I'm still planning on upgrading to different wheels, etc but I'm not gonna rush into it and I needed new tires now but instead of just getting the OEM replacement size, I went with a set of 235-45-17 Hankook Ventus V4. I was slightly concerned that the ride might be affected negatively but the ride is as smooth as ever but what's changed is the car's willingness to really negotiate a corner. The overall handling has improved greatly IMO. Just wondered if anyone else had tried this on the OEM wheels and had the same experience?

 

I bet the handling has a lot to do with what tires you chose, not necessarily the size.

Keep in mind with the additional tread width, you will have more rolling resistance, which could possibly reduce your MPG slightly.

Did the overall diameter change? That could mess with the speedo/odometer.

My previous ES350 came with these Good Year Assurance tires with a directional tread. The car seemed to handle very nicely, but it was loud - the tire roar was almost unacceptable. After they wore out kinda of quickly I got something more typical to fit the car (Michelin). They were super quiet but I couldn't believe how much more mushy the car became! Ahh - THIS is what people are talking about when they refer to the ES350's handling!

Both tires were the OEM size.

All I'm saying is you can probably improve the handling by just getting a different type of tire. But it all comes at a cost - better handling usually means quicker wear, and in my case a louder tire.

Do you have any pics? Just curious how it looks from the side and back

 

I'm stuck in traffic as we speak lol but I'll take a couple of shots when I get home and put them on flickr and post a link

 

I kept pretty much the stock size but added 5mm of height with a 60 series tire. I love the lexus mushy ride, not mushy enough if you ask me.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/emj_photography/

Here's the link to my Flickr page. Took one from back and one from side. Wish I'd had time to do it right but I only had my little point and shoot with me. Also, I was mistaken, they're 50 series, not 45. We discussed so many options as far as size, the numbers started all running together at some point lol. Anyway, hope this is what you were wanting.

PS. I had it on the highway today, didn't notice any kind of humming. I LOVE the way this thing handles now. It was a little mushy for me before, still great but it has a different attitude now.

 

Looks good. The tires are a much better fit then the standard tires. Did you have the dealer install? Once 1+'d my last car and I noticed a very slight impact on off the line acceleration, did you notice any? Glad to hear that the car handles better, in auto racing tires are very strategic and it looks like you found that edge. I am going to look into either the 225's or the 235's to improve the handling. Great to hear that the Lexus ride is not compromised.
Keep us posted on your experience with the new tires!