2018 Lexus ES 350 4-door Sedan

2018 Lexus ES 350 4-door Sedan

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Lexus IS 350 4-door Sedan. I wonder why every player in this class car is from a country outside the shores of America. The US dominated the auto industry for 100 years, and now it has become just one of the gang with less and less influence in the industry, it would seem. All the while the lines of distinction are becoming more and more blurred as no one company dominates in the world marketplace of the cars we love to love.

As precise and perfect as designs are now, possible through technology, there are differences that will change the landscape of which products succeed and those that fail. The list of cars that have come and gone is staggering. And no matter the failures of the early days, technology still hasn’t guaranteed successful products of any kind. If computers were the answer to a perfectly run company we would see no failures. I guess people still have a roll in decision making. Can it be any worse or better when computers run the show. So far computers only seem to make things more complicated. That’s my observation.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Japan; Classification is- Compact; Vehicles from Lexus- CT, ES,GS, GX, IS, LC, LS, LX, NX, RC, RX.

Handling & Performance:

Drive mode select is appreciated more every time I review a car that is equipped with it. It is a way to remind me of my heavy foot. When I feel the need for speed it is there at the push of a button or the turn of a select knob. But it also reminds me there is a cost attached to every choice. Cruising down the highway, ECO is my choice of settings.

Dynamic radar cruise control is another new high-tech thing that make the ride easier to handle. It is truly a special development and when coupled with Lane Assist it keeps me on my toes to be a safer driver. It is easy to get distracted in this fast-paced world of cell phones that lead you to text or call when you really should not. We must all be very aware of ever-changing and increasing driver distractions.

Styling:

Although the looks are becoming more generic and difficult to tell brands apart there are always unique touches to distinguish those subtle differences. The grill work or smoother or sharper lines help but still too often we must look for the Badge to identify the manufacturer.

Fit and Finish:

Technology is available to all and component improvements are so advanced, over the past several decades, that all brands are consistently better, in assembly. Rarely do the cars of today have the shake, rattle and roll noises of the past. Remember when it was not so?

Cost:

Computers (computer aided design, or CAD systems) explain how precise pricing is possible across all brands. Component and labor costs are fine-tuned elements to create nearly identical product costs of the competition. The human factor is nearly non-existent in today’s world.

Conveniences and comfort:

Remote keys with the push button start/stop feature is so cool. When the car doesn’t have it digging in your purse or pocket to find the key is a real drag.

Consumer Recommendations:

We consumers have many choices in cars but sometimes it’s like a restaurant with a huge menu of choices that is more confusing than it needs to be. Oh, for the Henry Ford days when your choice of a Ford model A was black paint or black paint.

Recognised Competition:

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter V6 311 horsepower engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, Drive mode select / ECO, Normal, Sport, Snow, dynamic radar cruise control, dynamic management, 18” 5-spoke aluminum wheels, ABS power disc brakes with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), tire pressure monitor, power tilt and slide moonroof, remote access with push button start/stop, 10-airbags, safety system with pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, auto high beam control, back up camera, Lexus Enform safety and service connect, 10-way power driver seat, 8-way power passenger seat, 60/40 split folding rear seat, multi information full color display with Audio, Phone and trip information, Bluetooth hands free phone and audio streaming, Audio system with HD ?radio, Real-time traffic and weather , Gracenote Album Art, MP3 Player, USB integration, CD, SiriusXM Satellite radio.

Gas Stats:

20 City and 28 Highway MPG

$3.69 / Gal avg. May 14, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $41,430.