By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(January 28, 2017) The ES 350 is Lexus’ top-selling sedan. It first debuted back in 1989 and, along with the LS sedan, was one of the first two Lexus models sold in the U.S. The Lexus ES 350 is a five-passenger midsize luxury sedan that slots between the larger Lexus GS 350 and smaller Lexus IS sport sedans. A hybrid variant called the ES 300h is also available

There have been six generations of the ES, including this 2017 model tested here. The ES hasn’t had a major redesign since the sixth generation was introduced in 2013, when it switched from the Camry platform to the Avalon, the largest platform in the Toyota line.



Last year, the ES 350 received a modest freshening to the exterior styling and cabin and, for 2017, remains mostly unchanged, with minor changes to the audio and navigation systems. There are also notable upgrades to the Lexus Safety System+ package, introduced last year as an option, now standard for 2017.

Lexus makes no secret that the ES 350 is intended to appeal to a more mature audience, but they have acknowledged making changes in an attempt to attract a younger demographic. Thus, the more aggressive look to the signature spindle grille and rear-end treatment.

The move to the Toyota Avalon platform resulted in a much roomier interior, especially in the back seat, with an ample 40 inches of legroom. The interior is replete with a suite of interior trims: rich woods, bamboo, leathers, and other upscale materials, precision fit and finish, and a long list of standard features consistent with the Lexus brand.



Most disappointing are the vehicle operating controls. The center multimedia screen isn’t a touchscreen, rather is operated by a console-mounted mouse-like scroller that’s both overly sensitive and extremely frustrating to use.

We also found the cupholders to be both inconveniently placed and too few. In addition, there’s no place to put your phone, sunglasses, loose change or other items.

The ES 350 comes standard with a 3.5-liter, 268-horsepower V-6 engine connected to a smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is decent, but if high mileage is important to you then the hybrid powertrain in the ES 300h is your best choice.

On the road, acceleration is excellent, handling predictable. However, the steering feels numb and cabin noise disappointing. If you prefer a sports-sedan feel, the front-wheel drive won’t satisfy your needs as well as competitors with rear-wheel drive, including Audi A6, BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Vital Stats

Price: $38,900 - $41,820
Price as Tested: $46,470
Engine: 3.5-Liter V6
Horsepower: 268
Fuel Economy: 21-MPG City – 31-MPG Highway

Competes With:

Audi A6
BMW 5-Series
Genesis G80
Mercedes-Benz E Class

Fab Features:

Spacious interior
Loaded with standard features
Superb crash test and reliability ratings