(continued from above)
"Since its introduction in 1989, the ES has been the benchmark luxury sedan
for quality, reliability, ride comfort and value," said Mark Templin, Lexus
group vice president and general manager. "The new ES 350 and the first ever ES
hybrid raise the bar once again."
Exterior Design
The new ES 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 of the new ES has been lengthened by 1.8 inches, while the overall
length of the vehicle has grown by one inch, resulting in shorter overhangs and
a more spacious interior.
The new ES bears the new face of Lexus with its distinctive, spindle grille. The
"L" design motif is reflected in the LED daytime running lights and combination
rear lamps. Fog lamps are integrated into the sculpted lower front bumper
fascia. The ES 350 sports dual exhaust pipes, while the ES 300h features an
exclusive rear design with hidden exhaust and an integrated rear spoiler. Other
details specific to the hybrid include unique blue badging and exclusive 17-inch
alloy wheels.
Interior Design
The ES features enhanced sightlines and visibility, logically placed controls,
and new cabin materials that express a high level of craftsmanship. The modern
interior has been designed to provide a sense of openness and security.
Greater rear seat legroom and knee room are the hallmark of the redesigned, more
spacious passenger cabin. Rear headroom is increased by 0.8 inches, knee room is
increased by 2.8 inches and legroom is lengthened by 4.1 inches. Additional foot
room below the front seats enhances rear passenger comfort.
A newly sculptured 10-way adjustable power seat is standard on all ES models. 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 from
24 degrees to 22 degrees for a more natural control position.
The cockpit features 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. Below the center display
is a self-illuminating LED analog clock.
The second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) 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. RTI
also reduces eye and hand movement, helping to decrease effort and distraction.
"The ES has always been a customer favorite and a key model for Lexus," said
Templin. "A tremendous effort was put into the all-new ES 350 and ES 300h to
ensure that our one million eagerly awaiting ES customers would be more than
pleased."
Lexus ES 350: Review (2/2)