Will The Words LUXURY and HYBRID Ever TRULY Go Together? And Who Wants One?

Will The Words LUXURY and HYBRID Ever TRULY Go Together? And Who Wants One?
It seems that with tightening CAFE restrictions and regulation cars have no choice but to get greener, however, does it really matter if buyers aren't willing to consider?

Since we know that AutoSpies is home to the LUXURY buyer, we're here to ask you.

At first it seemed like hybrid cars were the answer as Lexus turned out alternative energy vehicles. The problem was they weren't exactly real-deal hybrids, until the HS, that is. Then the HS was chastised for not getting a high enough mpg figure and it hasn't exactly been flying out of dealer showrooms since its debut. Now we see the Germans hopping on the bandwagon but it isn't too common that I see an Active Hybrid 7-Series and forget about the Active Hybrid X6.

Turn around and you'll see that diesel seems to be making some headway. You don't have to look far because Audi has seen some serious success with its A3 TDI and Q7 TDI models, which make up a large chunk of sales figures for their respective models. Sales have been so good that Audi announced today that they will be bringing over an A8, A6 and Q5 diesel models stateside in due time.

But our purpose ISN'T to have a hybrid versus diesel argument. We want to know something else:

Are LUXURY buyers even considering hybrids?

And if so...

Is a luxury hybrid even required?


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enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/8/2011 9:13:15 PM
-3 Boost
still waiting for those words to be linked in any legitimate way.

they sold precisely 183 of these puppies last month in the entire united states. for perspective, lexus projected 2,500 per month.

safe to say this car didn't live up to the words luxury or hybrid.


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 3/8/2011 11:42:31 PM
+2 Boost
The dealers are still stuck with 2010 models to sell because Lexus wants to clear out inventory on the 2010s first before releasing 2011 models. If you look at the Lexus website, it still lists the HS as a 2010 model


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2011 11:35:28 AM
-5 Boost
lexus: that's kinda scary since we're halfway through the 2011 model year.


knowitall1985knowitall1985 - 3/9/2011 12:19:41 PM
+1 Boost
2011 models haven't arrived in the US yet. Those were remaining 2010's.
Let's see what happens to the HS and CT now that gas prices are up?


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2011 1:16:45 PM
-3 Boost
know: hybrid buyers will buy...a prius. these cars don't get great mileage for the compromise on looks and boring driving experience. the prius does.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2011 1:17:36 PM
-2 Boost
know: and why haven't the 2011 models arrived? ships lost in the pacific? everyone else launched 2011 models in summer of 2010.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2011 1:19:20 PM
-2 Boost
so the deboosters think 183 sales/month is good? that this car is a winner? that's it's luxurious? good looking? better value than a prius?


vvelezvvelez - 3/8/2011 9:51:48 PM
-1 Boost
I think most people dont see the point. They are more expensive, heavier and though they do help on gas mileage the incentive on what you save on the pump doesnt outweigh the extra cost of the vehicle. Most people don't buy hybrids for being green they buy it for it being economical. but if you take that out of the equation then most people will save their money.


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 3/8/2011 11:46:43 PM
+6 Boost
as an RXh owner myself, a hybrid luxury car makes a lot of sense. Price premium 4-5K. Subtract the things you cant get on the gas model (Ill use the RXh in this case) such as VDIM- the better stability control and chrome fog light housings. Then on top of that, dont forget to account for resale, after 5 years, you can probably sell a hybrid for a few thousand more than you can an equivalent gas model.




enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2011 1:20:54 PM
-5 Boost
ok....but if you're not a soccer mom and want a legit hybrid that's luxe or fun-to-drive, what do you buy?


Agent001Agent001 - 3/9/2011 2:08:02 AM
-4 Boost
No hybrid that sells over 40k has yet to sell in any volume and i'll go out on a limb and say none will for years to come.

The buyer for this car was created by a media with an agenda that really doesn't exist in any volume to justify the cost of development.

And all the manufacturers bit.

001




david999david999 - 3/9/2011 10:35:44 AM
+1 Boost
The HS was rushed out the door. When Lexus brings out the ES as a hybrid, as well as the updated LS and GS models, then luxury and hybrid will be more apt to use togeter in the same sentence. Remember, Mercedes and BMW also are producing hybrids, so there is faith in the technology.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2011 1:21:48 PM
-3 Boost
it took years....and it's a disaster for lexus. pride is the only reason it hasn't already been discontinued.


RectifierRectifier - 3/10/2011 4:17:24 PM
+1 Boost
Luxury and hybrid absolutely go together.
Hybrid means silent, responsive and extremely smooth drive train. The better fuel efficiency is a bonus.


bsh451bsh451 - 3/12/2011 1:05:47 PM
+2 Boost
I leased an HS today, the only problem is that there are none in stock, (the 2010's are gone) and delivery from Japan may be a problem. Great test drive with all the fit and finish of a Lexus.
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