I notice the base model does not come with performance dampers. The Luxury model does. I’m interested in maximum comfort and soft ride. So, when the Luxury model’s dampers are set to maximum comfort, do you wind up with the comfort level you get in the base model, which is not changeable. That is, do the dampers simply increase handling ability in the Luxury model.. Without hem, do you have the stock comfort level of the base model?t

 

In Canada only the F Sport performance comes when variable suspension. No other trim as adjustable suspension. I think US is the same.

 

I believe the Lexus “build” web site lists adjustable dampers among the items of standard equipment. It suggests luxury model and ultra luxury model. So I wonder do the dampers make the ride firmer than the (base) suspension or even more comfortable than my wonderful base/premium package car ride?

 

Though I'm not seeing it on the website, prior models, like my 2022 ES350 UL, did have "lateral performance dampers" on the Ultra Luxury trim levels. These are NOT adjustable shocks or dampers as you find on the F-Sport trim, but essentially a horizontally mounted special design Yamaha shock absorber, front and rear, attached within the body structure, not the suspension itself. The 2022 website described them as, "They're designed to help reduce those minute vibrations for a smooth, comfortable ride and they help maintain a feeling of poise and stability". Supposedly they could make a difference on a rough or washboard road to tune out any vibration that got past the suspension.

So, the question is, did they drop them for the 23 model year? Hmmm....

 

I stand corrected. Those dampers are listed as standard equipment on the 2022 not the 2023. You certainly possess and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of our cars’ mechanicals and I appreciate the explanation. So let me ask again, “Do you think those dampers actually increase the already incredibly smooth and quiet ride built into my 2021 ES 350 base with Premium package. Frankly, I can’t imagine how the ride could be any smoother and quieter but I guess it should theoretically be so in a 2022 UL model with those dampers. Have you driven a 2022 350 ES with and without those dampers? Am I missing something significant?
Did you find out if they’re also standard on the 2023 UL and any other level?

 

This might be of some help:

https://global.yamaha-motor.com/desi...sis_hulls/010/

 

Thanks but that content is way, way over the head of this retired probate lawyer!🧐

 

A couple of pictures should be clearer, try this link to the NX dampers, I believe they are in essence the same technology.

https://global.yamaha-motor.com/news/2021/1109/pd.html

 

These lateral damper eliminate some kind of vibration. Nothing to do with the noise.

 

If you watch the video below by expert savagegeese, who has driven both the base and F Sport models, you will find that the F Sport's electronically adjustable variable valve shock absorbers - even in its softest settings - are actually firmer than the base model's non-adjustable valve shock absorbers.
Hence, they came to the conclusion that the F Sport only provides sporty cosmetics, and no actual advantage to the handling, but a much firmer ride.