An unnamed Lexus executive reportedly told a GM-oriented blog that the next-generation Lexus ES sedan will make the Buick LaCrosse a “laughable” luxury car.

The executive was quoted by GMAuthority.com, which says it was able to glean a little information about the next-generation luxury sedan.

Expected to bow later this year to replace the aging 2012 Lexus ES (which first debuted for 2007), the new car will reportedly be wider and longer than the current model in an effort to better compete against rivals like the LaCrosse and Acura TL .

In addition, the executive said that the LaCrosse won’t be able to “hold a candle to” the ES’ interior quietness. Buick ’s “Quiet Tuning” interiors are seen in Japan as a direct threat to Lexus’ relative hold on the heavily-deadened segment of the market.

What we know so far

Lexus has remained characteristically mum on its sixth-generation ES, although a few rumors have circulated. Like the current ES, the new model will be based largely on the Toyota Camry . Redesigned for 2012, the Camry rides on a revised version of the outgoing model’s platform but doesn’t feature significantly changed dimensions.

But the ace up Camry’s sleeve – its new-for-2012 hybrid powertrain – will almost certainly make its way into the ES for 2013. The unnamed executive reportedly said that the ES will boast fuel economy figures in the high 40 mpg range on the highway and “even better” in urban driving, but that’s a claim we question since the Camry is rated at 43/39 mpg. Given the ES will be larger and heavier than the Camry, we struggle to figure out how Toyota could make it substantially more fuel thrifty without resorting to much more costly technology.

Regardless, fuel economy in the neighborhood of 40 mpg city/highway seems plausible for the ES, which would give it a significant leg up over the 36 mpg highway 2012 LaCrosse eAssist mild hybrid.

The arrival of a long-anticipated ES Hybrid should also prove to be the nail in the coffin for the slow-selling (and not especially economical) HS 250h, which has already seen demand slide in favor of the sport-oriented CT 200h.

Of course, a more traditional V6 will almost certainly be standard on the ES to appease a large portion of its buyer base.

Look for more information on the next-generation Lexus ES to make its way public over the coming months.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-es-2013.html

Waitaminnit, did toyoyo/lexus just say they were competing with Buick??

Buick must have hit a nerve.

Interesting..wonder if they are worried about the XTS also...

I like bring it on and that sure does put a good light on Buick that Lexus is chasing them. Hope that GM lights the afterburners (hydrogen??? J/K)

Reads like the Enquirer... not that I've read that or anything.