chromedome

Maybe Lexus did soften the suspension on the facelift models. I think 18" wheels aren't a good choice for comfort even with the pressure dialed down. They might look good but they ride well only if you're on perfect tarmac.

My car's a 2014 hybrid with 17" Dunlop SP Sports, a firm summer-oriented tire. I had my tires set to 36 psi for storage recently and the ride was bouncy and noisy. I set them back to 32 psi and the ride is now smooth and quiet, even on rough roads. Somehow the ES and most recent Lexus models are very sensitive to tire pressure.

SW17LS

Very sensitive. Moreso than any other cars I've ever had. I can tell if the pressures on my LS are even 2PSI high. Its really, really important you choose the right tires, and inflate them properly to really get the most out of a Lexus. Every Lexus I've owned has been that way, even my LS400 and ES300 on 60 series tires.

The answer is technology though, adaptive suspensions and adaptive air suspensions. I drove a Volvo XC90 today on those huge 21" wheels with really low profile tires and it rode remarkably well with the air suspension even with those huge wheels.

chromedome

Yeah, they say a McLaren 650S has a remarkably compliant ride, almost sedan-like, thanks to its crosslinked suspension system. One more thing to break though...

Why can't automakers stick with smaller rims and larger tires? The ES and RX aren't supposed to be sporty so there's no need to use 18" on sedans and 20" on SUVs. The ES has a smooth, quiet, very civilized ride at 32 psi and on 17" rims.

SW17LS

It's just style. I can't deny, cars look better on the bigger rims...

jaredsc

I haven't read through this entire thread yet, but I have a '16 320xi and a '14 ES350 (and a '15 C300). The ES is definitely more refined.