sportier suspension tuning, a rear spoiler, and aluminum-trimmed pedals. It makes the car handle more responsively and feel better planted, with no loss in ride quality.
