Courtesy of Grant Winter from RealWorldTestDrives.com, this HS 250h video review focuses on three Lexus technologies that are increasingly found throughout the company’s lineup:
The first technology, Lane Keep Assist (begins at 0:50), is also found on the LS line, and the warning feature is used on the GX.
The second technology, the Wide-View Front Monitor (at 2:25), is similar to the Wide-View Side Monitor on the RX and Wide-View Front and Side Monitors on the GX and LX.
The third technology, Lexus Enform with Safety Connect (at 2:37), replaces the older Lexus Link system, and is offered on all models save the SC. There is a demonstration of the call center Destination Assist function.
In the video, the narrator offers some droll reactions to the technologies, including reading from the owner’s manual about lane keep assist—er, so you don’t have to!
Let me just say this:
The HS is definitely a Lexus, but with that “feeling” of being not on par with the RX and RXh when I test drove a friend’s, I can’t help but feel that Lexus threw in some parts and bin gadgets to compensate for its price (expensive to some while being affordable to many) - confusing point number 1.
A few years ago, whenever I thought of Lexus, I thought of the LS, so immediately, I connected Lexus with a solid, performing, yet efficient luxury sedan. The LX further enhanced that thought, and the very “together” RX made no difference in my opinion. The HSh is like an outlier… I’m sure there were a lot of efforts put into the designing the vehicle, but honestly, the HSh doesn’t have that “Lexus-factor”. lol
And then it does… blah - confusing point number 2! It’s so hard to put into words. the HSh is a really confusing car! lol. Based on looks alone, the car sometimes looks muscular and sporty while looking like a heavy ballerina during other times. So all I can say is that the HSh is definitely a Lexus. I hope it sells and brings Lexus back to its original pace.
@WorldofLuxury: The LS definitely embodies the Lexus ethos the most, and the LX, being at the flagship level, is similar in that regard. The HSh seems to be designed primarily to take advantage of the Japanese hybrid market, among other factors.