2007 Lexus ES 350

Sport or luxury? That's the question, according to Lexus, and the answer is—both. In Lexus' view, the near-luxury market is drifting more and more toward the "sport" side of the sport-luxury continuum. But, while automakers (including Lexus) feed this need for speed on high-end models, there remains a steady demand for sedans that key on traditional luxury-car values.

Styling

So, even as Lexus sends the IS out to play with the other sport sedans, it has also kept the focus of the all-new ES 350 right where the old ES 300 was—on comfort and luxury. It's a logical approach. Clearly, there are thousands of drivers who don't care if they ever clip an apex. They do, however, care about ride comfort, reliability, a quiet cabin, new technology, and luxury appointments. It's familiar turf for Lexus; basically, all the things that won their first model (the 1990 LS 400) legions of fans and conquest wins over other marques.


Compared to the previous ES, the 2007 version has a longer wheelbase (two inches) and shorter overhangs. Both the track and the body are slightly wider, and the styling is handsome and contemporary. Seen side on, the ES has a gently sloping nose and a tall, beveled tail. Wedge-shaped lights are fitted at the corners. In between, the profile view shows a high waistline and a curving, coupe-like roof. There's an interesting twist on styling in this segment. It's always important that looks should attract, but here it's imperative that they never offend. The Lexus passes the test with a sophisticated and rather sleek form.

Interior

In many luxury cars, exterior styling is secondary to cabin considerations. Here, the new Lexus raises the bar from its last effort. There's adult-sized room front and back, and a vacation's worth of luggage can fit in the trunk. Fit and finish are typically first rate. The center stack is teardrop shaped, the dash veering off in a nicely creased swoop to either side. Two-toning and beveled contours are used to good effect on dash plastics, and there's a splash of wood thrown in, on the center console and the three spoke steering wheel. Electroluminescent gauges are an easy-read, and switchgear is nicely all within reach. If you can't find a comfort zone with the 10-way power seats, you aren't trying very hard. Opt for the navigation system and you'll find a large display with touch screen access and voice activation, a back-up camera view and Bluetooth compatibility. The nav system is "guy approved." With minimal difficulty, one can get guided directions to a destination of your choice, without ever having to touch the manual or ask anyone for anything.


The ES is nicely equipped in standard-features form, with optional items that rival those of other high-end luxury cars. Among the notable extras found in various packages are: high intensity discharge headlights, rain sensing wipers, dynamic radar cruise control, adaptive front lighting, park assist, power rear sunshade, heated/ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof and a Mark Levinson surround sound system. A few thoughts about the latter two features: The 14-speaker, 10-channel, 300-watt Levinson sound system is as crisp as they come; better sound reproduction than most people have in their homes. And switching from audio to video, DVD's can be viewed on the 7-inch screen when the vehicle is parked. The panoramic roof has a fixed, tinted skylight over the rear passenger compartment (interior shade provided) and a sliding sunroof over the front of the cabin. It's big enough to give you a strong shot of sun and sky, yet doesn't add much wind buffeting. And, when you shut the roof and turn off the tunes, it is very, very quiet in the ES cabin. Again, reminiscent of the first generation LS cars, which made a bank vault seem cacophonous by comparison.