The ES 350 continues the Lexus L-Finesse design theme seen previously on three concept cars and the GS and IS sedans. The entire form seems to emanate from the grille and flow back over the car in hard lines. 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 first thing that impressed us with the 2007 redesign was the more generous physical size of the car. 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 ES 350 looks like it belongs in a Lexus showroom.

In fact, the ES 350 has been consciously upsized to roughly the same dimensions as the original 1990 LS 400. 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. The ES 350 is also about 110 pounds heavier than the ES 330 due to the addition of more safety features and standard equipment.

For 2008, the only exterior change is to the side mirrors, and there the difference is subtle. As before, the new mirrors are heated and incorporate puddle lamps.

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. There are 10 exterior colors to choose from, plus the Pebble Beach Edition's exclusive Truffle Mica.

Interior Features

The ES 350 is roomy and comfortable. 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 interior of the Lexus ES represents a quantum leap over pre-2007 models. The driving ambience is superb, with good sightlines, hooded instruments and crisp graphics, a 10-way power seat and standard tilt/telescope steering wheel. Fit and finish inside are exemplary.

The real wood trim is from a matched set that is serial-numbered for future replacement, if necessary. The thick, fat steering wheel is a pleasure to use. There are three interior colors to choose from, in cloth or two grades of leather.

The instrument panel and center stack are more driver-centered, engaging and involving than on previous generation. 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 trip computer monitors a dozen functions. The ES features push-button engine starting and the SmartAccess key fob.

With 95.4 cubic feet of cargo space, the ES nearly matches the trunk size of the original LS 400 flagship.

The ES is insulated well. At cruising speeds, it's extremely quiet, in part due to its acoustic-control laminated windshield.

© 2008 NewCarTestDrive.com