|
Though the Toyota
Camry-based ES350 is quite a bit smaller than the others here, it shares the
intent of focusing entirely on comfort and luxury in a market class where most
like-sized competitors seek to provide a measure of sportiness, and the rest
focus primarily on that end of the spectrum. And the ES is excellent at
offering comfort and luxury with a respected premium badge, and its sacrifice
of some rear-seat volume lets it handle at least as well as the large sedans
in this group despite its strong comfort bias. It’s much better than the less
expensive Town Car, and more luxury for the money than the pricier DTS.
However, the ES350 does not stand up as well against similar
mainstream-branded cars, which offer more space and nearly the same
refinement, comfort, and luxury.
The ES350 has a soft and
absorbent but reasonably well-controlled ride, very comfortable overall. It
isn’t as big as the others here, which helps its handling relative to the
others in this group, but it is by no means agile, and while its steering is
responsive, it is light and numb. The 272-horsepower V6 combines with a
6-speed automatic and a relatively light weight to move the Lexus effortlessly
and nearly silently while still returning impressive gas mileage. Some may
prefer the sounds of GM’s smooth V8 to this engine’s subdued hum under
acceleration, however. Wind and road noise are generally inaudible.
Inside, the ES350
impresses with roomy and very comfortable front seats, though they could offer
a bit more lateral support. The rear isn’t nearly as roomy as some of the
others here, and while the seat is well-shaped, it is mounted too low.
 The dash features
impeccable detail and high-quality materials, easily the best in this group.
The gauges are very clear but could be larger, and the instruments are very
easy to use. The audio controls are mostly independent from the navigation
system, which is more convenient than the alternative. Drivers sit very
comfortably, and have good visibility. The navigation screen is also used as a
backup camera monitor. Entry/exit is easy to the front, but requires a bit
more ducking under the sloping roofline to get into and out of the low rear
seats. The trunk is rather small even for a midsize sedan, but aside from the
intrusion of its hinges, it is well-shaped.
The ES350 reviewed here
came in very well equipped at $39,454. At that price it includes all the
features expected in this class as well as extras like a wireless cell phone
link, a power adjustable tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory,
rain-sensing wipers, rear-seat torso-protecting side airbags, a rear-view
backup monitor, a power rear sunshade, heated and cooled front seats, and a
tire-pressure monitor.
Overall, the ES350 is a
genuine midsize luxury car. It is comfortable, quiet, high-quality,
well-equipped, and expensive. However, the large luxury sedans from the
mainstream brands of Buick and Toyota are also comfortable, quiet,
high-quality, and well-equipped, and offer more space and a lower price. The
ES350 out-luxuries them, but they are in the ballpark. This Lexus is a
reasonable choice for comfort and luxury, but make sure to check out the
others before paying the price premium for this car.
NEXT PAGE
|
