2010 Lexus ES 350 - Test Drive

The entry-luxury Lexus ES 350 is a comfortable,leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and
compliant sedan that boasts the right amount ofexclusive "liquid graphite-finish" alloy wheels. The long
luxury, performance, safety and size without beinglist of stand-alone options includes the HID AFS,
either garish or boring—and without breakingheated and ventilated front seats and Intuitive Park
the bank.Assist (IPA) that uses ultrasonic sensors to detect
For 2010, the ES 350 gets a fresh face: newobjects close to either bumper. It alerts the driver
headlamps, grille, grille surround and front bumper withand shows distances to objects in the
integrated fog lamps flanking a revised lower intake,multi-information display.
plus redesigned tail lamps, chrome body side moldings,The optional touch-screen nav system uses "Voice
and new turn signals integrated into the outsideCommand" casual-language voice recognition, which
mirrors. Also a slew of new features, including Lexuscomprehends conversational commands for control of
Enform and Safety Connect, a new security andaudio, climate, and navigation. It also comes with a
convenience telematics suite similar to GM's ubiquitousrear back-up camera, integrates control of
OnStar system.personalized settings and has Bluetooth phonebook
The only available powertrain is Lexus' 272-hp, DOHC,download. An optional 10-channel, 300-watt,
24-valve 3.5-liter aluminum V6, with efficiency14-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio
enhancing Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligencesystem is available with navigation, and DVD movies
(VVT-i), coupled to a 6-speed Electronically Controlledcan be viewed on the nav screen when the car is in
Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Thispark and the parking brake is engaged.
super-smooth automatic provides quick kick-downAlso new are available-by-subscription Lexus Enform
response and sequential manual shifting for those ofand Safety Connect. Safety Connect, available on
us who sometimes like to manage our own shiftany ES 350 with or without navigation, offers four
timing.safety and security features: Automatic Collision
As expected in a midsize luxo-sedan, the interior isNotification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency
rich and feature-filled, with average space for theAssistance (SOS) and Enhanced Roadside Assistance,
class: plenty of room up front for the driver andwhich adds GPS data to Lexus' roadside service.
primary passenger and reasonable real estate forLexus Enform, available on nav-equipped vehicles,
two, or even three, adults in back. Also as expectedadds Destination Assist and eDestination.
is Lexus-level craftsmanship, enhanced for 2010 withDestination Assist agents, available 24/7 via on-board
standard leather-trimmed seating, bright Optitroncellular equipment, can help find an address, a specific
gauges, premium wood, polished metal and leatherbusiness or type of business (gas station, theater,
accents. The three-spoke wood and leather steeringrestaurant) and send coordinates to the nav system
wheel with handy audio, trip computer andfor routing. With eDestination, you can save and sort
information display controls is especially nice, as is thedestinations online and send them to your car for
(available) large, easy to use color navigation touchdownload. Lexus Enform also offers subscriptions to
screen.XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather and XM Sports and
Also standard are SmartAccess keyless entry,Stocks.
dual-zone automatic climate control, a powerStandard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction
moonroof, 10-way power front seats (withcontrol integrates Anti-lock Braking System (ABS),
driver-seat memory), power tilt/telescope steeringElectronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake
wheel adjustment, rain-sensing wipers, heated outsideAssist (BA). A new VSC cut-off switch is handy if
mirrors, an illuminated entry system with exterior andyou're trying to rock the car out of deep snow, mud
interior puddle lamps and even illuminated front cupor sand.
holders. The standard audio system has a six-disc CDThe 10-airbag Supplemental Restraint System includes
changer, automatic sound leveling, an integratedadvanced front and front seat-mounted side bags,
satellite radio receiver (with a complimentary 90-dayrear seat-mounted side bags, full-length side-curtain
trial subscription) plus iPod/USB connectivity (in thebags and driver and front passenger knee bags. An
console), Bluetooth hands-free phone capability andoptional Pre-Collision System (PCS) includes Dynamic
music streaming.Radar Cruise Control, which maintains a pre-set
The available Ultra-Luxury Package includes adistance from vehicles ahead. If the PCS senses an
panorama glass roof, perforated "semi-aniline" leatherimpending collision, it pre-initializes Brake Assist,
seating, a power rear sunshade, front passenger seattightens the front seat belts, and Active Braking will
memory, HID Active Front Lighting (AFS) that followsautomatically apply the brakes (up to 0.3 g) if the
the steering, that beautiful wood- anddriver fails to react.