2007 Lexus ES350

[SL65]

Just like all its predecessors - Totally classless.

Redefines Entry Luxury Segment

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 of occupant restraint. Rear-seat side airbags are offered optionally.

The ES 350 includes the safety of several visibility-enhancing technologies. The front side windows feature a water-repellant surface that helps to bead rainwater. A rear back-up camera, part of the available navigation package, is mounted near the top of the license plate surround and projects a color image of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen whenever the vehicle is in reverse.
In addition, the ES provides the first-ever intelligent Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) that allows both right and left front headlamp bulbs to swivel at the same time to help illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.

Luxury Alive in the Details

For the first time, Lexus offers an optional panorama glass roof on the ES 350 creating an expansive feeling of openness for interior passengers. The glass roof extends over the entire passenger cabin providing a fixed skylight for rear passengers and a sliding sunroof for front passengers. A manual interior shade is provided for the front and rear passenger compartments. The frameless design allows for significantly tighter gaps versus those provided by other manufacturers and, with no visible gaskets, contributes to its sleek appearance and efficient aerodynamics.

Optional ventilated front seats and an available power rear window sunshade work in concert with the standard dual-zone climate control that filters the air to keep occupants comfortable. A dual-zone automatic climate control allows driver and front passenger to customize interior temperatures, while rear passengers enjoy their own A/C vents.

The optional and newly upgraded fifth-generation navigation system offers eight million points of interest (POI). The multi-information display makes key information readily available and easy to see. These and other features available on the new ES, such as semi-aniline leather, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, intelligent Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, heated/ventilated front seats and the panorama glass roof are normally found only in more expensive luxury cars.

Mind-Expanding Audio Systems

An enhanced standard premium audio system brings an in-dash, six-disc CD-changer,
MP3 player, iPod connectivity and an additional speaker to the 2007 ES. The system also includes an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) to maintain consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds.

Music aficionados will appreciate the newest generation of the optional Mark Levinson audio system in the new ES. Using a 7.1-channel speaker architecture, this leading-edge design uses 10 channels of amplification with a total of 300 watts at 0.1 percent Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) playing through 14 speakers to bring a major new dimension to automotive audio sound. The Mark Levinson audio also takes advantage of DVD audio and video technology, allowing users to play both conventional CDs and DVDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the color 7-inch touch screen when the vehicle is parked.

The all-new 2007 Lexus ES goes on sale late April. Although prices have not been finalized, it will represent the best value in the entry luxury segment.

www.worldcarfans.com

It'll probably have good equipment levels like most Lexus's have but IMO, the ES has always been one of the most classless cars on the market. ITS ALWAYS looked just like its Toyota Camry sister. It was actually discontinued last year in Australia because sales were so bad. This one isn't going to be much better. Sorry if you own one...I think one member does.

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//Gripe
New ES full glass roof is virtually identical to Mercs "Panoramic Sunroof" first seen on E-Class (2002) and again on the new S-Class.
ES:


Our E-Class:


Sorry for the rant...it was just the first thing that caught my mind when I saw it.

[bone]

realy all i can say

[fbc]

Seriously unattractive

[TechZ]

The thing is, thats going to be made uglier and it'll become a Toyota later on

[fbc]

Originally Posted by TechZ

The thing is, thats going to be made uglier

Is that actually possible???

[SL65]

^Yes fbc

Originally Posted by TechZ

The thing is, thats going to be made uglier and it'll become a Toyota later on

It just has (Feb 9) at the Melbourne Motorshow


Its called the "Aurion" and then theres also the Camry that we saw released recently.

[fbc]

My eyes, my burning eyes!!!

To whom it may concern at Toyota,

Please, stop it, stop it now.

Thanks in anticipation,

FBC.

[jensked]

Originally Posted by fbc

My eyes, my burning eyes!!!

[andyhui01]

I don't understand?... I've always liked the ES... and for people who are complaining, I know everyone says its just a Lexus Camry, but honestly, if you own one... its a world of difference. I've actually been in both long term (by long term, rented camry for about 3weeks) and family owning an ES. First of all, I know its like a camry on the sheet of paper, but its once you drive it and sit in it, you'll notice tiny touches in every way where the ES is just better than the Camry, little things like the quality of the materials, seats, build quality, the ride fineness and stuff, the ES is just wayyyy above the camry. If you don't believe me, the simplest test, the Camry's shell is made of much cheaper materials, when you see a camry on the street, just tap on the trunk, you'll be surprised at how thin it is and compare it to the Camry. This is not only the interior, if you look at the carpeting for the trunk, the ES actually uses a proper Fabric material as opposed to the Camry's cardboard with a 1mm thick fabric like material. And it goes further, the quietness of the ES is just miles better than the Camry (ask any ES owner, AxlXa agree?) and even down to the comfort from the suspension, the Camry is just not as comfortable.
The 3 weeks that we had the Camry, all I ever heard from my entire family was, our car is better in this, this is not good as our car..... etc

[SL65]

Originally Posted by andyhui01

I don't understand?... I've always liked the ES... and for people who are complaining, I know everyone says its just a Lexus Camry, but honestly, if you own one... its a world of difference. I've actually been in both long term (by long term, rented camry for about 3weeks) and family owning an ES. First of all, I know its like a camry on the sheet of paper, but its once you drive it and sit in it, you'll notice tiny touches in every way where the ES is just better than the Camry, little things like the quality of the materials, seats, build quality, the ride fineness and stuff, the ES is just wayyyy above the camry. If you don't believe me, the simplest test, the Camry's shell is made of much cheaper materials, when you see a camry on the street, just tap on the trunk, you'll be surprised at how thin it is and compare it to the Camry. This is not only the interior, if you look at the carpeting for the trunk, the ES actually uses a proper Fabric material as opposed to the Camry's cardboard with a 1mm thick fabric like material. And it goes further, the quietness of the ES is just miles better than the Camry (ask any ES owner, AxlXa agree?) and even down to the comfort from the suspension, the Camry is just not as comfortable.
The 3 weeks that we had the Camry, all I ever heard from my entire family was, our car is better in this, this is not good as our car..... etc

@ Andy - I'm not disputing quality. Lexus build quality cars IMO. Its just that the ES has always lacked something. I think that something is class.

A luxury car should have something in it apart from luxury (leather, wood etc..). It should be sporty or classy or a mix of both. This car has none of that and never has. Its kinda like the VW Passat. Good car and all but lacks that X-factor. But new Passat is a v.nice actually.

The ES is begging for some charecter!!


Sorrry ES owners

[andyhui01]

I know that the ES doesn't have character, obviously it won't have as much class as the E-class or 5-series, but the reason why my dad bought it was cuz #1, he doesn't trust EU cars after owning 1 BMW and 1 Merc and the BMW being in the workshop more than he drove it and the Merc having a complete Electronics failure after 3years. #2 If you can think of any other Japanese cars that is at the same class as the ES, please let me know . My dad is too old for Sporty cars like the IS, he wants class but the GS and LS is out of the price range for a car he drives like 1.5weeks a month (my mom and dad travel like anything so they are never home)

[SL65]

Originally Posted by andyhui01

If you can think of any other Japanese cars that is at the same class as the ES, please let me know . My dad is too old for Sporty cars like the IS, he wants class but the GS and LS is out of the price range for a car he drives like 1.5weeks a month (my mom and dad travel like anything so they are never home)

Well apart from Lexus, there aren't many luxury cars coming from there at all. As mentioned before, the new Passat is very good and much better than the old 'classless' predecessor. Its basically an Audi right? So it'll have good build quality + reliability.

Also, if your dad stays away from the Sports/Luxury Lexus IS, he won't look too old for it, trust me I'm a huge fan of the new IS. That is where the smart money goes. I would buy that easily over a 3-Series or C-Class. Also you get their customer care + service which is unbeatable.

[andyhui01]

I know... but he needs a classy car, he takes clients around, plus IS is a little small for a Family and we haul 5ppl around constantly

[bone]

Originally Posted by andyhui01

#2 If you can think of any other Japanese cars that is at the same class as the ES, please let me know .

honda legend? i've always liked that car, but nobody seems to buy it

(no idea what it costs though)

[mautzel]

^That was one of the reasons why nobody bought it over here!

And I can't think of something else but Hyundai designers currently joining the Toyota design department - the back reminds me very much of the current Hyundai Sonata, and the Hyundai doesn't look that good that it would be justified to copy it

[hajj]

So this ranks between the IS and the GS right? There must be a reason why we dont get this one in Europe... I like most newer Lexus, but this one isnt my taste.

[bartboy9891]

its too similar to the other new lexuses. atleast it'll be comfortable/quiet as hell

[haha604]

Does it ever occur to you that guys who care about 'exciting cars' are actually quite boring themselves ? To be honest I think the whole thing about a car having 'character' is nothing more than marketing gimmick. You might as well call Windows 05 having character because it crashes with surprising frequency.

I love sports cars, but not to the point of calling every Taurus driver a souless idoit.

[Kebab gud]

the ES has never been a Camry .. it was a windom .. (same front and platform as a camry..)