Sport or luxury? That's the question, according to Lexus, and the answer is—both. In Lexus' view, the near-luxury market is drifting more and more toward the "sport" side of the sport-luxury continuum. But, while automakers (including Lexus) feed this need for speed on high-end models, there remains a steady demand for sedans that key on traditional luxury-car values.
So, even as Lexus sends the IS out to play with the other sport sedans, it has also kept the focus of the all-new ES 350 right where the old ES 300 was—on comfort and luxury. It's a logical approach. Clearly, there are thousands of drivers who don't care if they ever clip an apex. They do, however, care about ride comfort, reliability, a quiet cabin, new technology, and luxury appointments. It's familiar turf for Lexus; basically, all the things that won their first model (the 1990 LS 400) legions of fans and conquest wins over other marques.
Compared to the previous ES, the 2007 version has a longer wheelbase (two inches) and shorter overhangs. Both the track and the body are slightly wider, and the styling is handsome and contemporary. Seen side on, the ES has a gently sloping nose and a tall, beveled tail. Wedge-shaped lights are fitted at the corners. In between, the profile view shows a high waistline and a curving, coupe-like roof. There's an interesting twist on styling in this segment. It's always important that looks should attract, but here it's imperative that they never offend. The Lexus passes the test with a sophisticated and rather sleek form.
Author: Dan Lyons
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