Well crafted cockpit
At first glance, the ES 350’s dashboard design doesn’t give the impression that Lexus was trying very hard. Truthfully, the car’s age doesn’t help either, as the simplistic centre stack layout looks dated. But again, I think the typical customer interested in this car appreciates the straightforwardness of the instrument panel.
When you look more closely, you’ll realize that there is cohesion in the design; the soft crease that curves upwards from the centre stack flows right through to the door panels. As for fit and finish, it’s day and night compared to the 2007-2011 Camry; everything lines up perfectly and nothing feels flimsy.
One aspect I personally like about Lexus products are the seats. They benefit from a firm softness that is supportive for long-distance travelling. On a road trip from Montreal to New Hampshire and back, I never felt fed up of driving. And during that road trip, since I’m on the subject, I observed a fuel economy average of 8.5L/100km, which is pretty good.
The rear seat can easily accommodate two adults, but three across is pushing it a little. While there is sufficient legroom, the low roofline and the firmness of the middle cushion result in some noggin-scraping on the ceiling. Trunk space, at 416 litres, provided plenty of room for the aforementioned road trip including all the kid's belongings.
Classy looks
True, the Lexus ES sheet metal doesn’t get that ol' adrenaline pumping. It’s a matter of personal taste, but one thing's for sure, the car displays a restrained elegance that can be appreciated by many. And cars with less-than-striking designs allow faster driving without getting, uh, noticed.
The $500 Touring package added to our tester rounds up adaptive HID headlights, a different alloy wheel design and a rear decklid spoiler. In my opinion, the latter doesn’t look right on the ES, as it spoils the elegant lines of the car.
And you know the age-old habit of popping the hood to show your neighbours what kind of firepower your car is packing? Forget it in the ES 350. Everything except the washer fluid filler cap is hidden under plastic covers including the engine. Bo-ring.
At first glance, the ES 350’s dashboard design doesn’t give the impression that Lexus was trying very hard. Truthfully, the car’s age doesn’t help either, as the simplistic centre stack layout looks dated. But again, I think the typical customer interested in this car appreciates the straightforwardness of the instrument panel.
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| The ES 350’s seats are perfect for long-distance trips. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
When you look more closely, you’ll realize that there is cohesion in the design; the soft crease that curves upwards from the centre stack flows right through to the door panels. As for fit and finish, it’s day and night compared to the 2007-2011 Camry; everything lines up perfectly and nothing feels flimsy.
One aspect I personally like about Lexus products are the seats. They benefit from a firm softness that is supportive for long-distance travelling. On a road trip from Montreal to New Hampshire and back, I never felt fed up of driving. And during that road trip, since I’m on the subject, I observed a fuel economy average of 8.5L/100km, which is pretty good.
The rear seat can easily accommodate two adults, but three across is pushing it a little. While there is sufficient legroom, the low roofline and the firmness of the middle cushion result in some noggin-scraping on the ceiling. Trunk space, at 416 litres, provided plenty of room for the aforementioned road trip including all the kid's belongings.
Classy looks
True, the Lexus ES sheet metal doesn’t get that ol' adrenaline pumping. It’s a matter of personal taste, but one thing's for sure, the car displays a restrained elegance that can be appreciated by many. And cars with less-than-striking designs allow faster driving without getting, uh, noticed.
The $500 Touring package added to our tester rounds up adaptive HID headlights, a different alloy wheel design and a rear decklid spoiler. In my opinion, the latter doesn’t look right on the ES, as it spoils the elegant lines of the car.
And you know the age-old habit of popping the hood to show your neighbours what kind of firepower your car is packing? Forget it in the ES 350. Everything except the washer fluid filler cap is hidden under plastic covers including the engine. Bo-ring.
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| The exterior design of the ES is elegant, not exciting. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |