In the case of the ES 350, the language is expressed in “conservative sleekness” that continues to look modern and appealing but certainly not aggressive or muscular. In short, the design is unremarkable but well matched to the car’s raison d'être.
I find the interior architecture of the ES 350 more appealing and perhaps of greater uniqueness than its exterior façade. Its high-arched centre console and sculpted dash flow seamlessly together to form the main attraction; and here is where Lexus has done their best work.
Fit and finish in the cabin is impeccable and the materials in use are of a fitting calibre. The walnut inlays add a restrained aura of elegance to the spacious environs. Despite the generous interior volume and expansive trunk, cargo accommodation is limited due to the absence of a fold-down rear seatback. A ski pass-thru is in place but not a proper trunk pass-thru.
Nonetheless, it’s from a supportive, leather-clad driver’s seat that one secures the privilege of administering the ES 350’s 272 well-mannered horsepower.
Powerful, refined drivetrain is an ES 350 highlight
Clearly by now, I’ve sufficiently lauded the operational refinement of the 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6 powering the ES 350.
What I haven’t touched on is the surprising punch of this impressive mill. Although rated at 272 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 254 pound-feet of torque @ 4,700 rpm, its ability to pull the front-wheel-drive ES 350 would suggest there’s more on-tap.
Off-the-line acceleration is immediate and purposeful while highway passing performance exceeds expectations. A refined, muted growl accompanies these effortless chores, making the experience that much better. A completely unobtrusive 6-speed automatic transmission handles the shifts with precision and tact, which augments the car’s supple ride quality.
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| Fit and finish in the cabin is impeccable and the materials in use are of a fitting calibre. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
I find the interior architecture of the ES 350 more appealing and perhaps of greater uniqueness than its exterior façade. Its high-arched centre console and sculpted dash flow seamlessly together to form the main attraction; and here is where Lexus has done their best work.
Fit and finish in the cabin is impeccable and the materials in use are of a fitting calibre. The walnut inlays add a restrained aura of elegance to the spacious environs. Despite the generous interior volume and expansive trunk, cargo accommodation is limited due to the absence of a fold-down rear seatback. A ski pass-thru is in place but not a proper trunk pass-thru.
Nonetheless, it’s from a supportive, leather-clad driver’s seat that one secures the privilege of administering the ES 350’s 272 well-mannered horsepower.
Powerful, refined drivetrain is an ES 350 highlight
Clearly by now, I’ve sufficiently lauded the operational refinement of the 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6 powering the ES 350.
What I haven’t touched on is the surprising punch of this impressive mill. Although rated at 272 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm and 254 pound-feet of torque @ 4,700 rpm, its ability to pull the front-wheel-drive ES 350 would suggest there’s more on-tap.
Off-the-line acceleration is immediate and purposeful while highway passing performance exceeds expectations. A refined, muted growl accompanies these effortless chores, making the experience that much better. A completely unobtrusive 6-speed automatic transmission handles the shifts with precision and tact, which augments the car’s supple ride quality.
 |
| I’ve sufficiently lauded the operational refinement of the 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6 powering the ES 350. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |