Lexus presented the all-new 2013 Lexus ES family, which includes the ES 350 and ES 300h hybrid models. With a radically new style and superior handling, the 2013 ES sedan is poised to remain a luxury vehicle buyer favorite.
"When the Lexus ES debuted in 1989, it introduced new levels of refinement, complexity, and quality to the entry-luxury class, and it has remained a steady sales leader for us over the years," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president, and general manager. "Now available in both gas and hybrid configurations, the 2013 ES intends to reintroduce Lexus to the world."
The Lexus ES will be offered with Lexus Hybrid Drive for the first time. The Lexus ES 300h hybrid, powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, is predicted to achieve an EPA combined city/highway fuel efficiency rating of roughly 40 mpg.
This innovative, low-friction dual cam engine has an advanced power management system, a 12.5:1 compression ratio, and intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i). The beltless motor is engineered for increased fuel efficiency and durability, while the near-zero evaporative fuel system contributes to emissions reduction.
The Lexus ES 300h hybrid vehicle features four driving modes: normal, sport, eco, and electric. EV mode enables short-distance driving at a lower speed utilizing solely the hybrid battery pack's power. Normal mode optimizes performance and efficiency for everyday driving, while Eco mode prioritizes fuel economy. Sport mode enhances the responsiveness of the powerplant.
The ES 350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with dual variable valve timing (VVT-i). The six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with Intelligence (ECT-i) optimizes performance, fuel economy, and shift quality. Additionally, low-friction materials boost efficiency.
The Lexus ES has a more angular shape and sleek, uninterrupted stylistic lines from front to back. Each of the four corners is pressed snugly against the wheel arches, resulting in a characteristic proportion. The new ES's wheelbase has been extended by 1.8 inches, although the vehicle's overall length has increased by just one inch, resulting in a more roomy cabin.
With its unique spindle grille, the Lexus ES undoubtedly embodies Lexus's new face. The "L" design theme is reflected in the LED daytime running lights and combo rear lamps. The Lexus ES 350's rear bumper contains two exhaust pipes, whereas the Lexus ES 300h hybrid's rear bodywork incorporates a concealed exhaust and integrated spoiler. The 2013 ES now comes in two new exterior colors: Fire Agate Pearl and Silver Lining Metallic.
The ES's sleek interior has been created to evoke a sense of openness while yet providing a sense of security. Sightlines and visibility have been enhanced, controls have been rationally repositioned, and new cabin materials demonstrate a high degree of craftsmanship.
Driver comfort is enhanced by a newly sculpted seat. For a more natural control position, the steering wheel angle has been decreased from 24 to 22 degrees. Outside noise is minimized using fluid-filled engine mounts, improved sound-absorbing materials, and a modified engine intake.
The revised, more roomy interior has increased back seat legroom and knee space. The knee space is expanded by 2.8 inches, and the legroom by 4.1 inches. Additionally, the revised design provides a greater foot area beneath the front seats.
Manual door window shades, a power rear shade, and a one-touch power trunk closing are all available comfort and convenience options. Optional ambient lighting, concealed behind the wood trim, lights the instrument panel and all four doors softly.
The 2019 Lexus ES will have upgraded NuLuxe seating surfaces that have been created to have a low effect on the environment. Genuine leather and semi-aniline leather are also available for an even more polished look and feel. Black, Light Gray, and Parchment interiors are offered. Piano Black, Espresso Bird's-eye Maple, and Bamboo are among the trim colors and materials available.
Suspension and steering adjustments, as well as a stiffer body, result in improved handling. Front suspension with opposite-wound coil springs improves straight-line stability. Better ride comfort is achieved through revised rear suspension geometry and improved shock absorber damping characteristics. Reduced steering gear ratio results in a more direct and responsive steering sensation. Body stiffness is increased by the use of lightweight, high tensile strength steel, extra bracing, and spot welds. Despite its increased size, roomier interior, and additional luxury appointments, the new ES weighs nearly 90 pounds less.
The ES will come standard with 215/55R17 low rolling resistance tires mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as 18-inch high-gloss alloy wheels for the first time.
The cockpit was designed with ergonomics and driver focus in mind, with distinct display and operating zones to assist the driver in keeping their eyes on the road. The instrument panel's lengthy, layered appearance places the primary information display right in front of the driver. A self-illuminating LED analog clock is located directly beneath the central display. The controls are arranged in a cluster beneath the information zone, on the steering wheel, and in the center console.
The second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) enables the user to control the climate, music, phone, and optional navigation system, among other functions. The screen menus are accessed through a conveniently situated controller on the central console. RTI decreases eye and hand movement, which contributes to less effort and distraction.
Numerous safety features assist the driver. Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) is an optional feature that assists in detecting cars inside blind areas. When backing out of a parking space, the RCTA warns the driver of rear cross-traffic. Lane Departure Alert (LDA) is available and is combined with automatic high beam dimming. The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) detects impediments and prepares the vehicle for a possible collision using sub-millimeter wave radar.
The Lexus ES comes equipped with a segment-leading ten airbags, including knee and front airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as front and rear seat-mounted side and curtain airbags. Front seats equipped with Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) technology are meant to reduce excessive head movement during certain rear-end crashes, therefore reducing the severity of whiplash-type injuries.
The ES is equipped with Lexus Safety Connect, which includes Enhanced Roadside Assistance, an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Stolen Vehicle Locator Services, and Automatic Collision Notification to a Safety Connect center. Safety Connect is offered for a one-year trial period.
The new ES is equipped with Lexus's next-generation Enform® technology. Through compatible smartphones, Lexus Enform® connects seamlessly to BingTM search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Pandora®, Yelp®, and Facebook Places. Apps are updated via over-the-air downloads, allowing for the addition of new apps and content as they become available. Lexus Enform with Safety Connect and the Application Suite are provided as one-year trial subscriptions.
The Lexus Premium Sound System comes standard with eight speakers and an Automatic Sound Levelizer, as well as a CD player, USB/iPod® connection, Bluetooth®, and a SiriusXM receiver. A seven-inch screen, a backup camera, HD RadioTM with iTunes® tagging, Bluetooth audio, phone transfer, and a vehicle information display are offered as options. The HDD Navigation System, available as an option, has a voice command and an integrated backup camera.
A 15-speaker Mark Levinson® audio system with an eight-inch display screen is offered. It has HD RadioTM with iTunes® tagging, DVD audio/video, and a SiriusXM receiver. Mark Levinson's exclusive GreenEdge technology doubles the amplifier's power while halving its energy usage.
"The new Lexus ES 350 and Lexus ES 300h hybrid vehicles blend technology, style, and performance to delight current ES owners and entice new customers," Templin stated. "With the introduction of the ES 300h, Lexus now genuinely has something for everyone in the entry luxury sector."