New ES impression
08-21-12, 04:20 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
New ES impression
And surprising. After time and acquaintance are established we reach acceptance and appreciation. This process is quicker for some than it is for others. I spent the morning driving the new ES models and getting to know them. The new front spindle actually improves the aerodynamics along with the air dam shaping. The architectural design of the dash is very appealing and reeks of luxury with its hand stitched panels which are produced by twelve Takumi craftsmen. Whether it has the Birdseye maple or the Eco friendly Bamboo the wood carries the theme horizontally across the dash and picks it up again on first the front door panels then the rear doors. This wraps you in a cocoon of polished surfaces that subliminally says "You have arrived." The use of piano black is also a signal of old word charm like a fine Steinway. Give it time.....
Rock
Rock
08-21-12, 04:44 PM
#2
Lexus Champion
And surprising. After time and acquaintance are established we reach acceptance and appreciation. This process is quicker for some than it is for others. I spent the morning driving the new ES models and getting to know them. The new front spindle actually improves the aerodynamics along with the air dam shaping. The architectural design of the dash is very appealing and reeks of luxury with its hand stitched panels which are produced by twelve Takumi craftsmen. Whether it has the Birdseye maple or the Eco friendly Bamboo the wood carries the theme horizontally across the dash and picks it up again on first the front door panels then the rear doors. This wraps you in a cocoon of polished surfaces that subliminally says "You have arrived." The use of piano black is also a signal of old word charm like a fine Steinway. Give it time.....
Rock
Rock
I have a question regarding the 12 Takumi craftsmen. If the new ES sells as well as I think it will in both the North American market as well as others around the world where the ES is sold, how can those 12 guys keep up with demand/production? Maybe Lexus will have to outsource or automate the work??
08-22-12, 09:46 AM
#3
Lexus Fanatic
I've decided the two things I dislike about the interior vs the old car:
1. No wood on the console. I prefer the wood trim to piano black trim.
2. The door panels. They're so flat and with no adornment save the wood strip. I prefer the contours and organic curves in the door panels of my ES. Plastic quality below the armrest is also a step down, mine has high end padded vinyl, in the new ES the lower panel/map pocket area is hard plastic. The speaker grill is fabric in mine, hard plastic in the new one.
1. No wood on the console. I prefer the wood trim to piano black trim.
2. The door panels. They're so flat and with no adornment save the wood strip. I prefer the contours and organic curves in the door panels of my ES. Plastic quality below the armrest is also a step down, mine has high end padded vinyl, in the new ES the lower panel/map pocket area is hard plastic. The speaker grill is fabric in mine, hard plastic in the new one.
08-22-12, 05:45 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
I've decided the two things I dislike about the interior vs the old car:
1. No wood on the console. I prefer the wood trim to piano black trim.
2. The door panels. They're so flat and with no adornment save the wood strip. I prefer the contours and organic curves in the door panels of my ES. Plastic quality below the armrest is also a step down, mine has high end padded vinyl, in the new ES the lower panel/map pocket area is hard plastic. The speaker grill is fabric in mine, hard plastic in the new one.
1. No wood on the console. I prefer the wood trim to piano black trim.
2. The door panels. They're so flat and with no adornment save the wood strip. I prefer the contours and organic curves in the door panels of my ES. Plastic quality below the armrest is also a step down, mine has high end padded vinyl, in the new ES the lower panel/map pocket area is hard plastic. The speaker grill is fabric in mine, hard plastic in the new one.
08-22-12, 06:59 PM
#5
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I've decided the two things I dislike about the interior vs the old car:
1. No wood on the console. I prefer the wood trim to piano black trim.
2. The door panels. They're so flat and with no adornment save the wood strip. I prefer the contours and organic curves in the door panels of my ES. Plastic quality below the armrest is also a step down, mine has high end padded vinyl, in the new ES the lower panel/map pocket area is hard plastic. The speaker grill is fabric in mine, hard plastic in the new one.
1. No wood on the console. I prefer the wood trim to piano black trim.
2. The door panels. They're so flat and with no adornment save the wood strip. I prefer the contours and organic curves in the door panels of my ES. Plastic quality below the armrest is also a step down, mine has high end padded vinyl, in the new ES the lower panel/map pocket area is hard plastic. The speaker grill is fabric in mine, hard plastic in the new one.
-Mike
08-22-12, 09:19 PM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
I already have, a few times. I think the interior of the new one overall is a huge improvement over the previous car. If there are only two things I don't like, that's pretty good.
On the exterior it's more than that. I miss the chrome accents to the door handles and base of the doors, I think it makes it look a little plain, especially on light colors.
Overall though I think it's a great car
On the exterior it's more than that. I miss the chrome accents to the door handles and base of the doors, I think it makes it look a little plain, especially on light colors.
Overall though I think it's a great car
Last edited by SW17LS; 08-22-12 at 09:40 PM.
08-23-12, 02:47 PM
#7
20 years ago base model Toyota Tercels had fully (tho thinly) padded vinyl door panels. Gradually over the years Toyota and Honda have been hard plasticizing the interiors of their "luxury" Lexus and Acura brands. Ditto the American luxury carmakers. Guess they figure the younger generations will never miss what they have never known - never known the rich looking, deeply padded fabric / velour interior of a 1970 Chevy Caprice or 1990 Toyota Cressida.
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08-23-12, 02:49 PM
#8
I saw the ES for the first time last weekend at an ATL dealer, this new ES is a 10 IMO. It definitely looks much better in person, which is typical of Lexus cars. The interior is a big improvement, center console, hand stiching around the dash and doors makes the interior look rich and upscale, Rockville's comments are on point . The exterior is nice, and the spindle grill actually looks very good, it gives the car an agressive, but elegant look at the same time. The rear has more of a LS look, which is a plus.
I agree with SW10ES, I think the chrome on the door handles provided a nice accent and I do wish they had integrated the exhaust tips as was done on the GS/LS. The engine cover was a nice add on and IMO overall it made the car look more upscale. Too bad they decided to drop it. However, the improvements far outweigh the few negatives I have.
Unfortunately, the only ES they had for me to test drive was a base model. We had found a Luxury plus model for me to test drive, but when we got ready to drive it, another saleman came out and told us the car had been sold. Lexus has a hit on their hands. In fact the salesman told me they sell as fast as they get them in, and another ATL dealer told me demand is outpacing supply right now, but I think this will improve as production ramps up.
As far as driving dynamics, normal mode felt slightly more stiffer than my 09, but not that much. The sport mode felt more 'firmer' especially so when I gave it some gas. I did not try the ECO mode, I will next time around. I also saw an Ultra model which looked like 'money'. It's probably sold by now, I'm sure.
I agree with SW10ES, I think the chrome on the door handles provided a nice accent and I do wish they had integrated the exhaust tips as was done on the GS/LS. The engine cover was a nice add on and IMO overall it made the car look more upscale. Too bad they decided to drop it. However, the improvements far outweigh the few negatives I have.
Unfortunately, the only ES they had for me to test drive was a base model. We had found a Luxury plus model for me to test drive, but when we got ready to drive it, another saleman came out and told us the car had been sold. Lexus has a hit on their hands. In fact the salesman told me they sell as fast as they get them in, and another ATL dealer told me demand is outpacing supply right now, but I think this will improve as production ramps up.
As far as driving dynamics, normal mode felt slightly more stiffer than my 09, but not that much. The sport mode felt more 'firmer' especially so when I gave it some gas. I did not try the ECO mode, I will next time around. I also saw an Ultra model which looked like 'money'. It's probably sold by now, I'm sure.
08-23-12, 02:51 PM
#9
Nice write up. Thanks.
I have a question regarding the 12 Takumi craftsmen. If the new ES sells as well as I think it will in both the North American market as well as others around the world where the ES is sold, how can those 12 guys keep up with demand/production? Maybe Lexus will have to outsource or automate the work??
I have a question regarding the 12 Takumi craftsmen. If the new ES sells as well as I think it will in both the North American market as well as others around the world where the ES is sold, how can those 12 guys keep up with demand/production? Maybe Lexus will have to outsource or automate the work??
08-23-12, 03:34 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
20 years ago base model Toyota Tercels had fully (tho thinly) padded vinyl door panels. Gradually over the years Toyota and Honda have been hard plasticizing the interiors of their "luxury" Lexus and Acura brands. Ditto the American luxury carmakers. Guess they figure the younger generations will never miss what they have never known - never known the rich looking, deeply padded fabric / velour interior of a 1970 Chevy Caprice or 1990 Toyota Cressida.
08-25-12, 08:27 AM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
I've decided the two things I dislike about the interior vs the old car:
1. No wood on the console. I prefer the wood trim to piano black trim.
2. The door panels. They're so flat and with no adornment save the wood strip. I prefer the contours and organic curves in the door panels of my ES. Plastic quality below the armrest is also a step down, mine has high end padded vinyl, in the new ES the lower panel/map pocket area is hard plastic. The speaker grill is fabric in mine, hard plastic in the new one.
1. No wood on the console. I prefer the wood trim to piano black trim.
2. The door panels. They're so flat and with no adornment save the wood strip. I prefer the contours and organic curves in the door panels of my ES. Plastic quality below the armrest is also a step down, mine has high end padded vinyl, in the new ES the lower panel/map pocket area is hard plastic. The speaker grill is fabric in mine, hard plastic in the new one.
Also, the soft material over the speakers is now hard Toyota like plastic like you said which does not belong in a Lexus.
Where this Lexus does well is the styling and the design, very nice design. Where it struggles is in some of the materials and it feels like there are a lot of bits and pieces all over the place.
08-25-12, 01:11 PM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
Yeah and a lot of that is cost cutting to hold the price. You gain in some areas, and loose in others.
09-03-12, 03:29 PM
#14
I finally had a chance to sit and drive the new ES350. I will agree with you on the door panels, they seem a little flat and boring, materials have become much harder on the lower half.
Also, the soft material over the speakers is now hard Toyota like plastic like you said which does not belong in a Lexus.
Where this Lexus does well is the styling and the design, very nice design. Where it struggles is in some of the materials and it feels like there are a lot of bits and pieces all over the place.
Also, the soft material over the speakers is now hard Toyota like plastic like you said which does not belong in a Lexus.
Where this Lexus does well is the styling and the design, very nice design. Where it struggles is in some of the materials and it feels like there are a lot of bits and pieces all over the place.
09-03-12, 04:18 PM
#15
Seriously, I'm sure Lexus decided to cut a few corners in order to keep the price competitive with other entry-level luxury cars, especially considering the value of the yen compared to the dollar. That's why I'm not surprised to hear Lexus is considering moving ES production to the United States. Acura and Infiniti are already making some vehicles here.
Enjoy your GS. If I could afford one, I'd be driving one too. But I'm still happy with my ES...