SW17LS
Lexus Fanatic
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- Join DateMay 2012
- LocationMaryland
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I got to sit in a 19 ES350 today and drive it briefly (just around the block really, dealer was closed but luck would have it a salesman I know was there). This car was matador red outside flaxen inside, with the bamboo trim.
All in all I'm happy with the interior except for a few things:
1. I really don't like the new basic gauge cluster. Much prefer the classic Lexus gauge layout, or some sort of a full TFT setup where its more customizable.
2. There is a strange, deliberate pattern to the armrest material both in the center and on the doors. Its a strange striped type effect, which looks weird and is unnecessary IMHO, just calls attention to the fact these areas aren't really leather. Didnt notice this in the first one I sat in because the interior was black.
3. I don't like the plastic material around the window switches or the center console.
4. I thought the seats felt really narrow.
5. Really don't like the one uncovered cupholder.
Material quality is quite good for the segment. Hard plastics on the lower doors and lower dash, but its not as "in your face" as it was with the outgoing ES, and touchpoints are better, such as where your hand touches when you open the door. All in all doors, etc feel a little more solid than the outgoing car.. Love that the car now has a floor hinged gas pedal! Infotainment is a huge upgrade, and the big wide screen really makes the car feel more premium than the old car. Tech is still behind competitors though.
The car is very quiet, quieter than the outgoing ES but not as quiet as the LS. Ride is quite good, softer than the outgoing car while feeling more agile, which I'm sure is due to the new platform. Engine power is good and the V6 feels strong and smooth like the outgoing car. Theres no hiding its a FWD front biased car, doesn't feel really athletic in any way.
Inside it feels tighter than the outgoing car, roof feels lower like it does on the LS500, and rear legroom behind the drivers seat set for me felt tighter than the outgoing car too.
All in all, the car should do quite well!
All in all I'm happy with the interior except for a few things:
1. I really don't like the new basic gauge cluster. Much prefer the classic Lexus gauge layout, or some sort of a full TFT setup where its more customizable.
2. There is a strange, deliberate pattern to the armrest material both in the center and on the doors. Its a strange striped type effect, which looks weird and is unnecessary IMHO, just calls attention to the fact these areas aren't really leather. Didnt notice this in the first one I sat in because the interior was black.
3. I don't like the plastic material around the window switches or the center console.
4. I thought the seats felt really narrow.
5. Really don't like the one uncovered cupholder.
Material quality is quite good for the segment. Hard plastics on the lower doors and lower dash, but its not as "in your face" as it was with the outgoing ES, and touchpoints are better, such as where your hand touches when you open the door. All in all doors, etc feel a little more solid than the outgoing car.. Love that the car now has a floor hinged gas pedal! Infotainment is a huge upgrade, and the big wide screen really makes the car feel more premium than the old car. Tech is still behind competitors though.
The car is very quiet, quieter than the outgoing ES but not as quiet as the LS. Ride is quite good, softer than the outgoing car while feeling more agile, which I'm sure is due to the new platform. Engine power is good and the V6 feels strong and smooth like the outgoing car. Theres no hiding its a FWD front biased car, doesn't feel really athletic in any way.
Inside it feels tighter than the outgoing car, roof feels lower like it does on the LS500, and rear legroom behind the drivers seat set for me felt tighter than the outgoing car too.
All in all, the car should do quite well!