Lexus announces pricing for ES 350 & ES 300h

Lexus, being the Mercedes-Benz of Japan just let the seal go on the pricing information for the new series of ES vehicles. For this 2013 model, the price of the ES actually dropped 1.8% compared to last years model, with the starting pricer at $36,100. For that asking price you get  a 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine (248 pound-feet of torque) and a six-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels. The EPA estimates that is good for 21 miles per gallon city, 31 highway and 24 combined. Now onto the Hybrid model which starts at $38,850 which decreases the power from 268 down to 200 but you will jump up on fuel economy to 40 MPG in the city, 39 MPG on the highway. Crazy stuff here.

Press Release

Lexus Announces Pricing for 2013 ES 350 and ES 300h

•ES 350 Priced 1.7 Percent Lower Than Previous Generation’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
•Lowest Hybrid Premium in Lexus line-up
•ES 300h Delivers EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy Ratings of 40 MPG Combined

TORRANCE, Calif. – July 16, 2012 – Lexus today announced Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the all-new 2013 ES 350 and first ever ES 300h which will arrive at dealerships next month. The 2013 ES 350 luxury sedan carries a base MSRP of $36,100, reflecting a decrease of 1.7 percent versus the previous generation’s MSRP. The ES 300h luxury hybrid sedan will have a MSRP of $38,850, representing a difference of $2,750 over the ES 350, the lowest hybrid premium in the Lexus line-up. The ES 350 and ES 300 hybrid will arrive at dealerships in August. The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $895.

For the first time, the Lexus ES will be available with Lexus Hybrid Drive. Featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine, the ES 300h is expected to earn EPA fuel economy ratings of approximately 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined. The ES 300h generates 200 total system horsepower.

The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Dual VVT-i that delivers 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700. The six-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides enhanced driving performance, fuel efficiency and smooth shifts. Low friction materials further improve efficiency and help with the ES 350′s EPA-fuel economy estimates of 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.

Both the ES 350 and ES 300h feature a Drive Mode selector. 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 and steering responsiveness. The ES 300h adds an EV mode which allows short distance drives, at reduced speed, using only the power from the hybrid battery pack.

A stiffer chassis is achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and more body welds. Revised suspension geometry, shock absorber dampening and a quicker steering gear ratio deliver more precise handling while enhancing ride comfort.

The ES features a class-leading 10 airbags as standard equipment. The optional Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) 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, designed to detect certain obstructions traveling ahead and prepare the vehicle for a potential collision.

Lexus Safety Connect®, including Enhanced Roadside Assistance, an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), Stolen Vehicle Location services, and Automatic Collision Notification, is offered on all new Lexus vehicles with a one-year trial subscription.

The standard Lexus Premium Sound System features eight-speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), in-dash CD player, USB/iPod® connectivity, and an integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver with a 90-day trial subscription. The available Display Audio package adds a seven-inch screen, HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging, Bluetooth® audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and a rear backup camera.

An available 15-speaker 835 watt Mark Levinson® audio system features an eight-inch display screen, DVD audio/video. Exclusive GreenEdge technology from Mark Levinson doubles the output of the amplifier, while reducing energy consumption by fifty percent.

The optional HDD Navigation System includes voice command, an integrated backup camera, an eight-inch screen, and the next generation Lexus Enform® system with App Suite. Lexus Enform provides 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. (A one-year subscription to Lexus Enform with App Suite is included.)