First Drive: 2013 Lexus ES350

NEWBERG, Oregon – Toyota has done a masterful job of upgrading the Camry over the years, giving each successive new generation since 1989 a minor set of revisions and swapping that nameplate for one identifying it as a Lexus ES. The two share virtually every important aspect and dimension, yet the Lexus brand has become so revered a Camry wearing a Lexus logo is a much sought-after vehicle.

The Lexus ES has been the top-selling Lexus in Canada the past five years. As the gateway model for the Lexus family, the ES has earned a loyal following. More than 31 per cent of 2011 ES customers had owned a previous version. 

With a new Camry on the street for 2012, we knew the Lexus version would not be far behind, and it isn’t. The 2013 Lexus ES350 will arrive in August. While Toyota/Lexus brass here were tight-lipped about most details like dimensions, pricing and fuel economy numbers, they provided plenty of opportunity to drive the new sixth generation ES and its new hybrid sibling the ES300h, also based entirely on the Camry hybrid.

As we have come to expect from Lexus, this latest edition is a supremely well-sorted and built car. What it lacks in excitement, it more than makes up for in comfort, reliability and elegance. The outgoing ES was getting a little long in the tooth, having been introduced in 2006. It has also garnered a number of competitors in the interim, looking for a piece of the same pie.

The development themes for this new Lexus were “progressive luxury, more performance and intuitive advanced technology.” The team knew it had to avoid alienating the huge customer base, remember that value was a key purchase decision as were ride comfort and quietness.  

The 2013 ES has a more aggressive or sporty look. Easily distinguished from its predecessors, it now has the brand’s new “spindle” grill and allow-shaped LED daytime running lights. This look first appeared on the CT 200h, then the new GS series and will soon be seen on the 2013 RX.

As has been the case from the outset, the interior is what separates the ES from the Camry and what makes the ES, which stands for Elegant Sedan, so popular. The entire dash from door-to-door is different. Understated luxury is the theme, evident everywhere. The new ES also boasts some serious space, especially in the rear seat thanks to a 45-mm longer wheelbase. Overall passenger volume is up by 564-litres and rear seat legroom by a significant 104-mm. Overall length of the entire vehicle is up only 25-mm while width and height remain the same as the outgoing model.

Everything from lighting and stitching to audio and navigation systems has been upgraded. Genuine stitching and LED lighting add to the ambience.

On the road the first thing you notice is – nothing. The almost complete lack of engine, road or wind noise at any legal speed is commendable and the benchmark for competitors. The engine/transmission is carried over and makes a major contribution to the refinement and silence of this vehicle. There is more than ample motivation available for any situation. The driver can select “sport” or “eco” modes which enhance or dull throttle response.

The primary function of a Lexus is to coddle buyers and the new ES is no difference. The front suspension has been revised slightly and the rear is entirely new. The result is a supremely comfortable ride.

On the technology front, ES buyers will be able to order cross-traffic alert and automatic high beam and lane departure alert systems. Cross traffic alert makes its first appearance on a Lexus here. This is a significant safety feature! It is also a HUGE stress reliever as it warns you of vehicles approaching from either direction when backing out of a parking spot in tight quarters. Also available are a heated steering wheel and power trunk.

The 2013 ES will be available in five trim levels.