The Lowell Sun
LEXUS ES350: The ES350 has rounder sides and a longer body than the other small Lexus, though the design cues are similar. The ES350 has a more laid-back look.
By CHRIS JACKSON
Special to The Sun
We suspect a lot of folks are wondering when "entry-level luxury" turned into "BMW pretender." Most of the class of affordable luxury cars -- Infiniti, Cadillac, Acura -- have gone after the performance end of the market, with taut suspensions and race track reflexes. What's a buyer who doesn't want a 3-Series wannabee to do?
Fear not, traditional-luxury fans. Lexus hasn't forgotten you. While its IS class goes off to play on the race track, the ES class has remained behind to fill the needs of folks who aren't in such a hurry. The ES350 is the luxury half of Lexus' unique two-model mid-size luxury sedan lineup. It's got a reputation as being a tarted-up Camry, and Lexus is trying to move beyond that.
Why do people say, "tarted-up Camry" like it's a bad thing, anyway? Toyota's Camry is almost enough luxury for many buyers all by itself. Taking the same chassis above and beyond only sweetens the pot. All-new for 2007, the ES350 gains a great deal more distinction from its platform-mate, as well as increased size and a smoother ride that make it a viable alternative to many more expensive cars.
Lexus' new design language borrows from its show cars -- a common practice among luxury cars these days. The strong V-shape to the front end evokes that of the IS, and bisects the front bumper.
The ES350 has rounder sides and a longer body than the other small Lexus, though the design cues are similar. Where the IS looks like it's ready to rumble, the ES350 has a more laid-back look. Shorter overhangs and a wider, larger body than before reduce the ES350's cigar shape and improves interior room.
A panoramic glass roof is optional, and adaptive lighting and high-intensitydischarge headlamps are also available. From the rear, the ES350 has softer lines, and a nice wheel-to-body ratio.
Slip inside and it's clear that the ES350 is about comfort before speed. The lovely instrument panel features brown walnut wood, chrome and satin-finish gray trim to good effect. The wood trim's grain has even been matched for an upscale, handbuilt look, and the ES350 features a windshield that's been treated to reduce noise.
Our only gripe was a slightly undersized rear window that constricts visibility to the rear slightly. Rear side airbags are available, while front, side, knee and curtain airbags are standard. Opt for the panoramic glass roof and there are skylights for front and rear-seat passengers.
The ES350 is arguably more comfortable than the original flagship LS400 when it was introduced. It's certainly better-equipped, thanks to advances in technology. Keyless engine start is standard thanks to an intelligent fob.
Lexus offers MP3 and iPod connectors on the audio system and of course the available Mark Levinson 7.1 channel audio system. Radar-guided cruise control, a navigation system that will also play DVDs, a backup camera and Bluetooth hands-free phone capability are all available.
The 3.5 liter V6 is all new, and generates 272 horsepower. Dual overhead cam construction and variable valve timing improve fuel economy and emissions. Electronic sequential fuel injection is used to further boost the engine's efficiency.
The ES350 returns 21/30 fuel economy, as well as better straight-line performance than past V8-powered Lexus models. What the ES350 does best, of course, is move smoothly and silently -- this is drama-free driving at its finest.
The six-speed automatic transmission is less complex than its five-speed predecessor, and is maintenance-free for the first 100,000 miles. It doesn't even have a dipstick for checking the fluid level. What you'll notice from the driver's seat is...not a thing. Shifts are nearly imperceptible.
The fully independent suspension is tuned for a smooth and soft ride. This is not intended to be a handling car -- that's the IS' purpose in life. On the road the ES350 is buttery-smooth, which is no surprise. Stability control and traction control are standard, also not a surprise. It stops smoothly and without drama even in emergency situations.
Smooth as silk and packed with premium materials, the ES350 is a luxury car without a hurried bolt in its body. By splitting its entry-level luxury lineup into two distinct vehicles, Lexus is able to directly target two distinct groups of buyers, and the ES350 is for buyers who want more comfort than sport. Pricing starts at $33,170.
source :
http://www.lowellsun.com/automotive/ci_3979377
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