sears1234

I put my CT200H in service today, and get a 13 ES350 as a loaner car, here is my thought comparing my 07 ultra luxury ES after about 20 minutes playing and driving with it.

Pros:
1. interior is significant attractive and elegant.
2. feel more solid and stable during driving.
3. even the basic audio is better than 07 Mark Levison audio.
4. Backup camera has boundary lines.
5. Blind warning light.
6. Very comfort driver seat.
7. More ergonomic layout.
8. Power trunk opener.
9. 19 inch wheel.
10. selective driving mode, sports mode is really good.
11. quiet.

Cons:
1. Hear rattle sound coming from left front door periodically, but couldn't identify the place, this may drive you crazy in the future.
2. Steering wheel viration during idea time, this is definitely not Lexus standard and style.

My wife always ask me to switch back to ES 300H, but I have concern now, I still think GS and GX are better built IMO.

Mike728

I would hope so.

LexRuger

And cost $9k+ more

sears1234

My last ES had rattle at rear side that Lexus dealer couldn't fix it time after time.

I couldn't live with it and It drove me crazy, I sold it solely because of this rattle issue.
It cost me couple of thousands dollars too.

Arty101

I hate rattles too. Can't stand them, but that said, I haven't read too many issue of rattles on the new ES. Contrary to your observation, there are comments from a few about inferior interior, styling, sound system and ride.

I'd say the rattle and vibration isn't typical of an Lexus, but this is also a new model year too. Perhaps some of this can be because this is an abused loaner car?

SW17LS

How many miles were on the loaner? You say it had 19" wheels? Lexus only offers 17s and 18s...

I had a few problems with rattles over my years of ES ownership, they were always addressed by the dealer.

amphipri0n

There is a trade off with tight rear seating and a firmer ride with the GS. For me, these would have been ok, what I couldn't get over is the front end which exudes a very Japanese racer-boy image to me rather than a luxury sport sedan. Which is ironic because with the exception of steering wheel feel, the car is more sport-oriented than a 2009+ 5 series.

sears1234

There are toal 7625 miles on this ES, and you are right, it's 18 inch wheels.

I drove this ES back to Lexus Bellevue, the noise is very noticable even I turn on the radio at level 12.

This may be related to a loaner car issue, but the durability is questionable.

SW17LS

I have been in so many loaners that are absolutely destroyed at way less mileage than that. I wouldn't take your experience with a loaner car as an example of one's experience with the actual car. Practically anything could have happened to that loaner in those 7600 miles.

As for the GS vs the ES, the GS is definitely better built and has a much nicer interior, but the cost difference is substantial. When spec'ed out similarly, its approaching $15,000 more than the ES. Ridewise, the GS is firmer which you feel at low speeds, but its more controlled and refined at speed, so I would say ridewise I actually much prefer the GS. The back seat on the GS is very tight compared to the ES though.

Arty101

I agree with Steve. You don't know what happens to the loaner cars, which is why I'd never buy one even if they've gone through it and put it up as a certified CPO/Loaner car. Too many times I've seen/heard the certified CPO isn't all that (their claim of 120+ checks/fixes/updates), except for the extended warranty.

The GS is firmer and more controlled at speeds. The ES is more less firm, but firmer than prior model years which some here say is too firm and not as nice as some american cars. The rear of the ES is exceptional and very comfortable. I've had many compliments from backseat drivers, I mean passengers.

Art