By Mauricio Lezcano / carsNtravel.com
The introduction of the all new 2013 ES 350 marks the sixth generation of Lexus popular luxury sedan since its introduction over 20 years ago. Featuring the signature Lexus spindle grille, a progressive new design and enhanced handling, the ES brings new levels of refinement and quality to the entry luxury segment.
Under the hood, the ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Dual VVT-i that delivers 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb-fl of peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The six speed sequential shift automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence provides enhanced driving performance.
ES 350 feature a drive mode selector. Normal mode provides a blend of performance and efficiency that is suited to every day driving, while Eco mode favors fuel economy. Sport mode increases powertrain and steering responsiveness.
An array of standard and available safety features aid the driver. The optional Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert helps detect vehicles in side blind spots. The available Lane Departure Alert is integrated with automatic high beam dimming technology. A Pre-Collision System uses sub-millimeter wave radar, designed to detect certain obstructions traveling ahead and prepare the vehicle for a potential collision.
The ES features a class leading 10 airbags as standard equipment, including driver and front passenger knee, front and seat mounted air bags, as well as rear seat mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. Whiplash Injuring Lessening front seats are designed to limit excessive head movement in certain rear end collisions, helping to decrease the severity of whiplash type injuries.
The optional HDD Navigation System includes voice command, an integrated backup camera, an eight inch screen, and the next generation Lexus Enform System with App Suite. Lexus Enform provides seamless connectivity with Bing search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable and Facebook Places through compatible smart phones. Apps are updated through over the air downloads, so new apps and content can be added as they become available.
The standard Lexus Premium Sound System features eight speakers with Automatic Sound Levelizer, in dash CD player, USB/IPOD connectivity, and an integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver with a 90 trial day subscription. The Display Audio Package adds a seven inch screen, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, Bluetooth audio, phone transfer, a vehicle information display and a rear backup camera.
An available 15-speaker 835 watt Mark Levinson audio system features an eight inch display screen with exclusive GreenEdge technology that doubles the output of the amplifier, while reducing energy consumption by fifty percent.
ES exterior design features a lower profile and clean styling lines from front to rear. All four corners are pulled tightly inward to the wheel arches, creating distinctive proportions. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 1.8 inches, while overall length of the vehicle has grown by one inch, resulting in shorter overhangs and a more spacious interior.
The modern interior has been designed to provide a sense of openness and security, ES features enhanced sightlines and visibility, logically placed controls, and new cabin materials that express a high level of craftsmanship.
Greater rear seat legroom and knee room are the hallmark of the redesigned, more spacious passenger cabin. A newly sculptured 10 way adjustable power seat is standard; an available 12 way power seat allows the seat cushion to extend by 1.4 inches for better leg support. In addition the steering wheel angle has been reduced for a more natural control position.
The cockpit features a separate display and operation zones to help keep the driver’s eyes on the road. The instrument panel, with its long layered look places the main information display directly in the driver’s line of sight, supplemented by a center mounted 3.5 inch color TFT multi-information display screen or available navigation and multimedia system.
In addition the second generation Remote Touch Interface allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller located on the center console.
The ES will get you and three adults comfortably to your destination, it is roomy and easy to drive, if you are looking for a comfortable entry level luxury car the Lexus ES 350 is an excellent choice.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $36,100.00, the one I drove included the Navigation and Premium Package it came in at $42,789.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 21 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway; key competitors Acura TL and the Cadillac CTS. mlezcano@carsntravel.com
