The 2013 Lexus ES

Lexus Does It Again

Here’s the bread and butter car of the Lexus stable. Over one million copies have sold since its introduction. To keep the streak alive, Lexus needed to hit another home run.  And I think they hit it out of the park

New to the line up, a hybrid a hybrid version similar to what you find in a Camry.

Also new is the ES platform.  Speaking of, goodbye Camry, hello Avalon.

The new spindle grill design is now incorporated. Over all, the look of the car is more upscale and easier on the eyes.

(Photo by STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images)

The interior has been heavily revised and the designers worked wonders.

The cabin is airy with its expansive dashboard.  You now get a classy analog clock instead of the lousy old Toyota digital version.

Like it’s bigger brother, the GS, the ES gets a new steering wheel design. And for the first time, you can option it with heat.

The seats can either be heated or cooled. And the seats themselves are super comfortable and the stitching is done by one of just 12 craftsmen certified to do the work.

The Lexus grows by an inch. And the real benefit from the larger platform is the room gained in the rear cabin.

It’s large back there, with 4.1 inches of additional legroom and a tad more headroom.

Trunk space has increased as well, but you do lose about an inch of space if you opt for the hybrid version. Darn batteries.

The six-speed transmission feels seamless and smooth. And like the GS, you can switch between normal eco and sport depending on your driving mood, and gas allowance.

The V6 engine makes a respectable and sufficient 268 horsepower and the hybrid with a CVT transmission is rated at 40 miles per gallon combined pretty good for a big luxurious vehicle. The V6 gets 21 city 31 highway.

How does the 2013 ES drive?  Zen like. And more engaging than the former generation. The looks are good, not groundbreaking, the cabin is quite and airy and the materials as with every Lexus are beautiful and tasteful.

For the full brochure, click HERE.