Fifth generation ES 350 continues Lexus tradition
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The Lexus ES 350, now in its fifth generation, continues the Lexus tradition of quiet, unassuming luxury in a mid-size sedan.
Apparently, the company didn’t see the need to change too much about the ES 350, so the primary difference this year is the availability of a new color, “Matador Red Mica,” which replaces the “Royal Ruby Metallic.”
Still there is the rich contemporary exterior, the low grill and the swept-back look of the cabin. The interior is still luxurious with leather upholstery, fine wood and bright Optitron gauges. Five stars in government safety tests are still there too.
In fact, I couldn’t find much wrong with my test ES 350 sedan other than its “Moon Shell Mica” color. Too close to pink for my taste.
The ES 350 has a 3.5-liter V-6 power plant that produces 272 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, and 254 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm, which is plenty of muscle for this luxury four-door.
A six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift is standard. The manual shift feature is useful primarily for driving on hilly roads and for those who just like to be more personally involved in the driving experience.
Like all Lexus vehicles, the ride is smooth and quiet thanks to a rigid unibody structure, a finely tuned suspension, a very low coefficient of drag and sound deadening materials. MacPherson struts in front and back, as well as front and rear stabilizer bars, make the vehicle solid in the corners and smooth on the road.
The EPA estimates that the front-wheel drive ES350 will get you 19 miles per gallon in city driving and a respectable 27 mpg on the highway.
Large front and rear disc brakes (11-plus inches) in the anti-lock brake system are aided by brake force distribution and brake assist, which is designed to help out when the vehicle determines that the driver is in an emergency braking situation.
The ES 350 has an optional pre-collision system, which uses the car’s dynamic radar cruise control system to monitor and keep a set distance behind a vehicle traveling in front. Calculating speed and distance the system can tell if a collision is imminent, and begins applying brakes and tightening seatbelts prior to the crash. Add in the availability of up to 10 airbags and it’s obvious why the sedan gets five stars in frontal crashes for driver and passenger. It has not yet been rated in side crashes. The rollover rating is four stars.
Standard equipment includes Smart Access entry with pushbutton start, 10-way power front seats, auto dimming mirror, heated side mirrors, automatic dual zone climate control and a six CD sound system with a jack for iPod or MP3 player.
An optional Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system was included in the $4,250 navigation package, and the “Ultra Luxury Package” on my test vehicle added heated and ventilated seats, adaptive headlights, a power rear sunshade, rear seat side airbags, rain sensing wipers and very cool 10-spoke graphite wheels.
The ES 350 has a suggested manufacturer’s retail price of $34,320. Add in the ultra luxury and navigation packages, and an $850 delivery charge, and the cost climbs to $43,275.
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