2016 Lexus ES: Cathedral-like quiet and exquisite comfort

Built on the platform of the Toyota Avalon, the Lexus ES has the wheelbase, length and interior spaciousness of a large car.

Photos by Aida Sevilla-Mendoza

BELIEVE it or not, there are luxury car buyers who prefer refined opulence and quiet riding comfort to tire-screeching high performance and racing prowess.

For consumers who want more luxe and less sport at a competitive price, the Lexus ES 350 fits the bill nicely.

The 2016 Lexus ES 350, the third generation of the entry-luxury flagship of Toyota’s premium car division, was launched in Manila last August after its reveal at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show.

A front-wheel-drive, medium-size sedan built on the Toyota Avalon platform and powered by essentially the same 3.5-liter, V6 engine with dual VVT-I (variable valve timing with intelligence) as the V6 Toyota Camry, the ES is the second best-selling Lexus in the United States after the RX 350 SUV.

The fascia of the 2016 ES has been refreshed with Lexus’ dramatic chrome-trimmed one-piece spindle grille and slimmer LED headlights while the sides are subtly sculpted to add some understated flair.

At the rear, new L-shaped LED taillight clusters, a new trunk lid spoiler and rectangular chrome-tipped exhaust ports set the car apart as the latest ES 350.

Pampered motoring

Since its debut in 1989, the Lexus ES has become the standard for relaxed, pampered motoring and elegance. Its comfort orientation represents a counterpoint to the performance-oriented IS and GS sedans in the Lexus stable.

THE 3.5-LITER V6 DOHC 24-valve engine produces 272 HP and 364 Nm max torque.

Although other midsize premium sedans like the rear-wheel-drive BMW 5 Series and even the Chrysler 300 may offer more exciting driving dynamics, the Lexus ES remains comfort-focused and this quality is what attracts many luxury car buyers.

The ES is valued for its posh ride, the spaciousness of its cabin, and its refined road manners as manifested by the silky smooth acceleration of its six-cylinder engine entirely devoid of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness.)

As if the cabin were not insulated enough from road, engine and wind noise, Lexus improved further the sound deadening in the 2016 model. Measures were added to the V6 engine to cut noise and vibration, including a sound-reducing layer behind the dashboard.

A 4.2-inch color TFT display at the center of the panel provides route statistics and other useful information for the driver. To make it easier to control the Remote Touch Interface, which in the previous model seemed complicated and distracting, Lexus added “Enter” buttons on either side in the 2016 ES.

Bubble of comfort

The Lexus ES cossets and nestles its passengers in a bubble of quiet comfort, thanks to ample interior room, especially in the rear seat, occasioned by the car’s big-sedan-sized (Avalon) wheelbase and length. Rear seat legroom measures 40 inches, the largest and best-in-class.

THE 2016 Lexus ES sports a dramatic spindle grille to the max and new reshaped LED headlights.

Supportive genuine embossed leather seats with quilting, high-quality materials and interior trim harmonized with the customer’s color choice plus exceptional craftsmanship contribute to the exquisite comfort of the cabin.

The only drawback is that the rear seat does not fold down to increase luggage space, which is comparatively small at 15.2 cubic feet.

The ES’ 3.5-liter V6 24-valve DOHC dual VVT-I engine delivers 272 horsepower and 364 Newton-meters of max torque through a six-speed automatic transmission to four metallic, multiplane-machined 20-spoke 215/55R17 wheels.

The suspension system consists of an independent MacPherson strut in front and independent dual link MacPherson strut at the rear, both with stabilizers.

Although the ES is comfort-oriented, it can show some road savvy on demand. On a straight portion of a highway, because there is so little engine noise, the eager revving of the V6 engine through the gears of the six-speed AT creates such a smooth, silent flow of power that you may not immediately realize how fast you are driving.

Quiet as a cathedral

The power train of the ES is admirably responsive and refined, with the engine purring rather than growling. The ES is as quiet as a cathedral on the road.

TOP-GRADE materials, impeccable craftsmanship, embossed leather seats in the luxuriously designed, refined interior

The steering is composed and precise, and although the ES is not noted for sporty performance, the big sedan feels steady around turns despite its size.

Structural reinforcements to increase rigidity in the ES’ unibody construction and a bit of chassis tuning somewhat improved its handling and agility compared to previous ES iterations.

FORTY inches of leg room make the backseat the largest and best in class.

Aside from the highly rigid, protective body shell, 10 sensor-controlled SRS airbags lining the cabin greatly reduce collision impact.

Electronic stability control, antilock braking system, rear parking camera, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure alert and precollision system are some of the other safety features.

new L-shaped taillights and rectangular exhaust tips distinguish the 2016 model ES.

Bottom line, at P3.658 million, the 2016 Lexus ES 350 represents unrivalled value for money as an entry-luxury level passenger car due to its cathedral-like quietness on the road, the exquisite comfort of its plush, impeccably crafted cabin and its impressive array of safety equipment.