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 ES 350 4-door Sedan. I understand the ES will sport some re-design for next year, but I doubt it will be a radical change even though the last model year changes were made in 2013. Some have complained about steering and body control issues, but I don’t consider the criticism real.

Gas and hybrid versions will continue to be available next year.

In the meantime, this 2018 is a fuel efficient spaciously comfortable 5-seater that makes a nice family sedan.

General Information:

Assembly: Japan; Classification is: Midsize; Vehicles from Lexus: CT, ES, GS, GX, IS, LC, LS, LX, NX, RC, RX.

Handling & Performance:

The model I tested was the 3.5-liter V6 with plenty of power and did well over the mountain course (The Crest Test).

Styling:

Futuristic styling that sets it apart in design. Nice.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Well priced in this highly competitive luxury badged segment of the sedan market. Of course, you can opt to extend to the Ultra luxury stuff, navigation and other added features that could push the price up by $10,000. Nice but not necessary for me.

Conveniences and comfort:

Excellent array of features as it is priced, including the important safety high tech stuff I think are important. Things like Pre-collision system, dynamic cruise control, lane departure alert and smart start / stop technology top my list.

Consumer Recommendations:

In class there are only 4 recognized players so I would test drive them all. If fuel economy is a hot item look at the Hybrid model similarly priced. Smaller 4-cylinder engine at a combined horsepower of 200 with a combined 40 MPG. I’ve found you don’t sacrifice noticeably on power performance. Certainly, worth consideration.

Recognised Competition:

Good News:

Well equipped, competitive, good fuel economy, spacious comfort.

Bad News:

N/A

Standard Equipment:

3.5 liter V6 288 horsepower engine, automatic transmission, 17” split 10-spoke alloy wheels, front, front knee, side seat mounted and side curtain airbags, theft deterrent system with engine immobilizer, stability control, ABS power disc brakes with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), smart stop technology, pre collision system, pedestrian detection, high speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, high beam automatic system, keyless entry with push button start/stop, drive mode select (ECO, Normal, Sport), Lexus Enform safety connect plus Remote access, fog lights and daytime running lights, rain sensing wipers, power 10-way front seats, heated power mirrors, dual zone climate control, power tilt and slide moonroof, audio system with MP3 and 8-speakers, Bluetooth, USB, Sirius XM satellite radio.

Gas Stats:

21 City and 30 Highway MPG

$3.49 / Gal avg. April 14, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

Pricing:

MSRP $38,950.