Reviews

The 2010 Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid represents a departure from other hybrid models.  Specifically regarding pricing.  Most hybrid models carry a premium over non-hybrids in the lineup of vehicles, but not so with the S400 Hybrid.  This vehicle, technically the entry level S Class comes in at $88,825, a price that undercuts the next least expensive S Class by $4,000. 

Though no S Class should really be considered entry level, the pricing indicates Mercedes is intent on making hybrids relatively affordable.  But the S400 offers more than just an attractive price to luxury car buyers.

The S400 comes with the same freshened exterior look as seen on other S Class models for 2010.  The only elements that set the hybrid apart from the rest of the model lineup is discreet hybrid badges on the rear and BlueEfficiency badges on the front quarter panels

Unlike most hybrid models, the S400 comes with a lithium-ion battery that is small enough to fit into the engine compartment.  The 120...

The 2010 Mercedes Benz S400 Hybrid represents a departure from other hybrid models.  Specifically regarding pricing.  Most hybrid models carry a premium over non-hybrids in the lineup of vehicles, but not so with the S400 Hybrid.  This vehicle, technically the entry level S Class comes in at $88,825, a price that undercuts the next least expensive S Class by $4,000.  Though no S Class should really be considered entry level, the pricing indicates Mercedes is intent on making hybrids relatively affordable.  But the S400 offers more than just an attractive price to luxury car buyers. The S400 comes with the same freshened exterior look as seen on other S Class models for 2010.  The only elements that set the hybrid apart from the rest of the model lineup is discreet hybrid badges on the rear and BlueEfficiency badges on the front quarter panels Unlike most hybrid models, the S400 comes with a lithium-ion battery that is small enough to fit into the engine compartment.  The 120... Read More

The Lexus RX450h is newly redesigned and engineered for the 2010 model year, and is the hybrid version of the popular RX350.  It replaces the previous RX400h hybrid.  The new vehicle uses a second generation hybrid powertrain.

Car and Driver had the chance to take the vehicle out for a short 25 mile test drive.

They noted the 6 cylinder gas engine has been increased from 3.3 to 3.5 L resulting in 27 additional horsepower to a total of 295.

There are three electric motors in the all wheel drive version; one within the transmission that acts as a generator to recapture kinetic energy, a 167 hp unit for propelling the front wheels, and a 68 hp to assist the rear wheels.  The third rear motor adds an additional $1595 in price over the FWD version.

The author describes the car as "an exercise in being totally pampered," and that it is a "serene" car without any fatal flaws.

It is a five passenger vehicle with a base price of $44,125.

The driver found the 0 to 60 time to be 7.1 seconds,...

The Lexus RX450h is newly redesigned and engineered for the 2010 model year, and is the hybrid version of the popular RX350.  It replaces the previous RX400h hybrid.  The new vehicle uses a second generation hybrid powertrain. Car and Driver had the chance to take the vehicle out for a short 25 mile test drive. They noted the 6 cylinder gas engine has been increased from 3.3 to 3.5 L resulting in 27 additional horsepower to a total of 295. There are three electric motors in the all wheel drive version; one within the transmission that acts as a generator to recapture kinetic energy, a 167 hp unit for propelling the front wheels, and a 68 hp to assist the rear wheels.  The third rear motor adds an additional $1595 in price over the FWD version. The author describes the car as "an exercise in being totally pampered," and that it is a "serene" car without any fatal flaws. It is a five passenger vehicle with a base price of $44,125. The driver found the 0 to 60 time to be 7.1 seconds,... Read More

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is in a category all its own when it comes to hybrid passenger cars. It is new for 2009 and offers an aggressive strong hybrid drivetrain.

Design
Unlike the Prius and Insight, the Fusion Hybrid doesn't look like a hybrid. Styling is the same as the gas-only Fusion sedan except for a very attractive hybrid decal. The car has a sleek and attractive athletic pure sedan appeal. The classic Ford wide plate chrome grille is appealing as is the general rake and stance.

Interior
The car is roomy and comfortable. The six way automatically adjustable leather seats are supportive and easy to relax in and get "just right."

Of the three most popular hybrids, the Fusion has the most beautiful and tastefully done driver interface. The traditional instrument cluster is evolved into a bright colorful LCD display that opens on either side of the central dial speedometer. It has a lot of custom configuration options from a minimalist to total gearhead.

One of the more interesting...

The Ford Fusion Hybrid is in a category all its own when it comes to hybrid passenger cars. It is new for 2009 and offers an aggressive strong hybrid drivetrain. Design Unlike the Prius and Insight, the Fusion Hybrid doesn't look like a hybrid. Styling is the same as the gas-only Fusion sedan except for a very attractive hybrid decal. The car has a sleek and attractive athletic pure sedan appeal. The classic Ford wide plate chrome grille is appealing as is the general rake and stance. Interior The car is roomy and comfortable. The six way automatically adjustable leather seats are supportive and easy to relax in and get "just right." Of the three most popular hybrids, the Fusion has the most beautiful and tastefully done driver interface. The traditional instrument cluster is evolved into a bright colorful LCD display that opens on either side of the central dial speedometer. It has a lot of custom configuration options from a minimalist to total gearhead. One of the more interesting... Read More

Last Friday, I took delivery of a Lexus HS 250h Premium to drive for one week. I used the HS 250h for everything I would have used my own car for, and then some — everything from a quick run to the grocery store to a long road trip. I recorded my exact as-it-happens impressions here, here, and here. This is my overall review, considering everything I experienced with the HS 250h over the week I had it.

Before I even laid eyes on the HS 250h, I read several reviews, some of which compared this Lexus to its distant cousin, the Toyota Prius. Although they share some technology, I thought it was an odd comparison, even then. Yes, all Toyota and Lexus hybrids use the series/parallel hybrid system, but, I thought, a Lexus is a Lexus. It’s designed for a luxury car buyer, not at all the same demographic as the Prius. I had driven the third-gen Prius before the HS 250h, so I felt prepared to see if and how the comparison is fair.

It isn’t. It’s downright ridiculous. I can say with absolute...

Last Friday, I took delivery of a Lexus HS 250h Premium to drive for one week. I used the HS 250h for everything I would have used my own car for, and then some — everything from a quick run to the grocery store to a long road trip. I recorded my exact as-it-happens impressions here, here, and here. This is my overall review, considering everything I experienced with the HS 250h over the week I had it. Before I even laid eyes on the HS 250h, I read several reviews, some of which compared this Lexus to its distant cousin, the Toyota Prius. Although they share some technology, I thought it was an odd comparison, even then. Yes, all Toyota and Lexus hybrids use the series/parallel hybrid system, but, I thought, a Lexus is a Lexus. It’s designed for a luxury car buyer, not at all the same demographic as the Prius. I had driven the third-gen Prius before the HS 250h, so I felt prepared to see if and how the comparison is fair. It isn’t. It’s downright ridiculous. I can say with absolute... Read More

I had the chance to spend a week driving both the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight. The Prius is the third generation vehicle newly released for the 2010 model year and the Insight is the second generation of the car coming three years after the two-seat first generation was discontinued in 2006.

Although Honda was the first to sell a hybrid commercially, the Prius has steamed ahead with over 1 million in sales forcing Honda to try to come from behind. The new Insight is the automaker’s effort to do that with its affordable “hybrid for everyone,” as they call it. The Prius builds on its existing technological prowess.

Design
Both cars have a distinctive look that lets observers know the cars are unmistakably hybrids,. The hallmarks are the tall back end and the arched shape of the roof line. The Prius has added some new sharp edges and a wider more rakish stance. It actually has a more refined and sporty look, giving it the advantage in the design category.

Interior
The Prius has...

I had the chance to spend a week driving both the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight. The Prius is the third generation vehicle newly released for the 2010 model year and the Insight is the second generation of the car coming three years after the two-seat first generation was discontinued in 2006. Although Honda was the first to sell a hybrid commercially, the Prius has steamed ahead with over 1 million in sales forcing Honda to try to come from behind. The new Insight is the automaker’s effort to do that with its affordable “hybrid for everyone,” as they call it. The Prius builds on its existing technological prowess. Design Both cars have a distinctive look that lets observers know the cars are unmistakably hybrids,. The hallmarks are the tall back end and the arched shape of the roof line. The Prius has added some new sharp edges and a wider more rakish stance. It actually has a more refined and sporty look, giving it the advantage in the design category. Interior The Prius has... Read More