Interior

Refinements to the interior of the 2011 ES 350 include 10-way power seats up front. Although the ES 350 may not be the first thought when purchasing a family vehicle, the 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat leaves more than enough head and legroom to accommodate two average adults or three children. The ES comes standard with leather-trimmed seating, which matches nicely with the real walnut or maple accents. The control and switchgear layouts are ergonomic and easy to use, though the white-on-black electroluminescent main gauges are better seen in bright sunlight than the center stack display.

Exterior

From top to bottom the 2011 ES 350 embraces the division's L-Finesse standard. From a bird's-eye view, the ES 350 shows a tapered front end, moonroof and shark fin antenna. From the bottom up, the ES 350 has signature low-grille positioning, projector headlights and wrap-around taillights. The ES350 sits on 17-inch wheels with a split five-spoke design, and its flanks are adorned with chrome-finished body-side molding. Seamless-tip dual-exhaust outlets finish off the rear. Drivers can also choose between 215/55 all-season or performance summer tires.

Notable Standard Equipment

The ES 350 comes standard with numerous quality features both inside and out. Some notable enhancements include SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button starting, 10-way power front seats with power lumbar support, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a power moonroof. The audio in the ES 350 has eight speakers, an in-dash six-disc CD-changer, MP3/iPod capability, Bluetooth, a USB port and speed-compensating volume control. For the driver focused on safety, the ES 350 is fitted with front, front-side, rear-side, side-curtain, driver and passenger knee airbags. Other vehicle dynamic assists include stability and traction control plus enhanced four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

Notable Optional Equipment

The 2011 Lexus ES 350 can be easily personalized by selecting option packages or adding stand-alone features. Packages include auto-dimming exterior mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, HID headlamps and a Panorama glass roof. Stand-alone extras include navigation, Surround Sound, distance-sensing dynamic radar cruise control and a pre-collision system. The Ultra Luxury Package includes Liquid Graphite 10-spoke wheels, semi-aniline leather, adaptive lighting, the heated and ventilated front seats, the Panorama roof, a power rear sunshade, HID headlamps and other items.

Under the Hood

Under its hood, the ES 350 has an all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6 that turns out 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque while delivering an EPA fuel-economy rating of 19/27 mpg City/Highway. The ES also comes fitted with continuously variable valve timing that helps optimize its low and mid-range response. Backed by a computer-controlled six-speed automatic transmission, this free-revving engine helps the Lexus go from zero to 60 miles per hour in seven seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds. To sweeten the deal, the well-proven reliability of this potent powertrain is reinforced by a supplemental six-year/70,000-mile warranty.

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6200 rpm 248 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4700 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27