If the mid-size Lexus ES 350 has a particular mission, it’s to deliver maximum driving pleasure for minimum financial hardship – provided that your concept of “driving pleasure” includes being heavily insulated against the harshness inherent in riding within a mechanized container.
In fact, I’m not sure that there’s an entry-level unit in the luxury segment that offers more refinement and polish for $41,950 than the sensible ES 350. Yes, some competitors may supply a broader array of trinkets and gadgets along with hotter performance at this price point but I doubt they match the velvety smoothness of the Lexus.
ES versus IS – which entry-level Lexus to choose?
Some confusion may exist over which entry-level Lexus sedan – ES or IS – best suits specific expectations of potential buyers, so let’s clear this up right now. As mentioned, the ES is meant to spoil one with kindness that’s warm and fuzzy. Think of it as a Lexus version of your father’s Buick.
On the other hand, the $34,400 Lexus IS 250 is focused more on spirited driving dynamics to the detriment of a plush ride and near-silent cabin. Think of it as the Lexus answer to an entry-level BMW. It’s wise of Lexus to cover the “needs” spectrum of entry-level luxury car buyers by offering two choices with distinctly different personalities.
Hopefully this rather shallow illustration highlighting the divergent character of these modest Lexus offerings will provide context to my road test of the ES 350. It should be recognized that Lexus does not intend to attract those seeking an exhilarating driving experience to the ES. For that, they’ve built the IS line of sedans, culminating with the ferocious IS-F.
2010 brings subtle ES styling revisions
A keen eye may be needed to identify the re-styled nose of the ES 350 and its revised rear bumper and additional bright work but trust me it all exist, albeit discreetly. The current ES 350 is a product of Lexus’s L-finesse design language that now permeates their entire.
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| If the mid-size Lexus ES 350 has a particular mission, it’s to deliver maximum driving pleasure for minimum financial hardship (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
In fact, I’m not sure that there’s an entry-level unit in the luxury segment that offers more refinement and polish for $41,950 than the sensible ES 350. Yes, some competitors may supply a broader array of trinkets and gadgets along with hotter performance at this price point but I doubt they match the velvety smoothness of the Lexus.
ES versus IS – which entry-level Lexus to choose?
Some confusion may exist over which entry-level Lexus sedan – ES or IS – best suits specific expectations of potential buyers, so let’s clear this up right now. As mentioned, the ES is meant to spoil one with kindness that’s warm and fuzzy. Think of it as a Lexus version of your father’s Buick.
On the other hand, the $34,400 Lexus IS 250 is focused more on spirited driving dynamics to the detriment of a plush ride and near-silent cabin. Think of it as the Lexus answer to an entry-level BMW. It’s wise of Lexus to cover the “needs” spectrum of entry-level luxury car buyers by offering two choices with distinctly different personalities.
Hopefully this rather shallow illustration highlighting the divergent character of these modest Lexus offerings will provide context to my road test of the ES 350. It should be recognized that Lexus does not intend to attract those seeking an exhilarating driving experience to the ES. For that, they’ve built the IS line of sedans, culminating with the ferocious IS-F.
2010 brings subtle ES styling revisions
A keen eye may be needed to identify the re-styled nose of the ES 350 and its revised rear bumper and additional bright work but trust me it all exist, albeit discreetly. The current ES 350 is a product of Lexus’s L-finesse design language that now permeates their entire.
 |
| A keen eye may be needed to identify the re-styled nose of the ES 350 and its revised rear bumper (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |