2013 Lexus ES Spotted in China!

Posted by Kevin on February 21st, 2012

The next-generation 2013 Lexus ES has been revealed by way of Chinese forum XCar — let’s start off with the full photo gallery:

2013-lexus-es-1
2013-lexus-es-10
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2013-lexus-es-12
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2013-lexus-es-3
2013-lexus-es-4
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2013-lexus-es-9

Besides its larger size, the very first thing I notice about the new ES is the coupe-like roofline that glides down into the trunk:

2013 Lexus ES Roofline

More than anything, this line defines the car to me — it’s a bold statement by Lexus to change their best-selling sedan in such a strong manner, especially when the style and size bring to mind the flagship LS.

As for the rest of the exterior design, I’m not sold on the hoodline and the way it cuts across the front-end, but the side profile makes it all worth it:

2013 Lexus ES Side Profile

And then there’s the interior, which is such a quantum leap over the existing model that only a side-by-side comparison will do:

2013 Lexus ES Interior Comparison

As with the new GS, this ES interior could sell the car on its own — there’s simply no way to overstate the improvement compared to the current model and its teardrop center console.

Now, I try not to get too excited or too disappointed by leaked cameraphone photos, but the new ES looks like a homerun to me. What do you think?

[Source: XCar & Autohome] (Thanks to everyone that sent this in!)

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Comments
Y
People is gonna complain rear end looks like Hyundai Sonata ... it's expected because my friend keep saying that when GS is unveiled & this ES just a Carbon Copy of GS .
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    • S
      SamyDeluxe
    • February 21, 2012
    The Sonata looks like the Lexus not the Lexus. All Lexus Rear Lights are drawn.
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      Travis
    • February 22, 2012
    Dont ever put Sonata and a Lexus in the same sentance... or even in the same idea at that. Anyone anywhere that says any Lexus looks like a hyundai... tell them stop dreaming. Being like Toyota/Lexus is Hyundai wet dream.
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      Travis
    • February 22, 2012
    Plus how can the rear end looks like a Sonata when the Lexus was out 3 YEARS before the Sonata even came about ???????? Hyundai is the LAST auto maker ANYONE wants to copy.
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      Bill
    • March 17, 2012
    But it IS the one that Lexus, BMW, and M-B are watching VERY carefully.  
Y
It's a ES250 ... Lexus , please put that in Malaysia too !
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    Crux
  • February 21, 2012
I don't know.... Front: I can live with it I guess. Side: Is it me or the back half looks exactly like an LS?. Back: I don't know yet still digesting. But I am offended that a few comment above they said it looks like a hy**die. I despise all things hy**die/k*a/sams**g those brands can die right now. Any way, the back and tail lights has some resemblance with the new 5 series.
    Y
    It's true about the rear door is trying to copy the flagship , Lexus LS ... the front end (the top section of the grille) looks like it wearing cap there , while headlight just looks alike the Facelifted RX . I'm not the one that said it looks a like , it's my friend ... I know Lexus History .
    • Anonymous
    • February 24, 2012
    Highly intelligent comment.
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I CANT FREAKIN WAIT! @ Yong, tell them the new GS taillights look like the IS which debuted a few years earlier than the sonata. BAM.
    Y
    I did , the Lexus IS & Lexus GS were made in 2005 ... which is 3 years before Hyundai launched their Sonata that most of my friend like ; I tried to explained but they just doesn't listen , so I'm just ignore them . By the way , I like the new Lexus ES's interior , it looks like Lexus GS ! I never like the pass 2 generation of Lexus ES , they're so old-ish for me , but the new one just EPIC !
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      David G.
    • February 21, 2012
    Thomas, that front hood line is horrible but the rest looks great. i cant wait to see the IS and the LS since the ES is supposed to blow the buick out of the water. That means the LS must be superb
    T
    I see the overlap too. It's weird but maybe a bad camera angle. Gotta see it in person. Coming from someone who works in a lexus dealership, I'm happy to know sedan sales will be going up!!
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      lexusjoe
    • February 24, 2012
    The people at Lexus have described the new IS to me. They say the new IS series will be absolutely incredible looking with a angled, swept rear that will be VERY Bold in design, even in comparison to the new GS. Before long, Lexus will have an entirely re-designed, sporty, aggressive and beautiful lineup of cars that will be above the competition.
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    Jonas
  • February 21, 2012
Oh wow, I'm glad they don't sell this in Europe. Rear end looks decent, so does the side profile, and its always nice with a panorama glass roof. But, what the heck is going on up front? Just look how wierd the hood folds on the rest of the body. And how the part which seperates the hood from the grill looks like a bruised upper lip. On the interior side, it's definately an improvement, but I'm not too sure about the lower part of the center console. Don't get me wrong, I love Lexus, but this thing is not the way to go concerning design. Crossing my fingers for the next IS, may it not look anything like this...
    Y
    At least they started to use Analog Clock instead of the Digital Clock that looks like my 1989 Toyota Corolla .
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      Wunko
    • February 22, 2012
    Isn't an "analog" clock more outdated as opposed to a "digital" clock? Or the analog clock considered more of a classy thing than a digital display? I've never had a car with an analog clock in it before so seeing it in the GS was new to me.
    Y
    Analog Clock is more classy , Digital Clock doesn't really "modern" because Toyota use the same (I'm not 100% confirm it's the same but 99% sure it is) Digital Clock for over 21 years without a change ! That Digital Clock there made people think Toyota/Lexus just doesn't know how to made new Clock . But I've to said that Digital Clock is amazing , it's working very well on my Corolla (even my Sister's Corolla , same but different color & slightly newer) , even it's over 20 years old !
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      Wunko
    • February 22, 2012
    Thanks for the explanation. I figured it was because the analog clock looked more luxurious... I think you're right that they use the same green digital clock between the Toyota and Lexus models. I saw the 2006-2008 IS had a white digital clock (which was actually quite nice!) but they switched it back to green in the 2009-2012 IS, which I have. :(
    • Anonymous
    • February 24, 2012
    Of course.  From the 1920's onward, analog clocks were all that were available in any car.   Sorry, but this a step backward.  Needless and certainly not "classy."  Except perhaps for those who have no...class.  Otherwise, the car looks terrific.
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      Brad
    • March 1, 2012
    I have to disagree.I would sooner wear a Seiko watch over a digital Casio.
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      psi
    • February 22, 2012
    Totally agree with Jonas' comment. Ugh on the front end. Just awful.
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      Ron
    • March 22, 2012
     I think the front looks like the production people saw a way to save money a took it.  What a boondoggle. 
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    THE ANTI HIPSTER
  • February 21, 2012
The ES is just a spruced up Toyota Camry.
    Y
    Well ... basically it is , Lexus ES was Toyota Windom & Toyota Windom is highly related with Toyota Camry .
    • Anonymous
    • February 22, 2012
    Yea and Infiniti is a spruced up Nissan and Acura is a spruced up Honda. What's your point?
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      Bourne
    • February 22, 2012
    His point is that the ES is just a spruced up Toyota Camry
    • Anonymous
    • February 22, 2012
    Well you take the best selling car in America and put higher quality materials and better craftsmanship and you get the ES. So what's the problem with that?
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      5214201
    • February 27, 2012
    so defensive
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    Wunko
  • February 21, 2012
I still like it overall... maybe I'm not too shocked by these designs anymore because I already expected some design hints from the new GS. The rear and overall shape looks good too me. Front isn't bad either but the hood going over the front grill is gonna take some getting used to. I hope the next IS and LS will look better though.
    J
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      Jonas
    • February 21, 2012
    I was also expecting design hints from the new GS, after all it is the new design direction. But, the interpretation of the new direction could have been done much better here. After meeting the LF-LC concept, it's certainly not the competence that's lacking.
Y
I've just downloaded Lexus ES240/350 brochure from Lexus China , it listed the Panorama Glass Roof is standard equipment for any Lexus ES , so I expected it'll be the same on 2013 model !
L
Simply Gorgeous!
W
The first picture made it look like the new Scion tC, but the rest totally changed my mind!
М
so LEXUS want to different line up one FWD for luxury contain from ES then may be a new generation HS  & one for sport RWD/AWD LS , GS , SC , IS , CT that ES not less than 1.95 m which means it will be the flagship of the FWD models and after the rendering of the next sport LS that make a lot of sense  lineup to compete American , lineup to compete European please anybody reply me if that true or not please
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    McWitz
  • February 21, 2012
Overall the design fits nicely in the "new" style.  A little dissapointed by no chrome accent on lower doors, heated and ventilated seats are still the "old" dials that don't have auto-shutoff and the shift knob is stil too tall and skinny.  I am sure that the fit and finish will be stunning as well as the Lexus drive.
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    joshd
  • February 21, 2012
its nice, much better looking then my 04 ES.  I still like the new GS better.  
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    Jsbranco
  • February 21, 2012
I am questioning the validity of the pictures.  Look at the rear of the car.  Why does it say, "Lexus?" I thought they did away with putting Lexus in writing on the rear decklid..........I also do not like jow the front of the hood abruptly cuts across the front end clip of the car as is more evident in lighter paint shades..
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      steven
    • February 21, 2012
    I think that is only in the US
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      emptystreets130
    • February 21, 2012
    US is the only country that I know of that doesn't use the "Lexus" badging since the "L" is recognizable. I think Europe and areas where Lexus is struggling is still using the "Lexus" badge.
B
When Haters see how sweet this is, they're gonna hate it more than Floyd Mayweather hates Jeremy Lin! BD
B
I wish they could've done a better job getting that hood opening together with the grille Same with the new 3-series Surprised the tailpipes are bumper-integrated..... BD
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    Sadjam
  • February 21, 2012
Best picture goes to the one with sexy red GS in full view
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    BOSS
  • February 21, 2012
Is this car legit or knockoff?(its China afterall) haha. But if 'ts real, that interior is 1000000x nicer than the past gens. The outside of the car kinda looks like a teenager LS with a bit of muscle.
B
Chances Lexus drops the price of the ES down to $34,995? The Camry has a nice price cut, to rebuild market share Same in store for the platform-mate ES? BD
    T
    I could only see that happening if they manufacture it in Canada.
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    Lowndes
  • February 21, 2012
Suddenly the GS looks so much better!
M
The rear reminds me of the new Camry in China... But, its sexy though! And do I see a 3-Zone climate control button?
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    Jay
  • February 21, 2012
Very nice indeed. I don't mind the hoodline so much. The profile, rear, and interior look fantastic. However I do have 2 requests: 1. Please make an F Sport Variant available even in the hybrid. 2. Please trim the doors with leather, not acres of hard plastic like in the current generation ES.
    М
    i think it will be luxury FWD lineup contain of that new ES and a next new generation HS if you want sport lineup you have to go to LS, SC, GS , IS , CT
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    Nima
  • February 21, 2012
This is a Camry with lipstick!
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    Twan29
  • February 21, 2012
OMG Lexus is doing there thing they aint playing with nobody. I love this Great Look!!!!! I would get Black with the burned orange leather with the pano roof...CANT WAIT!!!!!!!!
B
It won't go on sale for 4-5 months There is still the chance they can fix that hoodline by then, if we let them know it's a problem....... BD
    М
    the first thing when i saw that hood and front face the HONDA CRX
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      Carmaker1
    • March 27, 2012
    They can't change it, it is way too late. It would require re-tooling and further testing. This design was approved in 2009 at the same time the 2012 Camry was and that surfaced last summer. The current ES design was approved in 2004, this one was just delayed. Everything debuting this year(except facelifts) was approved between 2009 and early 2011.
R
This car just does not look good. I'm not sure if its the color or if the design is simply that bad, but it gives off the impression of endless plastic. Does not look sleek or luxurious by any means. Clunky, even.
B
This thing looks like a bloated HS that needs to lose some weight. I love Lexus, and I'm an enthusiast, but I'm being honest here - this thing is hideous from every angle. The sides are just FLAT with no character. The front looks like an unsuccessful mix of the HS and '13 GS, and the back looks like a Sonata that has been over-rounded at every angle. The interior appears to be vastly improved apart from the huge hole for the nav screen, and then a much smaller screen clearly visible inside the hole... Hopefully it will look more appealing in person; they often do.
    • Anonymous
    • February 24, 2012
    Are you buying a car  -  or a blow-up doll???
  • Anonymous
  • February 21, 2012
Lexus fired ALL their designers don't they........all they left now is a photo copier...........with a resize button......
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    AP
  • February 21, 2012
 An absolute disaster. I can't believe someone signed off on this.
B
I see the power rear sunshade is in effect, and a panoramic roof might be standard? BD

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