See 2013 Lexus ES Full Photo Gallery

The Lexus ES has been popular with luxury car buyers since its launch in 1989 and Lexus is aiming to boosts it popularity further with a redesigned 2013 Lexus ES and well as the introduction of a 2013 Lexus ES Hybrid.

The 2013 ES received a mild redesign both in and out. The overall profile of the car is lower and slightly longer with the corners of the car pulled in more tightly around the wheels. The front fascia has been redesigned to feature the new Lexus face with spindle grille and LED daytime running lights, while the rear bumper of the ES 350 has dual exhaust pipes and the hybrid ES 300h has hidden exhaust and an integrated spoiler. There are two new exterior colors: Fire Agate Pearl and Silver Lining Metallic.

See 2013 Lexus ES Full Photo Gallery

The slight increase in size (one inch in overall length) translates to increased passenger space, which has been further improved by a redesigned interior cabin. There is 2.8 inches more knee room and 4.1 inches more legroom in the rear seat, as well as increased foot room under the front seats. The driver gets a newly sculpted seat with an adjusted steering angle to increase driver comfort as well as broader sightlines to improve visibility. All occupants will appreciate a variety of improvements to reduce engine and road noise.

The 2013 Lexus ES features the second-generation Remote Touch Interface which uses a controller located on the center console to access the climate, audio, phone, and other functions with less hand and eye movement. Also new is the next-generation Lexus Enform system, allowing connectivity to various mobile apps with compatible smart phones.

See 2013 Lexus ES Full Photo Gallery

The 2013 Lexus ES350 will continued to be powered by an updated version of the same 3.5-liter V6 in the 2012 Lexus ES that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2013 Lexus ES300h hybrid will feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor that Lexus expects will get 40 mpg combine city/highway. For 2013, engineers stiffened the body and made suspension and steering changes to create more precise handling. 17-inch wheels are standard, while 18-inch high-gloss alloy wheels will be available for the first time.

Lexus did not announce an on-sale date for the 2013 Lexus ES.

Here's what others are saying:

Autoweek: " At best, the new ES 350 is an inoffensive design with conventional sedan flanks capped by the new face of Lexus at the front – essentially an Audi grille pinched in the middle to resemble an hourglass. Or a catfish, depending upon one’s perspective."

Cars.com: "The newly redesigned 2012 Camry's top trim levels overlap the current ES in cabin quality, but I think the upgraded 2013's interior will help justify the luxury model's higher price. As in the Camry, the backseat is roomy — and felt all the more so because I just tried out the backseat of Chevrolet's new 2014 Impala, ostensibly a full-size car."

Motor Trend: "While Lexus has vowed to inject more excitement into its lineup, the redesigned 2013 Lexus ES on display at the 2012 New York auto show didn't exactly get the memo. That's OK though, as many luxury sedan buyers (enthusiast excluded) still covet a comfortable, coddling car with a modicum of style."

The Car Connection: "But it's the new styling that's the most striking feature of the new ES, and we think it's Lexus' most successful look in its current lineup."