radiologym

I have 2007 ES350, and would like my next ES to ride as smooth and I am willing to make some sacrifices for that boaty feel. My wife likes hybrids so unfortunately V6 is not in the cards. I was waiting for 8th gen which does not look like it will happen this year. Now the question is 2025 even worth the wait for us? Driver assist 3.0 would be nice as we have it on NX but other than that, a used ES would be cheaper and easier to find and I can look for one with 17in wheels? I don't like 18in runflats on NX but it is probably more shaky suspension that is driving me nuts.

dezymond

Have you test drove a 7th gen ES? They are still very luxurious, but I would say the Lexus of 2007 vs 2024, are very different. As it's been across the industry, there's been more focus on sportiness and Lexus, although not as aggressive as other manufacturers, has decided to make their cars a bit more "sporty".

As for smoothness, there is no doubt the 300h drives smoother compared to its 350 sibling. Couple that with the noise reduction wheels and I think you'll be as close to your 07 ES.

Myshkyn

Maybe boaty, but not so much floaty.

radiologym

Yeah, I don't like sportier feel of the new models and would be willing to buy an older ES for this. Do all 7th gen ES have similar ride or later years got more sporty feel?

dezymond

You're probably better off with the 6th gen then.

E46CT

I think others are saying this, but i came here to say this. if you want soft ride, go for 6th gen.

7th gen rides very firm but doesn't have the capability of a firm car typically gives. So it's like lose/lose. a competent handler FWIW, but no reason why a car of that genre should be riding so hard.

with 7ES, i wanted the floaty old man feel with white wall tires. i wanted a "go to church on sunday" lincoln town car, front bench seat type experience. just a nice floaty gentleman car like the older ES.

radiologym

Looks like no 7ES for me then. I wanted a soft ride. NX is firm and that’s what I probably hate about it. I get carsick easily, so my kids. Don’t think 2007 es ever made me carsick.
We rented Odyssey for cross country trip and everyone liked the ride, and it was just a minivan.

E46CT

Consider a car with an air suspension.

radiologym

would it get soft ride if I added aftermarket air suspension to NX350?

E46CT

i don't know. i mean factory OE air suspension. i would never tack on an aftermarket one.

something like that has to be fully engineered using proprietary secret chassis data and supercomputer engineering and datasets.

it must work with the chassis, tuned for the chassis and fully mapped out and compatible with stability control logic as well. it must be fully vetted out and analysed in crash scenarios as well. front packages are integrated into modern crash management stuff these days. you don't want a shock inside your chest.

only billion dollar budgets with supercomputers and supplier relationships can do that with a needed degree of quality and affordability.

jimbosr1

You could test drive a new one and see for yourself. I would never make a new car decision on the opinion of a few folks.The forum is great for objective opinions but everyone's different on what they like.You never know.

scubapr

OP, this ^^^^^^

I would try both generations and decide based on your experience. What is floaty, smooth, wobble or rough for someone is not necessarily for others.

Also, other than the ride, there's the technology for newer models & infotainment (wireless AA / CP, etc.) vs old. Good luck!

703

Test drive as many as you can. Different wheel sizes different generations etc.

you can tell with in the first 5 mins if you like the ride or not.

radiologym

Test drive did not work well for me before, my dealer has a route with very even road/highway.

How much changing tires and wheels on NX to 17in would help? I can also get taller sidewall 18in tires.

ATL350

Tires and wheels to indeed make a difference. As a general rule pick the smallest wheel/tire combo for the best ride, and carefully choose the brand/model of tire to help that as well (look online at various sources to determine which give the best ride).

I have to sadly agree that, personal differences aide the 7th Gen definitely rides more firmly than the previous iterations. It is still much nicer than many other vehicles, but intentionally firmer than in the past a Lexus has succumbed to the “sport everything is best” thinking so pushed by the automotive press and the public they influence. I fear what they will do with the 8th generation if they continue down that path, but only time will tell.