Lexus ES 350

mikegiller

Oh, it is to create a desire, a desire in understanding "what the hell they are talking about?!"

Yes, cute, in a weird way!

I know I'll be watching it from my computer at work tomorrow.

bluesman3

"Yep. Looks plain weird. Anyway it is the car that matters since this is gonna be by father's next car. I am hoping people will post some nice pics of the ES on this website."

Look back a few posts and you'll find linked photos.

milldoc

How fast zero to 60 do ya figure the new ES will be? I'm no speed hound, but fun to know what could be... Just in case the right song is on ---- at the right time.
Thanks in advance,Doc
BIG DAY!!! CAN HARDLY WAIT - LIKE MANY OF US, I'M SURE

golfer71

just watched the launch of the LS to make sure I could view the ES launch. I wonder if the ES will have the traffic update Navigation like the LS will? I wanted this option on our Honda Odyssey but no luck. Hope it makes it way into the ES.

swisspraveen

just watched the launch of the LS to make sure I could view the ES launch. I wonder if the ES will have the traffic update Navigation like the LS will? I wanted this option on our Honda Odyssey but no luck. Hope it makes it way into the ES.

golfer71, i'm pretty sure the ES will get the traffic update navi, because at least here in europe it's almost a standard feature in all luxury cars.

-praveen

bartalk3

power tilt/telescope steering wheel. 2" increase in wheelbase. No increase in overall length. 272hp. 0-60 6.8 seconds. 25mpg overall. Intro said the ES was at the luxury end of the continuum, the IS at the performance end. Does that mean we continue to get a great ride at the expense of sloppy handling? How about something comparable to the Camry SE?

neno8403

Official 2007 Lexus ES350 Pics







02/08/2006 Chicago

The all-new 2007 Lexus ES 350 made its public debut today at the Chicago Auto Show. The all-new, fully redesigned ES marks the fourth Lexus sedan to benefit from the L-finesse design language. Going on sale in late April, the fifth-generation ES improves upon every level of comfort, safety, performance and craftsmanship in the elegant five-passenger sedan.
"We believe the newly revamped ES 350 is better in virtually every way than our original LS flagship sedan," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. "It's faster, quieter and more powerful than the first LS that redefined the prestige luxury segment in the early 1990s."

2007 ES Marks Complete Redesign of All Lexus Sedans
From a styling standpoint, the ES marks the latest Lexus sedan to receive a complete redesign emphasizing a more sculptural direction, one that now reveals a family resemblance across the entire passenger car lineup. With an over two-inch longer wheelbase and more than an inch wider track, the ES has a more confident stance. A long hood, pulled-back cabin and short rear deck are characteristic of the new L-finesse design theme, recalling classic sports car proportions with a contemporary look unique to all new-generation Lexus sedans.

The creation of a spatial feeling in the passenger compartment is central to the new Lexus design direction. Without increasing the overall exterior length, engineers were able to increase rear legroom while maintaining the already roomy driver and front-passenger compartment.

The interior of the new ES introduces a new level of craftsmanship as well. Premium wood, polished metal and leather accents provide a level of luxury never before seen in the entry luxury segment. Everything inside the ES is designed and styled to create a comfortable and harmonious interaction, with touchpoints that convey quality and refinement. The roomy, luxurious cabin is complemented by intelligently designed displays and controls to make driving both simple and pleasurable.
Bright, clear Optitron gauges combined with smartly integrated metallic and authentic brown walnut wood trim help create a luxurious, elegant ambience.

Powerful Technology for New V6
The ES 350's 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 272 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque, resulting in an estimated zero-to-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, substantially quicker than the model it replaces. The highly sophisticated engine uses electronically controlled sequential fuel injection, which optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability. The result is a substantial improvement in engine efficiency with increased power and improved fuel economy.

The engine also benefits from reduced internal friction via chain-driven camshafts and roller-rocker arms that serve to increase efficiency. Aluminum heads and cylinder blocks feature special cast-in "spiny" cylinder liners to improve liner stability and cooling by increasing surface contact area with the cylinder head.

The new ES comes standard with dual exhaust, which reduces exhaust backpressure at high rpm. Extensive use of stainless steel in the exhaust system minimizes weight and improves durability. The integration of these technologies contributes to segment-leading efficiency with the ES 350 obtaining a manufacturer-estimated combined fuel consumption of 25 mpg (21 mpg city/30 mpg highway) and an expected Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification.

Six-Speed Transmission
The front-wheel drive ES 350 features a six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift. The low-friction, high-efficiency gear train is lighter and more compact than the previous generation 5-speed transmission with 20 percent fewer parts and 24 percent fewer hydraulic controls. Gear ratios are carefully matched to both engine horsepower and torque characteristics to provide very smooth yet responsive shifts for improved drivability.

New Intelligent Luxury
In addition to a new look and feel, the new ES also improves upon the increasingly complex nature of automotive technology. The ES offers numerous standard features such as SmartAccess keyless entry and a new push-to-start ignition system that allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without removing the access fob from their pocket or purse.

Lexus' craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide true luxury by design. Dual-zone automatic climate control and 10-way power front seats, with available memory, highlight the front cabin. The supportive standard cloth seats are also available in leather and extra-soft upgraded perforated leather for additional comfort.

The three-spoke steering wheel features easy-to-use controls for the audio system, trip computer and multi-information display in the speedometer. It also adds a voice control switch for the available Bluetooth® navigation and features. An auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated digital compass is standard, as are heated exterior mirrors.

Additional standard luxury features include a sliding center console, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a one-touch power moonroof and an illuminated entry system that lights the exterior with puddle lamps and the interior cabin footwells.

Luxury extends to the smallest details in the new ES, from illuminated front cup holders to an interior LED soft-lighting system that provides just the right amount of light where driver and passengers need it most. And the ES lends extra peace of mind with the integrated Homelink® transmitter that can control a variety of compatible home security devices and systems.

Advanced Safety Features
New standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an electronic traction-control system that uses both throttle and brake intervention to help control wheel spin.

In addition, the new ES provides eight standard airbags; 10 with the optional rear-seat side airbags. For 2007, the ES gains new knee airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as a twin-chamber front passenger airbag. Side-curtain airbags coupled with front seat–mounted airbags and the optional rear-seat side airbags are designed to help offer additional crash energy management for the front and rear seat occupants.

The Supplemental Restraint System in the new ES also includes variable-force front airbags for both driver and front passenger. Sensors determine the severity of the accident and, in turn, the force with which to deploy the front airbags, helping to provide an appropriate level

callmedrfill

Moonroof is standard, but leather is optional?

I guess sales of cloth ES' went from 3 to 4 last generation.

DrFill

fredvh

Thanks so much for the pictures and the article. I can't see where the exterior changed that much and I really do not like the oval control center. Leather might be optional but I bet you will never see one without it. They just do that so they can advertise a lower MSRP. I really HATE that.

garyh1

Interesting that in the whole lengthy written press release there is no mention of suspension or handling improvements. I think there was a very brief reference to it in the press conference, but most of the talk was about Lexus' "2 car" strategy: IS for performance and ES for comfortable luxury.

I guess they decided not to move the ES up on the handling scale. Looks like that would only happen if they developed a performance-oriented AWD version sometime mid-cycle.

mldj98

WOW!!!!!!!!
Nice Pics.........
Did someone say available in late April?????
Can I have one now!!!!!!
Settle down..........breathe........
I'm better now......
The real question.......how much $$$$$$$

bluesman3

So here's all the details you REALLY want to know.. Just remember it came from one of the top Lexus forums.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/presstxt/2007lexuskit/2007ES350_s.pdf

nocturnaldracu

Its like an IS that hasnt exercised for an year

andy82471

Message to bluesman3 and neno8403: please don't get this thread closed down on the count of your back and forth sniping. I believe some of the words you guys are posting violates edmunds decency standards. Thanks

razrbak71

I own a 2002 ES 300 and I think we all agree that the EXTERIOR of the current ES is quite boring BUT the INTERIOR is awesome!!! So they updated the outside and it looks a lot better, BUT they severly screwed up the inside!!! Not NEAR as elegant as the CURRENT ES! The ES is supposed to be a baby LS! Why didn't they leave the "sporty" interior look to the IS and GS, and keep the ES consistent with the elegance of the LS. I HATE the oval control panel, and I MISS the wood grain on the passenger side dash! Judging by the pictures, I will feel like interior wise, I would be taking a step down from the current ES! What were they thinking??? Does anybody else agree??

andy82471

I am guessing you are referring to the oval shaped center stack, right. You are right it does look a bit odd. It almost looks like an egg. But i am sure fit and finish will be better than the outgoing model and the big plus is the 272 HP 3.5L engine and 6 speed transmission.

bimmer4me

yes!

bluesman3

You have to remember the demographics here, this car is targeted at people in their 40's and up. Many of those folks are probably ex Camry owners and don't want a lot of flash, sport or bling bling.

Myself I like the fact that it's subtle luxury, it's nice without screaming that it's nice.

I'm probably going to buy the Premium Plus package with a few options added in. I like the Golden Almond but not if doesn't come with black leather. Otherwise the Aquamarine Pearl looks sharp.

bluesman3

http://www.lexus.com/2007es_preview/index.html

gossiptracker

Where does Lexus hire their marketing gurus? That was one of the worst introductions I have ever seen...flower....leads to desire? Are they trying to market the VW Bug here? And the guy on stilts? What was up with him?

As for the car, I think it looks great.

bluesman3

Hey, they have money to burn.... You won't forget it though, and that's a big part of marketing, making the message stick.

bartalk3

A quick look at the spec sheet reveals these shortcomings: passenger volume 95.4 sq. ft. A Honda Accord is roomier, no? Ultra luxury package required for HID. Premium fuel with same engine as the regular-fuel Camry (which sacrifices a few hp but which is probably just as fast).

The first cars to come off the boat in April will be loaded, overloaded, in fact, and they will sell for sticker or nearly that for months. For that price you could probably get a nicely equipped GS that comes with handling standard. Aside from all that, however, looks like a nice car. Hope it handles better than the boat it's shipped over on.

grandaddy

to buy this car over the Avalon...

fredvh

I'd be hard pressed to buy this over the new Camry.

bluesman3

I'd be hard pressed to buy anything else that has these features for this value.

navigator89

2007 Lexus ES350

mikegiller

You can get "factory installed HID" option.

caseyes330

Going back to the 2006 options and plugging in the prices for what would be equal to some of the options in the Luxury Package:
Navigation $2200.00
Wood/Leather Trim $330.0
Sunshade $210.0
HID $640.0
Heated/Vent.Seats $640.0
Total $4020.00

These are not all the options in the Luxury Package!
The high end ES is going to be pricier than I first thought

alpha01

I think the new interior is absolutely stunning, and is much more inline with the redesigns of the IS and particularly the GS- they share a similar look.

The ES series has always been smaller inside than its Camry counterpart, so the 96 cu. ft. interior isnt a shocker for me.

The new 6A is said to have 50% quicker throttle response compared to last year's 5A, so that should effectively quell the single biggest complaint against the last ES.

272 horses.. not bad... Lexus is typically conservative with 0-60 runs, there's no way this car will need 6.8 to 60 when the similarly weighted Avalon, using the slower to react 5A, requires 6 flat to 6.2 when tested by Car and Driver and Motor Trend (Twice).

~alpha

bartalk3

Mike: "factory installed HID." You mean a stand-alone option? Problem is they tend to bundle these things together in the most expensive package, at least at first, so if you want something like HID, you gotta order the package.

That's what's nice about Acura/Honda. Everything's standard.

mikegiller

There is a chance I misinterpreted this linke:

link title

At the end of page 9 and beginning of page 10, you will see what I potentially have confused myself with.

If you want HIDs though, you can install them yourself (if you want them that bad). If I didn't like the options that are included with them as much I do, I would do the same.

IS vs ES vs Camry vs Avalon vs Rav4. hmmm.

I am ONE sick puppy huh?!

jchan2

Nice.

How many cloth ES' did they sell the last time around? 1?

rocketdan

I guess we don't know the ES pricing yet, but a loaded '06 would run 39,325. Up that by an annual 3% and you're just over 40K. Add a few new "ultra luxury" items, like adding the LTD in the Avalon line, might take you to 42K. A current optioned up GS300 has an MSRP of 49,785, and Edmunds shows a TMV of 48, 108. To me, that doesn't put them in the same price class, even during the first few months. I would consider the ES (although I also don't care for the interior change) but the GS is just out of range for me. The ES still represents good value with its own niche in the Lexus lineup... IMHO.

bartalk3

Obviously, similarly equipped, the GS is going to sticker for more than the new ES. However, if you drop the NAV and ML from the GS, and subtract the $4,000 or so off list you can get on the GS, you are in the same price range as a fully loaded ES selling for sticker.

And by the way, under the new ES suspension listing, there was nary a mention of a stabilizer bar, front or rear. I think I get the message: another Japanese Buick, but lovely and quiet inside with a beautiful, isolated ride going straight.

Kirstie_H

Our new personal home pages (banner at the top):
www.carspace.com

You can find me there... I'll be your friend

rocketdan

Bartalk3, obviously you and I would like different cars:) For the money, you would sacrifice some comfort and many luxury options to gain a little handling. Me, I would sacrifice handling I would seldom push to feel for some everyday comforts and luxuries. I guess that's why Toyota (Lexus) makes the ES and IS, the GS and LS. I'm happy with the handling of my old 97 Avalon XLS. Now there's a Japanese Buick! (Actually, not quite. I drove the Buick when I chose the Avalon. It's sort of Buick+.)

150K miles and it's time for new wheels (despite the fact I haven't even had to replace brake pads yet.) The new Avalon is interesting, but the ES may edge it out for me. We'll wait and see when I can actually sit in one and drive it. Obviously, I'm in no hurry after 9 years.

jaxs1

I'm not sure what people find so odd about the center dash. Oval is a pretty standard shape. It isn't as if they made it star shaped or some very bizzare never-before-seen shape.
I'll wait until I see it in person to fully decide, but it looks ok to me.

bartalk3

rocketdan. I don't need a Ferari, but when I drove the new Avalon, there was such body roll in turns that it felt top heavy. The Avalon interior also felt cheap,even the top of the line. No one makes interiors like Lexus (except maybe Audi). If the ES would just stay reasonably flat when cornering at moderate speeds, I'd be happy. But somehow, I doubt it (if the current model is any example).

alpha01

Did you drive the Avalon Touring? Most of the rags comment on its very even tempered handling, including the very demanding Car and Driver...

Back to the ES...trust me, theres no way Lexus could sell this car without front and rear stabilizer bars... even if its not mentioned in the press PDF, its got 'em.

~alpha

bartalk3

alpha. No, actually I didn't drive the Avalon Touring. The sales women tried to get me into it, but I figured at the time how different could it be than the Avalon I drove. Apparently it is. But Car & Driver, if I recall, said the ride was pretty "crunchy," whatever that means. I should probably go back and give it a try.

I'll take your word for it for the ES has front and rear stabilizer bars. I just didn't see it. I wish Lexus would offer the ES in a sporty model, but I guess if you want sporty, buy the GS. The ES is the pure, plush luxury ride.

motownusa

http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/shows.asp?manu=&cat=&thisPage=1&galleryId=35

steve290

I like the new ES very much. The only thing that I am concerned about is rear seat room (3 kids). The 07 wheelbase is 2" longer, but the car is the same length as 06. The new Camry is suppose to have sculptured seats allowing more knee room. Does anyone know if the rear seat room has been improved in the 07 ES?

rocketdan

I'm just curious. You mention wanting a sportier ES, and go to the GS as the option. The IS is designed to be the sporty version in the ES class level. Why not even a consideration of the IS? (I must admit I don't consider the IS at all, so really haven't looked into it much. But I have the feeling that if they do come out with a convertible next year my wife is going to be interested.)

jburleig

Does anyone think, as I do, that visibility in Lexus cars, as well some other manufacturers, has reduced considerably? This new ES has an attractive appearance, but just think of what it feels like being in the cockpit. The rakish style and lack of glass will noticably reduce outward visibility in my opinion (reminds me a bit of the Mercedes CLS in that respect). I noticed this when sitting in the new GS as well. I dislike the cocoon-like effect, but I guess it's not a turn-off to others.

bartalk3

rocketdan: The IS is a little too sporty for me and the back seat is tiny and almost unusable. If I went that route I'd get "the ultimate driving machine" (BMW 330i) because that's the gold standard and Lexus hasn't matched it. I like sporty and luxury and the GS is like whipped cream.

bartalk3

There's a trend toward higher beltlines (smaller side windows, higher up) started by the Cadillac CTS and continued by the Chrysler 300. You feel chlostrophic and like you're in a tank. I dislike it. Do you notice a high beltline in the new ES?

callmedrfill

If you also have a high cowl than yes, you will get that sinking feeling. If your dash flows nicely, and isn't a wall of controls, you can get away from that feeling.

Cars look better on the outside with a high beltline (see 300), but shorter people may not like the lower visibility.

I'm over 6', and definitely got "Bathtub Syndrome" in a G35 coupe.

But it was a looker!

I don't hear anyone pining for a '86 Accord these days.

DrFill

dp5

I have the same feeling as jburleig when driving in the newer cars with a higher beltline. I feel more enclosed and I don't like it as much as previous designs. I think we'll have to get accustomed to it, though. This seems to be a direction in which all car manufacturers are heading.

jburleig

I haven't sat in a the new ES yet, I'm just going off the outward appearance in the photos. I was in the new GS recently, and it did give me that sensation. Maybe in addition to a design trend it helps meet rising safety standards. Not sure. But I do like an open feel much better. I will have to check out the ES personally when it gets to the showrooms.

golfer71