2007 Lexus ES Review

Lexus Raises the Bar for Entry Level Luxury

As far as modern Lexus cars and SUVs go, the Lexus ES is probably 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 doesnt 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 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 todays 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. 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, its 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 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, theyve 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 in the same dimensions by equal amounts. Compared to the old ES 330, the 350 rides on a wheelbase thats two inches longer, and has a track thats an inch wider. The ES also rides on the same suspension system as Toyotas 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 doesnt feature Lexus VDIM intelligent stability control system; instead, it features TRAC and VSC, as with top-tier Camrys.

Like many new Lexus and Toyota vehicles such as the Camry, Avalon, and IS 350, the ES is powered by Toyotas now revered 3.5-liter V6 engine. At 272-horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the ES is more powerful than its plain-clothes Camry sibling (268-hp), but less than the full-size Avalon (280-hp). And although the ES shares the same badge number with the IS, its a fair ways off the IS 350s 306-horsepower rating, because the smaller, sportier Lexus feature D4-S direct injection. Nevertheless, performance is still good; with that amount of power under its hood and a six-speed automatic with manual mode to shift the gears, the ES can still hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds - plenty fast for a car of this type.

In the same way that the IS is making leaps and bounds in performance, the ES is escalating the ranks in terms of luxuries offered. For the first time, Lexus will offer a panoramic glass roof on the ES, comprised of a power sunroof and a fixed overhead rear panel, similar to the sort of roof featured in Mercedes-Benzs E-Class, or by MINI in its Cooper. Eight airbags, including knee airbags are standard, but that can be increased to a total of ten if the optional side rear airbags are specified. Also available are extra-luxurious semi-Aniline leather seats with heat and ventilation, as well as AFS adaptive xenon headlamps, and a new and improved touchscreen navigation system.

The extra-large LCD screen featured in the ES also acts as a display for the optional reverse camera, and is able to play DVD videos when the vehicle is in park. To back up the visuals, Lexus has turned to Mark Levinson to provide the acoustics, which in this case includes a 7.1 surround sound digital processor powered by a 10-channel, 300-watt amplifier. Sound is directed through a total of fourteen loudspeakers, strategically placed around the car to maximize sound quality. Source input for this magnificent system includes tapes, CDs, satellite radio, or personal MP3 player, accessible through an integrated aux-in jack.

Believe it or not, todays ES is faster, quieter, and more luxurious than the first generation, V8-powered LS 400, and packs technology thats miles more advanced than what Lexus engineers were dreaming of nearly two decades ago. And while the ES isnt the most glamorous, quickest, or most luxurious Lexus on the market, in its niche as an entry-level luxury car it has been leading, and will most likely continue to lead the segment. Lexus hopes to sell 70,000 units of the ES next year, which is a figure much larger than most expected.

The new ES 350 will go on sale late this April as a 2007 model; pricing will be announced closer its launch date. Expect only a modest price gain, helping to keep the ES competitive against its rivals.