Chicago: 2007 Lexus ES

[Variance]

All-New Fifth-Generation 2007 Lexus ES Sedan Redefines Entry Luxury Segment

02/08/2006 Chicago

The all-new 2007 Lexus ES 350 made its public debut today at the Chicago Auto Show. The all-new, fully redesigned ES marks the fourth Lexus sedan to benefit from the L-finesse design language. Going on sale in late April, the fifth-generation ES improves upon every level of comfort, safety, performance and craftsmanship in the elegant five-passenger sedan.

"We believe the newly revamped ES 350 is better in virtually every way than our original LS flagship sedan," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. "It's faster, quieter and more powerful than the first LS that redefined the prestige luxury segment in the early 1990s."

2007 ES Marks Complete Redesign of All Lexus Sedans

From a styling standpoint, the ES marks the latest Lexus sedan to receive a complete redesign emphasizing a more sculptural direction, one that now reveals a family resemblance across the entire passenger car lineup. With an over two-inch longer wheelbase and more than an inch wider track, the ES has a more confident stance. A long hood, pulled-back cabin and short rear deck are characteristic of the new L-finesse design theme, recalling classic sports car proportions with a contemporary look unique to all new-generation Lexus sedans.

The creation of a spatial feeling in the passenger compartment is central to the new Lexus design direction. Without increasing the overall exterior length, engineers were able to increase rear legroom while maintaining the already roomy driver and front-passenger compartment.

The interior of the new ES introduces a new level of craftsmanship as well. Premium wood, polished metal and leather accents provide a level of luxury never before seen in the entry luxury segment. Everything inside the ES is designed and styled to create a comfortable and harmonious interaction, with touchpoints that convey quality and refinement. The roomy, luxurious cabin is complemented by intelligently designed displays and controls to make driving both simple and pleasurable.

Bright, clear Optitron gauges combined with smartly integrated metallic and authentic brown walnut wood trim help create a luxurious, elegant ambience.

Powerful Technology for New V6

The ES 350's 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 272 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque, resulting in an estimated zero-to-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, substantially quicker than the model it replaces. The highly sophisticated engine uses electronically controlled sequential fuel injection, which optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability. The result is a substantial improvement in engine efficiency with increased power and improved fuel economy.

The engine also benefits from reduced internal friction via chain-driven camshafts and roller-rocker arms that serve to increase efficiency. Aluminum heads and cylinder blocks feature special cast-in "spiny" cylinder liners to improve liner stability and cooling by increasing surface contact area with the cylinder head.

The new ES comes standard with dual exhaust, which reduces exhaust backpressure at high rpm. Extensive use of stainless steel in the exhaust system minimizes weight and improves durability. The integration of these technologies contributes to segment-leading efficiency with the ES 350 obtaining a manufacturer-estimated combined fuel consumption of 25 mpg (21 mpg city/30 mpg highway) and an expected Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification.

Six-Speed Transmission

The front-wheel drive ES 350 features a six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift. The low-friction, high-efficiency gear train is lighter and more compact than the previous generation 5-speed transmission with 20 percent fewer parts and 24 percent fewer hydraulic controls. Gear ratios are carefully matched to both engine horsepower and torque characteristics to provide very smooth yet responsive shifts for improved drivability.

New Intelligent Luxury

In addition to a new look and feel, the new ES also improves upon the increasingly complex nature of automotive technology. The ES offers numerous standard features such as SmartAccess keyless entry and a new push-to-start ignition system that allows drivers to enter and start the vehicle without removing the access fob from their pocket or purse.

Lexus' craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide true luxury by design. Dual-zone automatic climate control and 10-way power front seats, with available memory, highlight the front cabin. The supportive standard cloth seats are also available in leather and extra-soft upgraded perforated leather for additional comfort.

The three-spoke steering wheel features easy-to-use controls for the audio system, trip computer and multi-information display in the speedometer. It also adds a voice control switch for the available Bluetooth® navigation and features. An auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated digital compass is standard, as are heated exterior mirrors.

Additional standard luxury features include a sliding center console, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a one-touch power moonroof and an illuminated entry system that lights the exterior with puddle lamps and the interior cabin footwells.

Luxury extends to the smallest details in the new ES, from illuminated front cup holders to an interior LED soft-lighting system that provides just the right amount of light where driver and passengers need it most. And the ES lends extra peace of mind with the integrated Homelink® transmitter that can control a variety of compatible home security devices and systems.

Advanced Safety Features

New standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an electronic traction-control system that uses both throttle and brake intervention to help control wheel spin.

In addition, the new ES provides eight standard airbags; 10 with the optional rear-seat side airbags. For 2007, the ES gains new knee airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as a twin-chamber front passenger airbag. Side-curtain airbags coupled with front seat–mounted airbags and the optional rear-seat side airbags are designed to help offer additional crash energy management for the front and rear seat occupants.

The Supplemental Restraint System in the new ES also includes variable-force front airbags for both driver and front passenger. Sensors determine the severity of the accident and, in turn, the force with which to deploy the front airbags, helping to provide an appropriate level of occupant restraint. Rear-seat side airbags are offered optionally.

The ES 350 includes the safety of several visibility-enhancing technologies. The front side windows feature a water-repellant surface that helps to bead rainwater. A rear back-up camera, part of the available navigation package, is mounted near the top of the license plate surround and projects a color image of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen whenever the vehicle is in reverse.

In addition, the ES provides the first-ever intelligent Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) that allows both right and left front headlamp bulbs to swivel at the same time to help illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.

Luxury Alive in the Details

For the first time, Lexus offers an optional panorama glass roof on the ES 350 creating an expansive feeling of openness for interior passengers. The glass roof extends over the entire passenger cabin providing a fixed skylight for rear passengers and a sliding sunroof for front passengers. A manual interior shade is provided for the front and rear passenger compartments. The frameless design allows for significantly tighter gaps versus those provided by other manufacturers and, with no visible gaskets, contributes to its sleek appearance and efficient aerodynamics.

Optional ventilated front seats and an available power rear window sunshade work in concert with the standard dual-zone climate control that filters the air to keep occupants comfortable. A dual-zone automatic climate control allows driver and front passenger to customize interior temperatures, while rear passengers enjoy their own A/C vents.

The optional and newly upgraded fifth-generation navigation system offers eight million points of interest (POI). The multi-information display makes key information readily available and easy to see. These and other features available on the new ES, such as semi-aniline leather, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, intelligent Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, heated/ventilated front seats and the panorama glass roof are normally found only in more expensive luxury cars.

Mind-Expanding Audio Systems

An enhanced standard premium audio system brings an in-dash, six-disc CD-changer, MP3 player, iPod connectivity and an additional speaker to the 2007 ES. The system also includes an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) to maintain consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds.

Music aficionados will appreciate the newest generation of the optional Mark Levinson audio system in the new ES. Using a 7.1-channel speaker architecture, this leading-edge design uses 10 channels of amplification with a total of 300 watts at 0.1 percent Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) playing through 14 speakers to bring a major new dimension to automotive audio sound. The Mark Levinson audio also takes advantage of DVD audio and video technology, allowing users to play both conventional CDs and DVDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the color 7-inch touch screen when the vehicle is parked.

The all-new 2007 Lexus ES goes on sale late April. Although prices have not been finalized, it will represent the best value in the entry luxury segment.

Source: Toyota/Lexus/Scion Pressroom

[Satty]

The interior is a little strange, it needs something across the dashboards, its too much like Kansas, just flat and uninterrupted. Overall, this thing kills anything GM offers in the price range right now, assuming the price stays about where it is now.

[CSpec]

It actually looks very similar to the current one in those pics. I still maintain the old interior was better, though this one does have cool gauges.

[Croc]

I want to like it, but I can't. Once again Toyota uses weird design cues with the exterior. The C-pillar looks very dated, and the rear overhang is a bit much.

[Sixty8panther]

The interior is a little strange, it needs something across the dashboards, its too much like Kansas, just flat and uninterrupted. 

Ummm... the huge Q-tip center stack is not flat and uninterupted, though it is unattractive.

Overall, this thing kills anything GM offers in the price range right now, assuming the price stays about where it is now.

"The ES 350's 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 272 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque, resulting in an estimated zero-to-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds"

"The front-wheel drive ES...."

"Dual-zone automatic climate control"

"electronic traction-control system that uses both throttle and brake intervention to help control wheel spin."

What here exactly is so revolutionary or worthy of praise? What GM cars exactly does this Kill?

Although prices have not been finalized, it will represent the best value in the entry luxury segment.

Prices have not been announced.... but the media has already made up thier mind.

"It's faster, quieter and more powerful than the first LS that redefined the prestige luxury segment in the early 1990s."

Wow... Lexus has made progress since the Early 1990s? Break out the Champagne!

This is why I try to avoid these threads. Sickening.

[Croc]

This is why I try to avoid these threads. Sickening.

Thanks for avoiding this one.

Now, do you have anything meaningful to say about this new Lexus?

Edited February 8, 2006 by Croc

[sciguy_0504]

The only CTS that is able to top this is the V, otherwise, the ES takes the cake. You can argue about FWD/RWD and exterior styling but the ES is the better vehicle.

[Paolino]

Ugh... that center stack looks horrible... I wasn't a fan of it when we saw the pictures before, but now seeing it dead on, I'm seeing how off-center it looks. Not liking the new interior at all.

[Northstar]

The only CTS that is able to top this is the V, otherwise, the ES takes the cake.  You can argue about FWD/RWD and exterior styling but the ES is the better vehicle.

Depends how you define 'better vehicle.' This has a better interior (which it should given the CTS's interior isn't too good and is 4 MYs older), but the CTS is faster, will certainly run circles around it when it comes to cornering, and IMO looks better (though that doesn't really make a vehicle 'better' IMO). I probably wouldn't chose either at the price point, but if I wanted a vehicle that was engaging to drive, it'd certainly be the CTS out of these two. If I wanted a more luxurious vehicle, I'd take the ES.

I don't like comparing vehicles that really don't have the same intended market. I don't think many people are going to cross-shop the CTS and ES, more likely the CTS and IS.

[Flybrian]

The stack is bad, the gauges look really bland and three-spokes suck for cars like this. Its a middle-aged female secretary's boulevardier whether they like it or not.

[CSpec]

Again:

[toyoguy]

What here exactly is so revolutionary or worthy of praise? What GM cars exactly does this Kill?

powertrain:

zero compromise engine - most powerful, quietest, smoothest, and most fuel frugal in its class

drivetrain:

superior shifting 6spd

interior:

quality not even worth debating

far superior ML audio/NAV

panaromic glass roof

probably quieter than anything in its class

exterior:

quality paint, no cheap ass vinyl weatherstripping

water repellant on glass

soon the mag comparos will come out, and as usual people will complain the mags are sooo biased and how (insert GM/FORD/DCX) vehicle should have won. Of course none of these people drove the actual vehicles.

then the vehicle will gain huge sales increases and various elitist snobs will have to chime in their distaste of America, and how we're living in an age that of idiots, and then someone will express some other non-sensible view of some BS, etc. etc.

[Paolino]

The interior is just not warm/inviting to me. It's giving me a very sterile impression. And I look at it, and I just feel like the center stack, well, reminds me of an I Love Lucy episode where Lucy and Ethel are trying to wallpaper a bedroom... and they just put some glue on the back and just slam it against a wall.

The stack is just, there. Smack... there... not in the center, not symmetrical... just, there.

[Paolino]

Oh, damn... I just noticed this!

QUOTE: The supportive standard cloth seats are also available in leather and extra-soft upgraded perforated leather for additional comfort.

Cloth standard? That's new for Lexus.

[Variance]

Cloth standard?  That's new for Lexus.

Well, not everybody wants leather. It should keep the base price down, too.

[Paolino]

Well, not everybody wants leather. It should keep the base price down, too.

Well I'm not saying anything against it. I actually prefer a rich cloth to a fine leather. I'd love to see other materials used for seating rather than leather.

[pow]

Oh, damn... I just noticed this!

QUOTE:  The supportive standard cloth seats are also available in leather and extra-soft upgraded perforated leather for additional comfort.

Cloth standard?  That's new for Lexus.

Cloth interior has been available on previous ES and GS models, though few dealers seemed to have carried them. My cousin has a '97 ES300 in incredible condition, and part of what makes it so nice is the cloth, IMO. Any leather on a car with 130K miles would have been shiny, wrinkled, and stretched by now. And the car itself... honestly, it's more refined and comfortable than a brand-new Malibu or something.

This new ES should continue to sell well.

[Sixty8panther]

Forget the CTS, I think the Lucerne is a better value than this and you guys know how I feel about that FWD car.

[Snate]

powertrain:

zero compromise engine - most powerful, quietest, smoothest, and most fuel frugal in its class

drivetrain:

superior shifting 6spd

interior:

quality not even worth debating

far superior ML audio/NAV

panaromic glass roof

probably quieter than anything in its class

exterior:

quality paint, no cheap ass vinyl weatherstripping

water repellant on glass

Of course none of these people drove the actual vehicles.

Yet you haven't even driven this yet you automatically assume it's better?

[sciguy_0504]

Forget the CTS, I think the Lucerne is a better value than this and you guys know how I feel about that FWD car.

I sat in a Lucerne last night at the Philly Auto Show. Right after it I sat in a Lacrosse. I cannot believe the Lacrosse has better interior materials than the Lucerne.

[toyoguy]

http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/shows.a...=3&galleryId=35

[titan]

UNBELIEVEABLE... This car is still available with "standard cloth seats" and optionial leather.

[sciguy_0504]

UNBELIEVEABLE...  This car is still available with "standard cloth seats" and optionial leather.

See previous posts about the issue.

[CARBIZ]

Well, at least it looks less like a glorified Camry than the last generation. I've driven the previous generation, and I was never sure why anyone would pay the extra $5,000 and not just stick with the loaded Camry!

[toyoguy]

Yet you haven't even driven this yet you automatically assume it's better?

quality is obvious, I stand next to a CTS and notice the paint sucks, and the weatherstripping is cheap.

the market responds w/no enthusiasm.

most people have no desire to spend $35k+ for 10yr old engines, and 4spd trannies.

[Flybrian]

I'm just going to read the above post again anytime I need a good laugh.

And if you're referring to the Lucerne with your last statement, yeah, the Northstar is such a piece of $h!.

[Cory Wolfe]

quality is obvious, I stand next to a CTS and notice the paint sucks, and the weatherstripping is cheap.

the market responds w/no enthusiasm.

most people have no desire to spend $35k+ for 10yr old engines, and 4spd trannies.

FYI, the CTS has a 5spd auto and the engine is only a few years old. Get your facts straight.

BTW, weather stripping? That has got to be a new low. As long as it keeps water out (hence 'weather'), there's no problem. That is just an excuse to complain... and a mightly laughable one at that.

Edited February 11, 2006 by blackviper8891

[toyoguy]

FYI, the CTS has a 5spd auto and the engine is only a few years old. Get your facts straight.

BTW, weather stripping? That has got to be a new low. As long as it keeps water out (hence 'weather'), there's no problem. That is just an excuse to complain... and a mightly laughable one at that.

FYI, I'm refering to the Lucerne its competitor. And yeah there is a problem, in a few yrs that weatherstripping turns gray/white and really looks like ass, not to mention its trashy new.

A new low? If I sat in the vehicle I'd mention the fake leather, and garbage plastics. I won't bother since if I want cheap materials, I'll save money and buy an econo-box.

An excuse is blaming the media/society, when an deficient vehicle w/superior competition is on the street.

[Cory Wolfe]

FYI, I'm refering to the Lucerne its competitor.  And yeah there is a problem, in a few yrs that weatherstripping turns gray/white and really looks like ass, not to mention its trashy new.

A new low?  If I sat in the vehicle I'd mention the fake leather, and garbage plastics.  I won't bother since if I want cheap materials, I'll save money and buy an econo-box.

An excuse is blaming the media/society, when an deficient vehicle w/superior competition is on the street.

Well... Did you specify? Didn't think so. The only car mentioned in your post was the CTS.

The weather stripping on my POS 95 Grand Am is fine. It's not gray nor white and it keeps water out. Did I mention that this car is a POS? As in its crappy and extremely cheap?

Again, a laughable excuse to complain...

[toyoguy]

I'm just going to read the above post again anytime I need a good laugh.

And if you're referring to the Lucerne with your last statement, yeah, the Northstar is such a piece of $h!.

I don't recall calling any engine a POS, if a newer/superior motor is available people buy it.

in today's market the Northstar is no longer special.

[CARBIZ]

Some people appreciate proven technology and don't jump on technology just for technology's sake. GM's 4 spd still shifts smoother and more reliably than anything from Toyota. I have driven Camrys and IMpalas back to back and the diffrence is obvious.

The NorthStar may be 12 years old, but it obviously has been updated since then and has been proven. The oil life monitor system, limp home modes, etc. were all pionoeered by GM. Toyota and the rest of the vultures have just caught up.

If you want all things new, then go ahead. But if you want reliable and a decent value, then stick with the Camry.

[Snate]

most people have no desire to spend $35k+ for 10yr old engines, and 4spd trannies.

Normal people don't want to spend 35+K on a car that shares the same engine/transmission as a 25K Camry.

[Polish_Kris]

I don't recall calling any engine a POS, if a newer/superior motor is available people buy it.

in today's market the Northstar is no longer special.

Don't worry, not worth arguing, some people live in a different world on this board.

This is a mostly a GM fan site, so this kind of mentality is normal from some posters on this board.

[Snate]

So the 3.5L V6 is suddenly special? Is it not based on the old 3.0L that has been used in the Camry forever?

Until the 2006 Avalon....Toyota did not have a competitive V6.

[Guest lance armstrong's Testicles]

Forget the CTS, I think the Lucerne is a better value than this and you guys know how I feel about that FWD car.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

but do they care?

go stick your stupid head in a toilet

[regfootball]

lance, sorry to hear about you and sheryl crow

[sciguy_0504]

Normal people don't want to spend 35+K on a car that shares the same engine/transmission as a 25K Camry.

Sort of like people who spend $42,000+ on a car that shares the same engine/transmission as a $30,000 Lucerne?

[Snate]

Sort of like people who spend $42,000+ on a car that shares the same engine/transmission as a $30,000 Lucerne?

The difference being that both are nice Luxury cars...the Camry is a dull plebian mass market sedan.

[sciguy_0504]

The difference being that both are nice Luxury cars...the Camry is a dull plebian mass market sedan.

Tahoe: $34,000

Escalade: $57,000

Trailblazer: $25,000

9-7X: $39,000

[turbo200]

The difference being that both are nice Luxury cars...the Camry is a dull plebian mass market sedan.

with an excellent new tranny and engine combination that are competitive with everything else out there in the entry-level luxury class, not to mention the family sedan category.

Northstar isn't nearly as relevant, or as advanced, or as fresh as this engine, so I agree with that point. Just being a good engine doesn't mean you share the characteristics of efficiency, refinement, and tech your newest competitors do.

[Snate]

Tahoe:  $34,000

Escalade:  $57,000

Trailblazer:  $25,000

9-7X:  $39,000

The Trailblazer and Saab do....Tahoe and Escalade do not....and we are talking cars here...not trucks....but if you want to go the truck route...LX470/Landcruiser, 4Runner/GX470, Highlander/RX330.

Edited February 11, 2006 by Snate

[Snate]

with an excellent new tranny and engine combination that are competitive with everything else out there in the entry-level luxury class, not to mention the family sedan category.

No doubt....but GM would catch hell if the LS4 was the base engine in the CTS....therefore Lexus should be subjected to the same.

Northstar isn't nearly as relevant, or as advanced, or as fresh as this engine, so I agree with that point. Just being a good engine doesn't mean you share the characteristics of efficiency, refinement, and tech your newest competitors do.

Neither engine is anything exciting or groundbreaking. Is the Toyota one newer? Yes. Does it mean its automatically better? Absolutely not.

[Variance]

Guys...platform sharing...every mainstream manufacturer does it (as I'm pretty sure you know) and IMO, it's horribly inefficent and unneccesary not to do it.

[Snate]

Guys...platform sharing...every mainstream manufacturer does it (as I'm pretty sure you know) and IMO, it's horribly inefficent and unneccesary not to do it.

Yep...if someone is going to complain about GM uses "older technology" in their cars then I'm going to say that Toyota uses significant amount of mainstream parts in their Luxury cars.

[thegriffon]

FYI the Toyota thinks the 4-speed auto is so old-fashioned they still use one in the brand-new Camry.

[The O.C.]

FYI the Toyota thinks the 4-speed auto is so old-fashioned they still use one in the brand-new Camry.

I believe the L4 has a 5-speed auto....and the V6 a 6-speed auto....

??

[The O.C.]

I'm just going to read the above post again anytime I need a good laugh.

And if you're referring to the Lucerne with your last statement, yeah, the Northstar is such a piece of &#036;h&#33;.

NO...it's not a "piece of &#036;h&#33;" but it could use some updating......

275hp and 0-60 in 7.5secs (MT) is hardly noteworthy......many competitors' V6 engines are close to, or better, than the NorthStars power numbers....

It's still a pretty nice engine and pretty smooth.....but we are moving into the era of 360-380hp BMW and Benz V8s.....normally-aspirated. IN fact, the new Benz "small" 4.6L V8 (or is it 4.8L?) is even rated at 335hp.....

[The O.C.]

Until the 2006 Avalon....Toyota did not have a competitive V6.

Regardless of power or torque, Toyota's (Camry) V6 has been long known for its class-leading NVH and smoothness. AND it's power and torque figures, while not class-leading, were MORE than "competitive."

[thegriffon]

I believe the L4 has a 5-speed auto....and the V6 a 6-speed auto....

??

With the awd version :AH-HA_wink:

http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/06/0130.html

[The O.C.]

The Trailblazer and Saab do....Tahoe and Escalade do not....and we are talking cars here...not trucks....but if you want to go the truck route...LX470/Landcruiser, 4Runner/GX470, Highlander/RX330.

....interesting how Toyota can manage a 4Runner AND GX470 that share no exterior or interior body panels.....

.....or a Highlander and RX330 that don't EITHER......

Just an interesting point......