2009 Lexus ES 350
by Jim Prueter -04/2009

ES puts a premium on smooth driving

Back in 2007, Lexus completely revamped its best-selling midsized ES sedan. The only change for 2009 is the addition of a new exterior color.

The Toyota Camry-based ES 350 was originally launched in 1989, along with the Lexus flagship, LS 400. This is the fifth-generation ES.

For 2009, ES is offered in just one well-equipped model with a base price of $35,295, including shipping. A Pebble Beach edition is offered as a $6035 package that adds 17-inch wheels, heated leather seats with memory settings, rear-seat side airbags, unique exterior badging and other equipment. No hybrid version is offered.

The base ES comes equipped with cloth seats with leather optional, however it’s nearly impossible to find a dealer who stocks an ES without leather and the optional navigation system.

Most options are packaged, like the $2365 premium package that adds heated leather seats with memory, remote keyless entry, auto-dimming outside mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. Navigation system with rear backup camera adds $4510, or $6815 if you include the Mark LevinsonÒ surround sound audio system.

The only available engine is the very smooth performing 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 272 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. We averaged 23 miles per gallon overall in a mix of interstate, city and suburban driving, with the required premium fuel. The engine is shared with the Camry.

Outside, the car’s surfaces are attractive, but ES isn’t what you would describe as an image car or a “head turner.” It’s better described as a near-luxury sedan, not a sports-sedan like the similarly priced Infiniti G37, Cadillac CTS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class or BMW 3-Series. It is also the only one of these five that doesn’t offer a manual shifter or rear-wheel drive. The Cadillac, Mercedes and BMW offer performance versions of their vehicles and the Infiniti’s standard horsepower is 330 with a zero to 60 time of just 5 seconds. The ES needs 6.8 seconds to cover the same distance.

But the ES isn’t intended to be a screaming performance sedan, rather it’s targeted at those who enjoy a smooth, quiet ride in comfortable chairs, with excellent visibility, a roomy interior and numerous safety features. The ES excels at all of these things and more.

Inside, we found ample front-seat room and a comfortable driving position thanks to the standard 10-way power driver’s seat and power tilt-telescoping steering wheel. Rear-seat room is a bit tight for three adults, better for two. The dash is well padded with big buttons and knobs that make climate control, audio and navigation systems easy to use. There’s even real walnut wood trim that adds to the beauty of the interior. All materials are first rate; fit, finish and build quality are exceptional.

Lexus uses a standard proximity key, allowing you to start or stop the engine by pushing a large button on the dash so long as the key is in your pocket or purse.

Standard safety gear includes all-disc antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control, driver and front passenger airbags, knee airbags and side-impact airbags. Side-curtain airbags are standard, side-impact airbags optional for the rear seat. The 2009 ES 350 earned the government’s highest possible five star crash test rating in both front and side impacts, and the highest rating of “Good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in front and side impact crash tests.

Overall, the 2009 ES 350 is a sweet ride that scores high on the pamper factor, even if its looks and performance driving can’t be considered breathtaking.