Smooth Lexus ES still running strong after 34 years
The ES sedan, which helped introduce the Lexus division to U.S. consumers 34 years ago, continues to serve as a strong, popular entry-level competitor in the luxury automobile field.
The front-drive ES outsells the BMW 3 series, the Mercedes-benz C class and the Audi A4 among luxury compact sedans.
Delivered to me recently is the 2023 Lexus ES350 F Sport Handling four-door, which provided very smooth acceleration from its 302-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. Driver can opt away from near-imperceptible gear changes by engaging paddle shifters or moving the powertrain between normal, sport and eco modes. Sport mode adds a bit of life to a normally mild performer.
A couple nice, smooth highway drives lifted the ES’S overall fuel mileage to 28.5 miles per gallon (EPA estimate (22/31).
New for ’23 is a “Hey Lexus” on-board assistant which responds to voice commands.
The new model shows a nicely finished dash and instrument panel, including the two little round ears protruding from each side of the panel’s overhang. They’re for engaging traction control and drive modes.
The ES350’S 13.9-cubic-foot trunk is adequate, though the rear seats don’t fold down, so little room is left for long items.
The addition of a 10.2-inch head-up display, triple-beam LED headlamps and 12.3-inch touchscreen raised sticker price to $53,775. Among standard items are front and rear performance dampers, F Sport rear spoiler, wireless charger, heated leather steering wheel, dynamic radar cruise control, lane correction, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto capability.
From the readers
Bud: It is great to hear about the return of the auto show. I’m concerned, however, as the shows in recent years have had a dearth of manufacturers. As a Porsche owner and fan, I want to see those vehicles and others of that type there, so please ask Tim Jackson to push for as large an assortment of vehicles as possible, so as to interest the wide variety of folks who come to the auto show. Also, they really need to re-think their admission charges. If these folks really want to have potential customers come to look at their vehicles and thus sell them, they need to make it affordable, if not free to do so. I have heard many gripes about this over the years. I have a friend who attends shows in areas such as Florida and reports minimal if any, fees for admission and parking. Our local dealers and their parent companies come across as greedy, to say the least. – Paul B.
It is good to hear of your interest in the Denver Auto Show, Paul. Surely, though, you don’t expect free admission to the show, which will run five or six days at a huge rented hall of the Colorado Convention Center and display 500 cars and trucks ranging in value of $30,000 to $130,000?