2005 Lexus ES330 Road Test

Despite its wind-cheating vanilla exterior, the ES330 produces smiles from inside with a cabin filled with an opulent

The ES330 produces smiles from inside with a cabin filled with an opulent sumptuousness. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

sumptuousness, which is difficult to say but wonderful to experience.

Regardless of where a hand may land, a pleasant tactile reception is waiting. The materials used in the ES cabin flood the senses with warmth and comfort. Lexus has done a commendable job of designing and laying-out an easy-to-operate, low-maintenance office. By that I mean there are few dials and controls to fidget with. Anything that could function automatically does, such as the headlights, wipers and climate control system. Adding to the low-maintenance approach is an optional, navigation-based voice recognition system for inputting audio, navigation and climate control settings.

In addition to Cashmere and Ash-coloured buttery leathers for 2005, Lexus

Lexus has done a commendable job of designing and laying-out an easy-to-operate, low-maintenance interior. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

offers Golden Bird's Eye Maple or Red Walnut dash and steering wheel accents, steering wheel- mounted audio controls and the availability of heated and ventilated front seats, the latter of which my tester spoiled me with.

These power-operated premium buckets struck the ideal balance between firm support and pillow softness. Finding the optimal driving position was a cinch, thanks to adjustable pedals and a tilt steering column. Although my test period didn't include any trips of long duration, I felt confident that the ES would get me to faraway destinations without inflicting back pain or unnecessary fatigue.