New 2013 ES350 and all-new ES300h Hybrid With Enhanced Handling and Lexus Signature Design

 

The introduction of the new 2013 ES 350 and all-new ES 300h marks the sixth generation of Lexus’ popular luxury sedan since its introduction over 20 years ago.  Featuring the signature Lexus spindle grille, a progressive new design and enhanced handling, the ES brings new levels of refinement and quality to the entry luxury segment.  Now available with Lexus Hybrid Drive, the ES is sure to impress new and loyal consumers.

 

“Since its introduction to Canada in 1990, the ES has been a core model for the Lexus brand and has been a top selling Lexus passenger car in the last five years,” said Larry Hutchinson, Senior Executive Director of Lexus in Canada. “The new ES inherits the ES DNA for comfort and elegance and builds its success with a revitalized smart design and class-leading efficiency that reflect Lexus’ new chapter of progressive luxury.  

 

 

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

 

For the first time, the Lexus ES will be available with Lexus Hybrid Drive. Featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, the ES 300h is expected to achieve class-leading fuel economy with ratings of 4.7 L/100km city, 5.1 L/100 km highway and 4.8 L/100 km combined.  The ES 300h generates 200 total system horsepower.

 

The new, low friction engine utilizes a sophisticated power management system and high compression ratio (12.5:1) to increase overall efficiency. Equipped with an electric water pump, and electric power steering, and an integrated hybrid electric motor/generator, this engine does not require any accessory belts. The beltless design helps improve fuel economy, and overall reliability.

 

The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine with Dual VVT-i that delivers 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700. The six-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides enhanced driving performance, fuel efficiency and smooth shifts. Low friction materials further improve efficiency.

 

Both the ES 350 and ES 300h feature a Drive Mode selector.  Normal mode provides a blend of performance and efficiency that is suited to everyday driving, while Eco mode favors fuel economy. Sport mode increases powertrain and steering responsiveness, and for the ES 300h, the IP changes from the hybrid power monitor to a tachometer. The ES 300h adds an EV mode which allows short distance drives, at reduced speed, using only the power from the hybrid battery pack.

 

 

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

 

Suspension changes, a stiffer body and a quicker steering gear ratio deliver more precise handling in the new 2013 Lexus ES.

 

The front suspension employs opposite-wound coil springs to help enhance straight-line stability.  Revised rear suspension geometry and improved shock absorber damping characteristics enhance ride comfort. The steering gear ratio has been reduced from 16.1:1 to 14.8:1 to help deliver a more responsive and direct steering feel.  Increased body rigidity is achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and more spot welds.  Airflow is smoothed beneath the vehicle, improving stability and fuel economy, and reducing drag.

 

The ES will be equipped with standard 215/55R17 low rolling resistance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. The ES 350 will offer optional 18-inch

high-gloss alloy wheels while the ES 300h will offer a 17” high-gloss alloy wheel.

 

 

Safety/Security Features

 

An array of standard and available safety features aid the driver. The optional Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) helps detect vehicles in side blind spots. The RCTA alerts the driver to rear cross traffic when backing out of a parking spot. Available Lane Departure Alert (LDA) is integrated with automatic high beam dimming technology. The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) uses sub-millimeter wave radar designed to detect certain obstructions traveling ahead and prepare the vehicle for a potential collision.

 

The ES features a class-leading 10 airbags as standard equipment, including driver and front passenger knee, front and seat-mounted air bags, as well as rear seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to limit excessive head movement in certain rear-end collisions helping to decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries.

 

Luxury/Comfort/Convenience

 

The new ES will feature enhanced NuLuxe seating surfaces, developed to help reduce environmental impact. Genuine leather is also available, as is semi-aniline leather for a more refined look and feel. Interiors are available in Black, Light Gray, and Parchment. Trim colors and materials include Piano Black, Espresso Bird’s-eye Maple.

 

The optional HDD Navigation System includes voice command, an integrated backup camera and an eight-inch screen. 

 

The standard Lexus Premium Sound System features eight-speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), in-dash CD player, USB/iPod^® connectivity, Bluetooth^® and an integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver with a 90-day trial subscription. The available Display Audio and backup camera package adds a seven-inch screen, HD Radio™ with iTunes^® tagging, Bluetooth audio, phone transfer, and a vehicle information display.

 

An available 15-speaker 835 watt Mark Levinson^® audio system features an eight-inch display screen, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, DVD audio/video and a Sirius XM Satellite Radio receiver.  Exclusive GreenEdge technology from Mark Levinson doubles the output of the amplifier, while reducing energy consumption by fifty percent.

 

Luxury Options

 

Customers can choose from several option packages.  Comfort and convenience features include a heated wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel with PTC heater, Park Assist, manual door window shades, a power rear shade, a one-touch power trunk closer and heated front seats. Optional ambient lighting placed under the wood trim, softly illuminates the surfaces of the instrument panel and all four doors. Available rain-sensing wipers and a windshield deicer help improve driver visibility in inclement weather. 

 

Available Packages

 

The 2013 Lexus ES is available in two models - the ES 350 and ES 300h. Each may be enhanced with a selection of available upgrade packages.

 

ES 350

ES 300h

 

 

Exterior Design

 

The new ES features a lower profile, and clean styling lines from front to rear. All four corners are pulled tightly inward to the wheel arches, creating distinctive proportions.

 

The wheelbase of the new ES has been lengthened by 45.7 mm, while the overall length of the vehicle has grown by one inch, resulting in shorter overhangs and a more spacious interior. 

 

The new ES bears the new face of Lexus with its distinctive, spindle grille. The “L” design motif is reflected in the LED daytime running lights and combination rear lamps. Fog lamps are integrated into the sculpted lower front bumper fascia. The ES 350 sports dual exhaust pipes, while the ES 300h features an exclusive rear design with hidden exhaust and an integrated rear spoiler. Other details specific to the hybrid include unique blue badging and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels.

 

Interior Design

 

The ES features enhanced sightlines and visibility, logically placed controls, and new cabin materials that express a high level of craftsmanship. The modern interior has been designed to provide a sense of openness and security.

 

Greater rear seat legroom and knee room are the hallmark of the redesigned, more spacious passenger cabin.  Rear headroom is increased by 18 mm, knee room is increased by 71.1 mm and legroom is lengthened by 104 mm. Additional foot room below the front seats enhances rear passenger comfort. 

 

A newly sculptured 10-way adjustable power seat is standard on all ES models.  An available 12-way power seat allows the seat cushion to extend by 35.6 mm for better leg support. Seat height adjustment extends capabilities the downward range by an additional 15.2 mm. In addition, the steering wheel angle has been reduced from 24 degrees to 22 degrees for a more natural control position.   

 

The cockpit features separate display and operation zones to help keep the driver’s eyes on the road.  The instrument panel, with its long, layered look, places the main information display directly in the driver’s line of sight, supplemented by a center-mounted 3.5-inch color TFT multi-information display screen or available navigation and multimedia system. Below the center display is a self-illuminating LED analog clock.

 

The second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller located on the center console. RTI also reduces eye and hand movement, helping to decrease effort and distraction.

 

Warranty

 

All new Lexus vehicles come with a 48-month/80,000 kilometre basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited kilometres.  Powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/110,000 kilometres.  Corrosion perforation protection is covered for 72 months, regardless of kilometres.

 

About Lexus of Canada

 

Lexus in Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 36 dealers across Canada. With 13 Lexus models on the road today, five of them being hybrids, Lexus has the largest luxury hybrid lineup; allowing guests a choice in a large range of luxury vehicle segments. In the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), Lexus won the most segment awards, four in total, of any nameplate. For more information about Lexus products, and Lexus’ pursuit of perfection, visit www.media.lexus.ca.