Launched 30 years ago, the Lexus ES350 has been the standard bearer for midsize luxury sedans. Delivering an entertaining and energetic ride since its launch, Lexus has once again totally overhauled the front-wheel-drive car for 2019. The seventh-gen ES is longer (2.6 inches), wider (1.8 inches), and lower (0.2 inches) from its predecessor. And, Lexus has added the more lively F Sport trim to the ES badge for the first time. The ES300h hybrid is available, too, with an all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine putting out 215 horsepower and boasting fuel economy figures of 44 city, 45 highway and 44 combined.
The 3.5-liter V-6 engine in the ES350 blasts off 302 horsepower (up by 34 hp for 2019) @ 6600 rpm and 267 pounds-feet (up 19) of torque @ 4700 rpm. Out goes the six-speed auto gear box to be replaced by a more capable, smoother and fuel-efficient eight-speed. Suspension handled via independent front MacPherson strut-type and rear trailing-arm multilink does a worthy job of soaking up potholes and other road bumps. Returning a weighted response to the driver’s input is an improved power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. And, 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 6.6 seconds instead of the former 7.1 seconds, which is fittingly quick for a 3,649-pound vehicle.
Ensconced on a unitized steel body is the signature spindle grille with a centered Lexus insignia, flanked by slim L-shaped LED projector-beam headlights and daytime running lights. A low, sleek roofline leads to wraparound LED tail lamps. Project chief designer Yasuo Kajino says the car has a “provocative elegance … The ES has always been an elegant luxury ride. For this generation, we have added daring design elements that challenge the traditional expectations of buyers.” And that certainly shows in its graceful stance. The cabin is typical Lexus with welcoming wood and piano black trim and leather as occupants are pampered in spacious seats. The rounded large tachometer housing a digital speedometer and multi-information display is easy to read. Passenger and trunk volume is commendable at 99.9 and 16.7 cubic feet space respectively. Other standard amenities include dual auto a/c, power moon roof and 14.6-inch, three-spoke tilt/telescopic steering column with paddle shifters, keyless entry/engine start, 10-way power front seats, 8-inch touch screen, analog clock, three USB ports, 10-speaker Pioneer audio system with a CD player and satellite radio, and rain-sensing wipers.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist, vehicle stability assist with traction control system, front/rear crumple zones, smart stop technology, three-point safety belts for all, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system. Also, the Lexus Safety Sense + 2.0 fetches a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure alert and lane tracing assist, dynamic cruise control and intelligent high beams at no cost.
Available in base, Luxury and Ultra Luxury trims, the ES350 starts at $39,600, the 300h at $41,410 and the F Sport at $44,135. Placed between the entry-level IS and the larger GS, the ES350 is the near-perfect ride. Tweaks to the mouse-like Remote Touch for toggling navigation, climate, audio and phone controls are welcome. This delightful Lexus is a well-balanced blend of luxury and performance.
LEXUS ES350
Tires: P215/55R17
Wheelbase: 113 inches
Length: 195.9 inches
Width: 73.4 inches
Height: 56.9 inches
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gallons
City: 22 mpg
Highway: 33 mpg
Web site: LexusOfWesleyChapel.com
Test drive all the Lexus ES models at Lexus of Wesley Chapel, 5350 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel. For more information, call the dealership at (813) 907-5350.
Published December 12, 2018
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.