Video: 2013 Lexus ES Debuts in New York

Posted by Kevin on April 5th, 2012

As I work through all the information about the new sixth-generation Lexus ES, the first thing to share is this video of Lexus General Manager Mark Templin introducing the car today at the New York Auto Show:

Even though we knew what the ES looked like before its reveal today, photos alone can’t convey the presence of this car — if I had to use a single word to describe the new ES, it would have to be substantial. It’s just as Mark Templin describes it — Lexus has taken the ES to “a whole new level”.

(One point that wasn’t included in the video was a call out to the Mercedes E-Class as a direct competitor — this shows me just how confident Lexus is in this new ES.)

AutoshowsFutureHybridsLexus ES: Fifth GenerationUSAVideos
Popular Stories

Sorry. No data so far.

Comments
B
The ES will probably have more legroom than the E-Class, be quicker 0-60, and have many features that the Benz lacks, all at about $10k less...... BD
    Y
    It's a FF , should have more legroom than similar wheelbase E-Class that is a FR , which meant ES should have more leg room than GS & probably would near to LS ... the ES would have even faster 0-60 time if it's lighter , the only thing that I'm not happy about the new ES is the weight , all above 1.6-ton .
    B
    3549 is pretty light for this class, and this size range..... BD
    Y
    Pursuit of Perfection , never get enough of lightness . XD
C
  • C
    Charles
  • April 5, 2012
Mark Templin said "9 new or updated models + 3 F Sport models" for this year?  So what are the chances of a new IS this year?  I want to get an IS, but if there is a new one this year, it would be better to hold off for now.  
    B
    Should be this fall BD
    J
    • J
      James
    • April 8, 2012
    Wrong again.  April.
J
  • J
    Joe
  • April 5, 2012
Ambitious...  but a bridge too far?  If Lexus in the US is positioning the ES against the E-class, in what position do they push the new GS then?
    J
    • J
      Jake
    • April 5, 2012
    Another interesting thing is that Templin said that by 2014, Lexus will have 9 hybrid models. This probably means that we'll see: IS300h, ES300h, GS300h, GS450h, RX450h, CT200h, LS600h and we are missing another two models I can't figure out. Perhaps the new Lexus CUV (CX?) and the HS? (if it's not killed) or a new engine for the CT300h?
    D
    • D
      Dunraven77
    • April 5, 2012
    Or maybe a larger engine variant for CT. Though they have been taking about 2014 being the release date for the CUV. Also interesting in the video how he says global models twice. They are obviously going to sell the new ES in a lot more markets than the previous LHD model (China, Australia etc)
    J
    • J
      Jake
    • April 6, 2012
    Nice catch! I would love to see the ES in Europe! 
    C
    • C
      Charles
    • April 5, 2012
    Maybe the ES goes up against the E-Class for people who don't really care about driving dynamics and want more room.  Then the GS would go up against for the 5-Series and A6 for people who want better handling and AWD.  
    K
    • K
      krew
    • April 5, 2012
    Agreed -- ES against the E-Class, GS against the 5-Series & A6. 
    J
    • J
      Joe
    • April 5, 2012
    That's a bit a bizarre kind of thinking that we - Europeans - don't quite follow ;-) GS is a competitor in the luxury segment of E-class, 5 series, A6 and Jaguar XF.  On the European market there is no real model in a sub-segment in between IS and GS, except perhaps the Audi A5 Sportback.  We do know other sub-segments created by German premiums like Audi A7, Mercedes CLS, BMW 5 GT and the likes.  But none of these are in the same area as the ES. That's of course the reason why ES is not offered here in EU ;-)
    B
    The ES doesn't have many natural competitors in the luxury car class, as a larger FWD, so they are looking for areas of growth..... BD
    Y
    Large FWD ... American , that's it . haha
    J
    • J
      Jake
    • April 6, 2012
    I would let the GS compete with they CLS, A7 while letting the ES compete with the E class, 5 Series A6.
  • Anonymous
  • April 5, 2012
NO.  Just...no.  Even as a Lexus fan, there is no way an ES can hope to compete against the E-Class. The E550 hits 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. The E63 does it in 4.1 seconds. Sorry Lexus, but the ES's true competitors are the Acura TL, Buick Lacrosse, Lincoln MKZ, and the Hyundai Genesis.
    B
    Who said anything about V8 models? This is faster, roomier, and has probably more features than the E350.  All for $10k less? BD
    L
    • L
      LexusLVR
    • April 7, 2012
    And at the end of the day the ES doesn't compete with the E class. Most likely they're not even cross-shopped because the ES is significantly cheaper than the E class. And nobody buying an ES or E350 will be to concerned with performance. Both cars perform quite well already, so people need to stop it with the "faster" comments. I have an E350 Convertible and it's plenty fast for my needs.
    F
    • F
      F1
    • April 8, 2012
    Are you for real? You're comparing the ES350 to the most expensive model of the E-class and 5-series? Hahahaa dude, the ES350 will whoop the E350's candy ass Btw the Lexus IS350 does 0-60 in 4.6-5sec.. And that car is only a 3.5L V6 ;) not to mention Lexus engines are velvety smooth, quiet, refined & unruffled Plus power figures have not even been realesed yet..
    J
    • J
      James
    • April 8, 2012
    No it doesnt.  IS 350 is 5.5 secs.  IS F is 4.6.
H
Can't wait for the 2013 ES to arrive in Metro Detroit Michigan!
F
  • F
    FooFoo
  • April 8, 2012
HS250h

F