The Lexus ES->ke280 is a a family of mid-size luxury sedans launched by the Japanese maker in 1989 and now being already in its fifth generation (starting 2006). The car was sold in three different versions: ES 250, ES 300 and currently ES 350 depending on the engine displacement found under the hood (2,5 liters, 3,0 liters and 3,5 liters).

The fifth generation Lexus ES has been unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006 and was sold on the US market as a 2007 model. The model came with an all-new body in the style of Lexus' new design philosophy, L-finesse, a new 3.5 liter V6 engine and for the first time Lexus has offered a six-speed automatic transmission in a front-wheel drive model.

In 2009 the car has received a mid-cycle facelift that included a revised front and rear styling. Also, in 2009 Lexus->ke47 has added a new version to the line-up, the ES 240, but it was only sold on the Chinese market.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2006 - 2012 Lexus ES 350.

2007 - 2012 Lexus ES 350

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2007 - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 268@6200
  • Torque: 248@4700
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

The exterior and the interior

2007 - 2009 Lexus ES 350

The fifth generation Lexus ES features and over two-inch longer wheelbase and more than an inch wider track compared to the previous ES and comes with a complete redesign. The most impressive feature of the new model are: a long hood, pulled-back cabin and short rear deck - all being characteristics of the new L-finesse.

The interior has also received a new level of craftsmanship: premium wood, polished metal and leather accents provide a level of luxury never before seen in the entry luxury segment.

2010 - 2012 Lexus ES 350

In 2009 Lexus has changed things one more time. Sold as a 2010 model, the facelift ES features: revised headlamps, a new grille, new grille surround, chrome body side molding and new front bumper with revised lower intake and integrated fog lamps, redesigned tail lamps and new exterior colors.

The interior has received a revised steering wheel controls, new wood trim choices, a revised center console and an array of new user technologies.

For the 2012 model year the model carries unchanged: the only updates it has received is a new Nebula Gray Pearl exterior color, which replaces Smoky Granite Mica; and the discontinuation of Peridot Mica.

The engine

The fifth generation Lexus ES is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 HP at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm, while offering a fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway.

The engine was mated for the first time to a six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift.

Things under the hood remain unchanged until now, when Lexus is already offering the 2012 MY.

Prices

While the price for the 2012MY hasn't been announced just yet, in 2011 the Lexus ES 350 was priced at $36,725.

Options

Navigation System

$2,465

Ultra-Luxury Package

$3,535

17-in E-Sport alloy wheels

$1,250

Full-size spare tire with 17-in alloy wheel

$205

Wheel locks

$73

Power rear sunshade

$210

Intuitive Parking Assist

$500

Rear spoiler

$319

Heated and ventilated front seats

$640

Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob

$330

Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Pre-Collision System (PCS)

$1,500

High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and Dual-swivel Adaptive Front Lighting System

$815

Paint protection film

$429

Rear bumper appliqué

$76

Cargo net – envelope

$64

Carpet cargo mat

$73


The competition

The list of competitors for the Lexus ES includes the German models: BMW 3-Series->ke290 and Audi A4->ke1087, but most recently a new, American one has been added two the list: Cadillac CTS.

Of course that on markets like US, the ES will have the biggest problems with the CTS, where it will try to make people see why an imported model is better than a local one. And will be pretty difficult to win, because the CTS turned out to be a pretty impressive model. It is powered by a a 3.0 liter V6 that delivers a total of 270 HP and a 3.6 liter V6 with an output of 304 HP - the first advantage of two engine options, but also many customers consider the CTS is a very great looking car.

With the two German model things are a little bit more difficult. The ES will have to make customers forget about tradition and opt for a car that they say is offering the same level of luxury,but with little money.

The 3-Series is powered by a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with 300 HP and has a $42,050 price tag. The A4 comes with a 2.0 TFSI engine that delivers a total of 211 HP and is priced from $32,300.