While long the best selling car in the Lexus line-up, the ES has not only had to compete with other entry-level luxury sedans, it’s also had to stay a few notches above the increasingly lavish Toyota Camry on which it was based. Well, now it’s time for an all-new ES, with a new dimension, and some electrifying new hardware. Let’s drive the result!

It’s hard to believe that the 2013 Lexus ES is the 6th generation of the brands entry-level luxury stalwart. And, while it has evolved greatly over the years, never before has it seen such substantial change, as it is now based on the stretched Camry chassis of the upcoming full-size Toyota Avalon. That means a much bigger interior, with over 4-inches of added legroom for the back seat. 

While it’s true the Camry itself has gotten more refined and luxurious over the years, it simply can’t match the level of material quality or options you can get in the ES, like a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, semi-aniline leather on the dash, along with Birdseye Maple or Bamboo wood trim. Navigation is not standard, but if you opt for it, inputs are by a much improved, second generation of Lexus’ remote touch system.

NuLuxe fake leather is standard, but most cars will come fitted with the real thing covering very comfortable seat padding. 10 airbags and Lexus Safety Connect are standard, but not a backup monitor. Hi-tech safety options include Lane Departure Alert, Rear Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Trunk capacity is 15.2 cubic feet, while the ES hybrid holds 20% less to make room for its battery. That’s right, after recently dropping the HS hybrid from the line-up Lexus has added a hybrid to the ES family, the ES 300h.

Styling is mostly the same for both the standard 350 and the 300h sedans, with a more aggressive look clearly aimed at decreasing the average ES buyer’s age. The front end is wider, nicely incorporating the Lexus family spindle grille, as well as lots of sharp lines. While the new ES is bigger in every dimension, overall length comes in just 1.6-inches longer at 192.7. There are lots of aero aids throughout, including on the door frames and tail lights. The hybrid adds rear spoiler and a hidden exhaust outlet, replacing the ES 350’s dual exhaust setup.

Powering the ES 300h is the Camry’s 2.5-liter I4-based hybrid system that delivers out 200-horsepower through a CVT transmission. The mainstream ES 350 uses a carryover 3.5-liter V6 that sends its 268-horsepower, along with 248 pound feet of torque through a 6-speed automatic. Both feature a Drive Mode selector with Normal, Sport, and Eco modes, with an EV setting for the hybrid.

The ES 350’s Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 21-City and 31-Highway, a slight bump over last year. While The ES 300h hybrid comes in at 40-City and 39-Highway giving the 300h an Energy Impact Score that’s about as good as it gets with annual oil consumption of just 8.2-barrels per year and only 3.7 tons of yearly CO2 emissions. 

There’s a reason many of us use “quiet as a Lexus” when describing ultra-quiet cars, and indeed not much has changed there. But what has changed, is the ES350 has gotten a tiny bit more dynamic, but not at the risk of sacrificing any of the silkiness or extreme comfort that the brand is known for. Think smooth and easy, just like Lionel Richie. 

Suspension set-up consists of MacPherson struts up front and dual-link struts in the rear, and the ES remains front wheel drive only. Ride quality is plush, as the ES, unlike the recently revamped GS, makes no pretentions of being a sport sedan; it’s all about wrapping the driver in solid comfort and luxury. Electric Power Steering feels natural and a tad quicker than before. The driving experience of the hybrid is exactly the same, and we put it on par with the Infinti M for power-train smoothness. It’s very pleasant to drive, save for some uncharacteristic- for Lexus-engine noise. Power feels every bit as strong as the V6 too, where a nice hit of electric motor torque gets you up and going.

Pricing for the 2013 Lexus ES 350 is actually down a bit from last year, however, starting at $36,995 for the ES 350. The ES 300h hybrid goes for $39,745 or $2,750 more than the V6. You can tell designers put a lot of effort into making sure the 2013 Lexus ES lands well ahead of its rivals. It is a much better ES, one that should keep current owners happy, as well as attract new ones. With it no-compromise-on-luxury interior, and the addition of a very well executed hybrid, the new ES is a two-pronged approach that will spark plenty of sales. 

It’s a fun, enjoyable ride that lets you know what you’re in for right away with a nice raspy exhaust note at start up.