2008 Lexus ES 350   $28,988

Introduction

Lexus presents the ES and IS as a one-two challenge to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G35 and M35, Audi A6, Saab 9-3, Volvo S60, and a host of domestics in this popular class.

The ES 350 is quick and responsive, benefitting from a newly developed 272-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine.

The ES 350 was completely redesigned for the 2007 model year and there are only minor revisions for 2008, such as new personal reading lamps for rear-seat riders.

The Lexus ES series has come a long way. And more safety features. Lexus says it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, a solid performance. The ES is designed to emphasize ride quality and smoothness, while the IS is oriented around sharp handling and is designed to be a driver's car. The ES uses front-wheel drive, while the IS is rear-wheel drive. The Lexus ES 350 is a mid-size sedan that celebrates smoothness, quietude and sophistication. The Lexus ES doesn't suffer the hard ride of a German sports sedan. The ride is smooth, the engine is smooth, the six-speed automatic is flawless, everything is quiet. We like both, depending on the mood and the task at hand. When Toyota launched its premium Lexus brand in late 1989, its entry-level model was the ES 250, with a thinly disguised Camry chassis and powertrain under a mildly upgraded body and interior. With each succeeding generation, the ES has better met the needs of the entry-luxury segment, with more room, more space, more power, and more standard equipment. Yet the ES 350 is also certified to the Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) standard. You can safely sip a cappuccino on the way to work.

Walkaround

About the only exterior customizing you can do other than paint and wheels is a choice of forward lighting, from standard projector beam to optional high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with an adaptive lighting function, which swings the headlamps through an arc of up to 15 degrees when turning.

For 2008, the only exterior change is to the side mirrors, and there the difference is subtle.

In fact, the ES 350 has been consciously upsized to roughly the same dimensions as the original 1990 LS 400.

The first thing that impressed us with the 2007 redesign was the more generous physical size of the car. As before, the new mirrors are heated and incorporate puddle lamps. The entire form seems to emanate from the grille and flow back over the car in hard lines. The ES 350 continues the Lexus L-Finesse design theme seen previously on three concept cars and the GS and IS sedans. The ES 350 is also about 110 pounds heavier than the ES 330 due to the addition of more safety features and standard equipment. The ES 350 looks like it belongs in a Lexus showroom. The grille is subdued, the headlamp units are smaller and less obtrusive, and the accent line along the side is raised to suggest more musculature under the skin. The look brought a new level of slickness, with a wind-tunnel-proven drag coefficient of just 0.28, making the ES 350 inherently quieter and more fuel-efficient than before. The wheelbase, at 109.2 inches, is more than two inches longer than that of the 2006 ES 330; the body is wider by 0.4 inches, the track is wider by 1.2 inches, and the body has crisper, shorter overhangs along with a new front, side and rear appearance that's much more upscale than any previous ES. There are 10 exterior colors to choose from, plus the Pebble Beach Edition's exclusive Truffle Mica.

Driving Impression

The brakes are average in size for this class, but we saw no sign of brake fade after a hard workout.

The ES 350 is quick to respond, the engine is as smooth and quiet as you would expect, and the transmission operation is flawless, automatic or manual mode, downshift or upshift.

Traction control and electronic stability control adds to the driver's confidence. Engine and transmission are linked by several electronic modules and the electronic throttle, and there were no glitches we could find. Introduced in the 2007, this engine is a honey and comes paired with a six-speed automatic. Lexus quotes a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, which is competitive in the segment. The ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control are programmed to intervene early to keep the car going in the intended direction. The engine and transmission are isolation-mounted with an electro-hydraulic system to cancel vibration at idle. The ES 350 benefits from an all-aluminum engine with all the latest technologies built in. The front struts and multi-link rear suspension are both very well isolated from the rest of the car, making for a quiet, smooth ride, with greater control of pitch and body roll than in pre-2007 models. We'd like a little more steering feel in corners and on the highway, but otherwise the speed-related power steering is good and solid.

Interior

The ES is insulated well.

The instrument panel and center stack are more driver-centered, engaging and involving than on previous generation.

The interior of the Lexus ES represents a quantum leap over pre-2007 models.

The real wood trim is from a matched set that is serial-numbered for future replacement, if necessary.

With 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space, the ES nearly matches the trunk size of the original LS 400 flagship. At cruising speeds, it's extremely quiet, in part due to its acoustic-control laminated windshield. Fit and finish inside are exemplary. It has as much rear head and shoulder room, and more rear legroom, than the 1990 LS 400, and its rear floor is flat and can accommodate large American feet under the seats. The driving ambience is superb, with good sightlines, hooded instruments and crisp graphics, a 10-way power seat and standard tilt/telescope steering wheel. The ES 350 is roomy and comfortable. The ES features push-button engine starting and the SmartAccess key fob. The instruments are deeply tunneled, using white LED lighting and the Optitron electroluminescent displays that are part of all Lexus models, with their eye-pleasing startup routine. The thick, fat steering wheel is a pleasure to use. The trip computer monitors a dozen functions. There are three interior colors to choose from, in cloth or two grades of leather.

Summary

New Car Test Drive correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from Hawaii. It's screwed together better than a Swiss watch, and it has sex appeal. The Lexus ES 350 is quick and quiet at the same time. We think it's an excellent choice among luxury sedans, particularly when comfort and ride quality are priorities. With its new design and all the new standard equipment, the ES 350 ranks among the fiercest competitors in the entry-luxury segment.

Liked Most

"The old car packed only 218 hp, so the ES350's new, more potent engine addresses a genuine weakness."
By AUTOMOBILE

"Fit and finish is impressive, and the car is very quiet."
By CONSUMER REPORTS

"Strong yet quiet performance, more luxury than ever before, excellent crash test scores."
By EDMUNDS.COM

"The ride is smooth, the engine is smooth, the transmission operation is flawless, and everything is quiet."
By NEW CAR TEST DRIVE

Liked Least

"Handling is not sporty but is ultimately secure."
By CONSUMER REPORTS

"Pricey options packages, competitors offer as much or more power and room for less money."
By EDMUNDS.COM

One-Liners " It delivers precisely what people expect of a Lexus, and, for that reason, we expect it will remain the division's most popular sedan. A supple ride, smooth yet potent performance and a gorgeous interior make the 2007 Lexus ES 350 the one entry-level luxury sedan that you'll never want to upgrade from."

Car Connection Review

2008 LEXUS ES 350 STYLING | [7 out of 10]
Automotive.com: "a new level of slickness"

Cars.com: "a classy, conservative design"

Kelley Blue Book: "appearance still remains a bit too conservative"

Mother Proof: "a delicious blend of luxury and sporty"

The 2008 Lexus ES 350's appearance appeals to many, but some reviewers found its lines a little stodgy.

Though it shares running gear with the Toyota Camry, Edmunds points out that "the ES doesn't share a single dash panel or material with its less expensive Toyota sibling."

The shape is vastly improved over the previous entry-level sedan from Lexus; 2008's ES four-door has "a classy, conservative design," Cars.com says, while acknowledging its "sharper angles and more defined body panel creases." Automobile agrees--the ES 350's "all-new suit of sheetmetal is considerably more flattering than the ES330's bathtublike shape"--as does Motor Trend, which reports that "from the nose on, the sheetmetal flows into a rakish, aerodynamic body with a bit of the GS and IS sport sedans' flavor." While Mother Proof describes the exterior of the 2008 Lexus ES 350 as "curvy and sharp," Kelley Blue Book wonders if it may be "a bit too conservative."

Reviewers had few complaints about the interior. Car and Driver calls out the 2008 Lexus ES 350's "posh interior." The five-seat cabin "has a flowing dashboard design" that "looks a bit plain when finished in black," Cars.com reports, but the controls "are easy to learn." Edmunds waxes the most about the Lexus ES 350: "Inside the ES is a combination of indulgent shapes and textures that are as functional as they are pampering."



Conclusion: The 2008 Lexus ES 350 has better looks than before, but it's still conservatively styled.



2008 LEXUS ES 350 PERFORMANCE | [7 out of 10]

Automotive.com: "quick to respond"

Cars.com: "buyers aren't likely to find the V-6 wanting for power"

ConsumerGuide Automotive: "scoots from a stop with satisfying strength"

Kelley Blue Book: "power and responsiveness to master any kind of traffic challenge"

Mother Proof: "fast, responsive"

TheCarConnection.com finds few complaints with the 2008 Lexus ES 350 when it comes to get-up-and-go or handling.

At Lexus, 2008's ES sedan is powered by a larger, 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 272 hp, a 54-hp improvement over last year's slightly smaller engine. Cars.com reports the engine is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission (replacing last year's five-speed) and despite its larger size and increased power, is even more fuel efficient than that of the 2007 model at 19/27 mpg.

Competing models have V-8 options, but Cars.com believes that "buyers aren't likely to find the V-6 wanting for power," and praises the performance of the transmission as well; during test drives, it "never made a harsh shift." ConsumerGuide also reports excellent acceleration, noting that the 2008 Lexus ES 350 "scoots from a stop with satisfying strength" and "did 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds." This source confirms Cars.com's evaluation of the smooth-shifting transmission, but notes that "it can require lots of throttle to deliver a highway-speed downshift."

Edmunds reports slightly different figures with their sample of this year's Lexus; 2008's ES sedan took just over 7 seconds to go from 0-60 mph. They add that "shifts can be manually controlled using the sequential-style sport shifter."

Handling isn't a shining attribute of the 2008 Lexus ES 350. Motor Trend says it's "without an ounce of sporting pretension," and Edmunds gives it faint praise as "a perfect compromise between the couchlike driving experience of an American luxury car and the well-damped ride of a Japanese sport sedan." Car and Driver says the Lexus ES 350's "steering is numb, body roll is abundant in hard cornering, and braking performance is so-so." Cars.com concurs: "With the smooth ride comes moderate body roll, and the car also tends to bob up and down a few times after traveling over a big dip in the road," Cars.com observes, while adding the brake pedal "has a soft feel, and it's difficult at times to modulate the touchy brakes in order to stop smoothly."

TheCarConnection.com has driven the new Lexus; 2008's ES sedan handles with competence and predictability but doesn't really care to involve the driver too much. The steering is reasonably responsive, though there isn't a lot of feel. Hard cornering is actively discouraged by lots of body roll and ample tire squeal. The MacPherson-strut front and rear suspensions are a little too soft for their own good, with too much roll and wallow for even the gentlest of country roads, and while the ride quality on the highway is superb, the steering doesn't offer enough on-center feel, which means you're constantly making minor adjustments to keep it on track.

Conclusion: The 2008 Lexus ES 350 has good acceleration and fuel economy, but handling is soft and uninvolving.



2008 LEXUS ES 350 COMFORT AND QUALITY | [9 out of 10]



Automotive.com: "a quantum leap"

ConsumerGuide: "excels for cushioned comfort"

Edmunds: "warm, classy ambience"

Mother Proof: "interior is inviting and comfortable"

The 2008 Lexus ES 350 gets generally high marks for comfort.

Edmunds reports a quiet, absorbent ride in this Lexus; 2008's ES four-door is "one of the quietest cars we've ever tested at freeway cruising speeds." ConsumerGuide concurs with this assessment, agreeing that the Lexus ES 350 for this year "excels for cushioned comfort" but notes that it trails rivals for composure on bumpy roads with "bobbing and pitching" at freeway speeds. Nonetheless, ConsumerGuide reports "excellent isolation from road and wind noise."

Seat comfort in the front is aided by an optional seat extender in the 2008 Lexus ES 350. "The front seats have 10-way power adjustment, and the driver's backrest is soft and comfy, but I was sore after driving for a few hours because the bottom cushion doesn't provide enough support," Cars.com wrote. Edmunds' test car had a "power cushion extender which increases or decreases the length of the seat bottom cushion underneath the thighs, allowing support for both long- and short-legged drivers." In back, the Lexus ES 350's longer wheelbase "opens up interior space a bit," Automobile says. "Unlike those of many cars in this class, the ES 350's rear seats should elicit no complaints from passengers." Cars.com says, "the outer spots of the rear bench seat are comfortable enough for adults, but don't expect any extra legroom or headroom."

Edmunds expresses a great deal of approval for the ventilated seats, reporting that they "are among the best we've experienced, with plenty of cool air circulating throughout."

Edmunds and Cars.com both praise the interior materials of the Lexus; 2008's ES four-door has "the finest quality" materials, Edmunds says. According to Cars.com, standard materials include "real wood trim on the doors and center console." Mother Proof observes that materials such as leather and wood makes occupants feel "very welcome."

TheCarConnection.com's test drive of the 2008 Lexus ES 350 in the Las Vegas area uncovered a car with the trim of a proper Lexus--2008's sedan has soft-touch plastics, wood veneers, and quality leather trim on the steering and shift knob. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, too, while rear seat occupants have ample space and a well-shaped rear bench, making it a wonderfully relaxed place for four adults to while away the hours.

Conclusion: The 2008 Lexus ES 350 has plenty of room, and seats can be comfortable. Interior materials are top-grade.



2008 LEXUS ES 350 SAFETY | [9 out of 10]

Cars.com: "highest rating"

Edmunds: "five stars"

Mother Proof: "some incredible safety features"

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) award top marks to the 2008 Lexus ES 350 for safety.

The 2008 Lexus ES 350 gets a "good" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the NHTSA gives it five stars for front protection, five for driver side impacts, and four stars for passenger side impacts, as well as four stars for rollover protection.

Standard safety equipment on the Lexus 2008 ES 350 includes stability control, eight standard airbags, and anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution. Motor Trend reports that "available rear-seat side bags bring the total to ten."

The Lexus proprietary Pre-Collision System will automatically tighten the front seat belts and prepare the brake assist to go into action if it determines that a collision is imminent, as well as activate the brakes without the driver if necessary, Edmunds says. Adaptive Cruise Control is also available; it uses radar to keep a safe distance between the Lexus 2008 ES 350 and the vehicle ahead in the lane.

Conclusion: The Lexus 2008 ES 350 provides a strong, safe environment for passengers.



2008 LEXUS ES 350 FEATURES | [10 out of 10]



Automotive.com: "more fully equipped than any previous Lexus"

Edmunds: "offers most any luxury feature one may desire"

Mother Proof: "include all kinds of mom-friendly goodies"

This year's Lexus ES 350 offers many luxury features--"enough gizmos to embarrass a Best Buy salesman," Motor Trend says.

Standard features include "real wood trim on the doors and center console, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, keyless access and start, and chic LED lighting," Cars.com reports. Mother Proof comments that despite its relatively high cost, "you get so much with this car that you don't necessarily get with same-priced SUVs!" Some of the "mom-friendly goodies" reported on here include a backseat skylight, LATCH connectors, and a first aid/tool kit.

Cars.com reports other "noteworthy options" include a panorama glass roof, a power rear sunshade, front and rear parking sensors, and a voice-activated navigation system with rearview camera that "makes judging the distance between the ES 350's back bumper and another car or object a breeze." Audiophiles will appreciate the "Mark Levinson Surround Sound" stereo system, and one can watch DVD movies on the navigation screen when the Lexus ES 350 is parked.

Conclusion: You'll definitely be satisfied with the many high-tech gadgets and features the 2008 Lexus ES 350 has to offer.