I could measure the impulse response from the 18" noise reducing vs the 16" I currently have, or vs 17" from my rav4.

 

I would love to see the difference in noise as a function of tire size on the ES.

 

I did find a research paper on the use of Helmholtz resonators in an automobile wheel for noise reduction. The paper is on Honda's version of in-wheel resonators which has a different implementation than Lexus's implementation in which the resonator cavities are built into the wheel structure. See my 2024 18" Wheels VS 2024 Sound Resistant 18" Wheels post #2 which includes links to Lexus GS forum posts with information on the Lexus GS version of noise reduction wheels one of which has attached the research paper on the Honda version. For those who were too lazy to follow that post's links and read the attachment, my 2024 18" Wheels VS 2024 Sound Resistant 18" Wheels post #38 summarized the paper's findings, included the paper's noise reduction graphs, and attached a pdf copy of the paper.

Although it isn't really that scientific, there is a Jun 7, 2018 Edmonds X post (tweet) with a video showing the structure and the sound differences between a "regular" wheel and mounted tire combination and this ES generation's 18 inch noise reduction wheel and mounted tire combination. Although I can't find it again, there's also a short video of a reviewer and 2 Lexus engineers involved with the 18 inch noise reduction wheel development discussing the wheel structure and performing a similar sound difference demonstration as in the Edmonds X attached video.

 

I find my 2025 ES350 Base (Premium package) to be a quiet car. Not as much so as my 2022 Ultra Luxury, but close.

 

You're not wrong. I bought a 2024 ES 350 Premium and the wind noise was so bad I took it to the dealership but they said nothing was wrong. I wouldnt have bought it had I experienced the wind noise on the highway before purchase. After two months of owning the vehicle I couldn't take it anymore and traded it in for a ES 350 Luxury and the difference was drastic. My new Luxury has the laminated glass in the front doors that the Premium didn't, and has the noise reduction wheels and the lateral performance dampers. There is less road noise and much less wind noise. I was upset I lost all the equity ($12k) from my trade in when I bought the Premium but after trading it in for the Luxury, I found it was well worth it.

 

Life is too short so trading for the Luxury was well worth it with that much road noise difference. I have to wonder what made the bigger difference, the wheels or the glass?

 

When you say "ES-350 Premium" you mean the base vehicle with the Premium package, correct?

 

I think it would be an EXCELLENT data point to compare road noise of 16" vs 18" noise reducing on the same car. It's not apples to apples since the 16" are not noise reducing but it would still be interesting.
For some reason I thought you ditched the 18" tires in favor of the more comfy 16" ones.

I had the same question as @LarLex I think @tangerineman56 does mean Premium is base with Premium package which is what I have. I have no complaints with wind or road noise.

 

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Took delivery in December of 2024 of a 25 UL, and nearly 6500 miles. Very quiet on the highway. My experience is the same as yours.

 

I kept one as a spare tire. The reason being 3 of them were the OEM tires, but one of them was fairly recent due to a puncture + replacement.

 

Yes, that's correct. Base + premium package + technology package.

 

Apologies — meant that as a private note.
Appreciate the perspectives here on cabin calm and refinement.

 

Apologies — meant that as a private note.
Appreciate the perspectives here on cabin calm and refinement.

 

Hi, I live in Illinois and also purchased a 2025ul with the wind noise. Curious as to what dealer gave you this explanation?

 

I'm puzzled that OP hasn't answered basic questions here, like which ES trim level he has.