For those interested in acquiring a new Lexus, we have good news as the manufacturer has just revealed that the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the all-new 2013 ES 350 and ES 300h. So, the 2013 Lexus ES 350 will carry a base price of $36,100, which means it will be cheaper than the previous generation.
The 2013 Lexus ES 300h will be more expensive as it will cost $38,850. Still, at these price tags you should add the delivery, processing and handling fee of $895. For those who don’t know, the 2013 Lexus ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Dual VVT-i that delivers 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700.
This engine is mated to a six-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). According to Lexus, the ES 350 is expected to deliver a fuel consumption of 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.
The Lexus ES 300h, is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and it is expected to deliver a fuel economy of 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined. The ES 300h generates 200 total system horsepower. As an option, the 2013 ES features Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) integrated with automatic high beam dimming technology and Pre-Collision System (PCS).
As standard, Lexus offers the Premium Sound System with eight-speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), in-dash CD player, USB/iPod connectivity, and an integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver with a 90-day trial subscription.
With the Display Audio package, the customer gets a seven-inch screen, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, Bluetooth audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and a rear backup camera.
Moreover, a 15-speaker 835 watt Mark Levinson audio system with eight-inch display screen, DVD audio/video is available as an option. Also as an option, we find the HDD Navigation System which includes voice command, an integrated backup camera, an eight-inch screen, and the next generation Lexus Enform system with App Suite.
As seen from its profile, the new Lexus ES is laden with clean lines spanning from the front to the rear. It is also apparent that the car features characteristic proportions, thanks to the fact that its four corners have been pulled tightly inward into the wheelarches. Lexus has seen it fit to make the ES longer by an inch. Since the wheelbase of the new Lexus ES has grown by 1.8 inches, the car now features shorter overhangs as well as a roomier cabin.
Meanwhile, the exterior of the new Lexus ES tells us that it is definitely a Lexus, from its signature spindle grille to the "L" design cue of the car’s LED daytime running lights and combination rear lamps. Its fog lamps, meanwhile, are now integrated into the lower front fascia. There are various cues that should allow people to differentiate the conventionally powered Lexus ES from the hybrid version. For instance, the ES350 comes with sports dual exhaust pipes. On the other hand, the Lexus ES300h has concealed exhaust, an integrated rear spoiler, distinct blue badging and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the new Lexus ES boasts of better visibility and sightlines. The interior makes use of high quality materials crafted to the highest degree. The interior also features logically placed controls. Since the latest iteration of the ES is now more spacious, rear passengers now enjoy greater headroom (plus 0.8 inches) seat legroom (plus 4.1 inches) and knee room (plus 2.8 inches). In addition, Lexus designed the interior in such a way that rear passengers could still stretch their feet under the fronts seats.