After many years as an automotive journalist, you tend to favour the odd model that just stands out and when you get a chance to drive it, you jump at it. For me, one of my all-time favourites is the Lexus ES 350, a model line.
Today’s ES is an evolving model that seems to hit all the right spots for me such as size, comfort and performance. It has grown in size slightly over the years but nothing too much. The ES comes only as a 4-door sedan, which is well proportioned with nice lines that are contemporary, but not over the top.
A high-tech 3.5L double overhead cam V6 with variable valve control, gives the car 268hp, which doesn’t seem like a lot. But, this technology translates to solid and smooth acceleration all the way through the power band, which is impressive in a sedan like this. To help keep that momentum is, as you might expect, a computer controlled 6-speed automatic transmission, which is always in control shifting at the right time even in extreme conditions.
Even with the 18-inch low profile tires, the ES has great handling as well as offering a magnificent ride that you expect with a car like this. Some twisty roads I encountered were actually fun to drive as the suspension soaked up or stiffened up as required.
As for safety, the ES 350 is outfitted with an array of features such as backup camera, lane change warning and dynamic radar cruise control to name a few. The dynamic radar cruise control actually slows the car down if it senses a car getting too close while in cruise control, something a little strange when you first encounter it. One other item of safety common on some European cars is the self levelling headlights something I really liked especially with the upgraded high intensity headlights.
Inside the ES, the driver is treated to a very ergonomically but stylish interior, one that I enjoyed greatly. My test car was equipped with the Technology Package boasting luxurious leather seats, wood/leather heated steering wheel, 15-speakers to go with the Mark Levinson Audio System plus all the regular stuff luxury owners have come to expect.
A few things that really did stand out were the heated steering wheel, Panoramic Glass roof and console joystick. The heated steering wheel should be standard in all Canadian cars, it is just great as it turns on instantly keeping your hands on the wheel and warm as well.
The glass roof was great as it made the cabin bright allowing you to enjoy mountain views you can’t otherwise get in a sedan. The console joystick easily allowed the driver to control all the electronic features the ES has to offer in the dash display screen.
I have to admit, I am not one who embraces high tech gadgets in a car, but I feel that Lexus has done a great job making these devices helpful and not distracting. For all the technology packed into this car, the $53,900 price tag really isn’t out of line.