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2007 Lexus ES 350 Preview
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February 11, 2006
2007 Lexus ES 350 Preview
by
Justin Couture
, Canadian Auto Press
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Lexus Raises the Bar for Entry Level Luxury
As far as modern Lexus cars and SUVs go, the Lexus ES is probably  | | A crowd of journalists swarm the new ES 350 at its launch in Chicago. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
the most neglected of the group by the media and the general public. Compared to the bold, sporty IS, the state-of-the-art GS, the magnificent new LS, or the environmentally-friendly RX400h hybrid, the ES doesn't stand out like its more modern contemporaries. But, despite all of this, the ES remains as one of Lexus' best sellers. And while there are no intents to ship this comfort-tuned sedan off to Europe, Lexus hopes to change impressions of the ES on our soil with the launch of the all-new fifth-generation model, which made its debut earlier this week at the Chicago Auto Show.
The  | | Handsome, isn't it? New ES uses L-Finesse styling to give its midsize dimensions real style and panache. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
ES is one of the 'original' Lexus models, a car that was introduced in the late '80s alongside the larger LS. It represented truly affordable luxury motoring in a time when the Japanese were merely budding into the segment. Essentially, what is a re-styled, re-worked high-end Toyota Camry, in today's lineup, it appeals to traditional customers who appreciate Lexus' meticulous eye for quality, yet want a softer, more comfortable ride with a more conservative looking exterior. And while it vies with the IS as Lexus' entry level vehicle in terms of price, it targets a completely different customer.
In terms of appearances, I was never particularly fond of the old ES.  | | The new fifth generation ES is no longer as awkwardly shaped as this fourth generation ES 330. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
It either looked very plain, almost too inconspicuous (even with two-tone paint and chrome wheels), as with the first three generations, or, as with the most recent version, very round and inflated, and rather odd looking with its almond-sliver headlamps. The good news is that all such oddities and/or blandness have been cured with a solid dose of L-Finesse, Lexus' now famous styling language. With this new styling 'pen', the ES has been transformed into a very handsome looking automobile, bearing close resemblance to other members in the Lexus portfolio, and in particular the IS - in fact, from the front and the side, its sharp jaw-line makes it look like a grown-up, matured IS. From the back, it's completely different from any other Lexus; its identity new, slim and with angular taillights.
As with the exterior, the interior of the ES has been completely  | | The ES 350 interior features leather, wood, and something that most others don't offer: top-tier quality. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
reworked in the same style as with other new Lexus cars. The interior is finely crafted in high-quality plastics, glossy wood and glove-soft leather, while the shape of the dashboard is similar to other new Lexus models, but the console bears a slightly more organic shape. In Lexus' quest to create the entry level luxury vehicle with the highest value for dollar, they've gone all out on premium car details, such as retractable power sunshades, keyless pushbutton start and Bluetooth connectivity to the sporty wood and leather wrapped steering wheel, clever metal-look Optitron gauges, and ambient white LED lighting.
Underneath, the ES is still a Camry, and like the new Camry, it grows  | | Slightly wider, slightly longer; the new ES grows in the same way that the Camry did. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
in the same dimensions by equal amounts. Compared to the old ES 330, the 350 rides on a wheelbase that's two inches longer, and has a track that's an inch wider. The ES also rides on the same suspension system as Toyota's popular midsize model, which includes struts at all four corners, but is tuned for a more absorbent, comfortable ride. And while the bodywork clearly presents the new ES as a Lexus, it doesn't feature Lexus' VDIM intelligent stability control system; instead, it features TRAC and VSC, as with top-tier Camrys.
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