The 2013 Lexus GS was a huge step in the right direction for the brand's style and image, scrubbing away what had become a rather boring look and replacing it with dramatic, edgy lines. The 2013 Lexus ES looks to follow in its footsteps, though in slightly muted form.

Not as focused as the GS's design, the 2013 ES, shown here in photos captured in China and posted to the XCar forum, found via Lexus Enthusiast, gets the GS-like grille and front-end treatment, more sculpted rear fenders, and a clean, if somewhat plain, rear.  

Inside, the next ES looks to keep things a bit more tame, with much simpler surfaces and conservative colors--at least in this example--but represents a significant leap forward compared to the current model's cabin.

It's important to note that this may not be the version we'll eventually see here in the U.S. Even accounting for changes between Asian and North American markets, however, the general idea of where Lexus is headed with the 2013 ES is pretty clear. We like it.

Follow the links above for more photos.