Both impressions and details are embargoed until May 31st.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - May 19, 2012
A 2013 Lexus ES 300h bathed in flowers – A hybrid for the entry mid-size luxury market that should prove to be both affordable and fuel efficient.
At the 2012 NYIAS this past April, Lexus loosed upon the show going journalists and public soon after yet another reveal sporting the latest new face of Lexus and it was done in its most mainstream sedan. That being the ES. And for the first time it was set to incorporate Lexus’ Hybrid Drive.
What was promised was an all new interior and exterior design, vastly improved handling and enough infotainment additions to satisfy a “Linux Geek.”
Lexus ES Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi: “What has the presence of our flagship LS, more legroom than a Mercedes Benz E-Class and 25% better MPG than a subcompact Honda Fit? The answer… the all-new ES hybrid!”
ES 300h Hybrid
For the first time in the ES lineup, Lexus is providing Lexus Hybrid Drive. Featuring the Camry’s atkinsonized 2.5L I4, the ES 300h hybrid is expected to earn an EPA fuel economy rating of approximately 40 mpg combined. The certified results will be disclosed on May 31st.
The new, low friction twin cam engine utilizes a sophisticated power management system, a 12.5:1 compression ratio, and Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). The beltless motor is designed to improve fuel economy and durability, and a near zero evaporative fuel system helps reduce emissions.
2013 Lexus ES 300h Engine Bay
The ES 300h hybrid offers the driver four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and EV. EV mode allows short distance drives, at reduced speed, using only the power from the hybrid battery pack. 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 responsiveness.
Exterior Design
The new ES features a lower profile with the four corners pulled inward to the wheel arches. The wheelbase of the new ES has been lengthened by
1.8 inches, while the overall length of the vehicle has grown by an inch, creating a much more spacious interior.
The new ES is also adorned with the new face of Lexus and the spindle grille design language. The LED DRLs and combination rear lamps reflect the “L” design motif and look very aggressive! Highly unusual for a Lexus and follows a similar theme to that released with the
2013 Lexus GS 450h.
At the rear, the 2013 ES 300h hybrid features a distinctive rear design with hidden exhaust and an integrated spoiler.
Inside
2013 Lexus ES 300h Interior - The Working End
The 2013 ES provides improved sightlines, controls are logically placed, and new cabin materials reveal a new higher level of craftsmanship with a unique and distinctive bamboo trim.
The steering wheel angle has been reduced from 24 degrees to 22 degrees for a more natural control position. Fluid-filled engine mounts, new sound absorbing materials and a tuned engine intake help minimize the intrusion of outside noise.
The newly designed drivers displays and operation zones were specifically laid out to keep your eyes on the road. The instrument panel, with a long 3-dimendiaonl appearance places the main information display directly in the driver’s line of sight. Just below the center display is a self-illuminating LED analog clock. Controls are clustered beneath the information zone, on the steering wheel, and on the center console.
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 conveniently located on the center console. RTI reduces eye and hand movement, helping reduce effort and distraction.
More rear seat leg and knee room are the new 13 ES’ true claim to fame with
Knee room is increased by 2.8 inches and legroom is increased by 4.1 inches. The new design also offers additional foot room below the front seats.
Available comfort and convenience features include manual door window shades, a power rear shade, and a one-touch power trunk closer. Optional ambient lighting, discretely placed under the wood trim, softly illuminates the surfaces of the instrument panel and all four doors.
The new ES will feature enhanced NuLuxe seating surfaces, developed to reduce environmental impact. Genuine leather is also available, as is semi-aniline leather for an even more refined look and feel.
Ride and Handling
2013 Lexus ES 300h on the binders
A number of suspension and steering changes plus a stiffer body deliver improved handling. Opposite-wound coil springs on the front suspension enhance straight-line stability. Revised rear suspension geometry and improved shock absorber damping characteristics enhance ride comfort. A reduction in the steering gear ratio delivers a more responsive and direct steering feel.
Increased body rigidity was achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and additional spot welds. Despite its larger size, roomier interior and additional luxury appointments, the weight of the new ES is
reduced by almost 90 pounds.
The ES 300h will be equipped with standard 215/55R17 low rolling resistance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels.
Safety
An array of safety features have been added including the available “Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert” (RCTA) which 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 to detect obstructions and prepare the vehicle for a potential collision.
Following a safety design cue from GM’s least to most expensive models, The ES finally features
10 airbags including front, side, side curtain, driver and front passenger knee and outward rear seat side 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.
Lexus Safety Connect, including Enhanced Roadside Assistance, an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Stolen Vehicle Location services, and Automatic Collision Notification to a Safety Connect center is standard on the new ES. A one-year trial subscription for Safety Connect is included.
Infotainment
The new ES features the next-generation Lexus Enform system providing seamless connectivity with Bing search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Yelp and Facebook Places through compatible smart phones. Apps are updated through over-the-air downloads, so new apps and content can be added as they become available. One-year trial subscriptions to Lexus Enform with Safety Connect and the Application Suite are included.
The standard Lexus Premium Sound System features eight speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer, CD player, USB/iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and a SiriusXM receiver. The available Display Audio package adds a seven-inch screen, a backup camera, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, Bluetooth audio, phone transfer, and a vehicle information display. The optional HDD Navigation System includes voice command and an integrated backup camera.
An available 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system features an eight-inch display screen, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, DVD audio/video and a SiriusXM receiver. Exclusive GreenEdge technology from Mark Levinson doubles the output of the amplifier, while reducing energy consumption by fifty percent.
2013 Lexus ES 300h – Base specifications - Seating Capacity: 5
- Overall Length (in.): 192.7
- Width (in.): 71.7
- Height (in.): 57.1
- Wheelbase (in.): 111.0
- Driven Wheels: Front Wheel Drive
- Curb Weight (lbs.): 3,660
- Wheel size: (front and rear) 17” x 7.0”
- Tires size: 215/55/17
The new Look of Lexus from the ES’ perspective
She's a looker alright
For more views of this groundbreaking midsize luxury automobile, look no further than the
2013 ES 300h Gallery and click on “Start Slideshow”.
We will have a lot more on this eye catching all-new ES 300h after the embargo is lifted later this month.
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