Professional car thief movies where there wasn't a car that couldn't be gone (i.e., stolen) in 60 seconds or less. Contrary "evidence" that your assertion of leaving a car unlocked for 120 seconds is a "perfect security measure".

 

I wanna’ think such things are not part of my life where we live. But it’s a ever-changing world out there!

 

It's a disgrace that the button on the remote doesnt even close the trunk. It's just unacceptable.

 

Just went through it in my car. Dealer had set it to 120 seconds. I’ll now decide if that’s tolerable or I’ll reset to off. Thanks for the instructions.

 

I think that is only for the US market.

 

So if my remote inadvertently unlocks the trunk, will it re-close itself, if it hasn’t been raised wide open, within a certain time interval? Or will it just sit there with an unlocked, though not opened, trunk lid?

 

Lexus modifies these cars in different markets for reasons that seem at best, even down to odd differences like the rear center armrest. At least for North America they have seemed reluctant to move the ES a it farther up the for chain in comparison of some of its competitors for details like this. I get that the ES, as nice as it is, is still built to a price point, especially on the base levels, but with the added competition of Genesis, Lexus really needs to step up its game on the ES.

They will have the chance with the coming remodel, I guess 2025, but if the history of the NX, RX and like is any indicator, I am reluctant to believe it's going to be a huge leap. Rather than moving more upmarket, except in price, they seem lately to be tossing in the towel and saying, "You're right, we're just a dressy Toyota." Look at the TX, based on the Grand Highlander, for an eye watering price over its stablemate. Sure it is nicer, has nicer material quality, no doubt more NVH mitigation, etc., but visually - which is a huge part of it for most buyers - there's just not enough distinction between the two. I hate to be a broken record on that point, but it used to be if you sat in a Toyota and then in a comparable Lexus (say an Avalon then the ES, or now the Grand Highlander and then the TX) you were immediately impressed with the look and feel of quality that set it apart. You KNEW you were in a more luxurious car, and that helped justify the price. Is that happening with these remodels? I have to seriously wonder!

 

Interesting debate/discussion. I, for one, though am satisfied to pay a more moderate price and still get the reliability and longevity of the Lexus rather than a higher price for many sort of “gingerbread” items that would make me “KNOW” I’m in a more luxurious car. For example, I don’t need a pano roof or leather upholstery or seat thigh supports or a higher than base sound system. Maybe make those sort of things optional accessories so if one wants them and is willing to pay for them he can and if one wants to keep the price on his unit down, he can do that by foregoing those extra nice touches, Keeps everyone happy and sales up that way. That’s essentially the current system and I’m very pleased buying a base unit with premium package and four or five additional options/accessories that I want. The Luxury and UL add ones are of no interest to me.

 

Safety feature?

 

A valid point and I get it. I do maintain however, that the upper trim levels SHOULD have more of the luxurious feel, items, equipment, albeit at a higher price, to remain competitive, for many people do in fact want them. This is my third ES and one thing I and many others appreciate about them is that it is what one might term affordable luxury. There are very few cars that can match that approach today, they're either just cheap or "sporty" with little to no emphasis on luxury. So without spending upwards of $80 or $90K, I can get most of those luxury features in a quiet, smooth riding vehicle. I just maintain that Lexus is failing on that top end variant, which when you combine Luxury and UL, probably way outsell truly base models.

 

I can agree with that. “Affordable luxury” is a very appropriate term. In shopping for a new car, the reliable, durable ES 350 is truly the best value for the dollar, far and away, assuming it’s the type of car customer’s seeking. I have no problem making the L and UL even more luxurious and pricey for those who have those needs and wants. But especially up to the MSRP number of around $49,000 plus extras (where luxury model MSRP begins and I jump off the train), the dollar for dollar value is outstanding.