Chicago Auto Show: Lexus world debut: ES 350
We've hit the floor in Chicago, opening the day with Lexus' introduction of the 2007 ES 350.
Despite the expected 'emotional' pitch to the contrary, The ES--Lexus' revamped entry-level luxury stalwart--adheres closely to the "Bigger, better, faster, more!" mantra that seems to be virtually every manufacturer's M.O. these days. But with the sales success of the previous ES, it's hard to fault the brand for staying the course, even if the press conference was full of blustery, passionate verse.
Styling is not entirely dissimilar from the outgoing ES 330, though the new model has clearly been put through the brand's "L-Finesse" program, emerging with IS-esque front and rear ends. The result is a somewhat more chiseled exterior, but one that barely deviates from the middle-of-the-road.
Powered by a 272-horsepower 3.5L V6, Lexus promises brisk acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, while still realizing a combined 25 mpg (21 mpg city/30 mpg highway) and ULEV II emissions compliance. The new six-speed transmission with sequential-shift feature is at once lighter and smaller than the previous-generation unit (which was also short a cog), and it with 20-percent fewer moving parts, and 24-percent hydraulic controls.
(More details, including nearly a dozen original photographs, tons of stock shots and full specs after the jump!)
On the feature front, the big news is the availability of a panoramic sunroof, not entirely dissimilar to that of the Scion TC. Lexus claims the frameless design affords "significantly tighter panel gaps" than the competition, with no visible gaskets. A segment rarity arrives in the form of a power tilt/telescope wheel and "smart access/smart start" as standard-fit, as is dual-zone climate control. Bluetooth is now a reality, even for those who don't wish to plump for Lexus' fifth-generation satellite navigation system (access comes via the stereo controls). Heated and vented front seats are available to cosset tired posteriors, as well.
Trunk space remains generous as ever, with a full-size spare hiding below. Scissor-style hinges intrude on trunk space, but are faired-in to avoid gouging errant Coach bags. A ski pass-through is standard equipment, the rear seats fail to fold down at all, a victim of a v-style cross brace.
Safety-wise, vehicle stability control and traction control are standard issue, as are eight airbags (including knee bags and twin-chamber front airbags). Optional rear seat side-airbags bring the inflatable count to ten. Adaptive front lighting (read: swivel) and rain-repellant side glass aid visibility.
The net-net? Lexus hopes to clear 70,000 units per year, which it will likely do without much drama, though it remains unclear whether it will be the type of offering to woo converts.
2007 ES 350 Preliminary Product Information
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS Wheelbase 109.3 in. Overall Length 191.1 in. Overall Width 71.7 in. Overall Height (unloaded) 57.3 in. Tread Width - Front 62.2 in. - Rear 61.7 in. INTERIOR DIMENSIONS Seating Capacity 5 Headroom - Front 37.4 in. (with moonroof) 37.8 in. (with panorama glass roof) - Rear 36.8 in. (with moonroof) 37.0 in. (with panorama glass roof) Legroom - Front 42.2 in. - Rear 35.9 in. Shoulder Room - Front 57.3 in. - Rear 56.3 in. Hip Room - Front 55.9 in. - Rear 52.8 in. EPA Passenger Volume 95.4 cu. ft. EPA Cargo Volume 14.7 cu. ft. WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES Curb Weight 3,580 lbs. GVWR 4,679 lbs. Weight Distribution – Percent Front/Rear 61/39 Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal.
2007 ES 350 Preliminary Product Information
ENGINE Type, Materials V6 aluminum block and cylinder heads Designation 2GR-FE Valvetrain DOHC 24-valve with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) Displacement 3.5 liter Bore x Stroke 3.70 in. x 3.27 in. Compression Ratio 10:8:1 Horsepower (SAE) 272 hp @ 6,200 rpm Torque 254 lb.-ft. @ 4,700 rpm Maximum Engine Speed (redline) 6,400 rpm Fuel System Electronically controlled sequential fuel injection (SFI) Fuel Requirement Premium 91 octane unleaded for optimum performance Emission Certification ULEV-II DRIVETRAIN Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive Transmission Type 6-speed automatic, Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift Designation U660E Gear Ratios 1st3.300 2nd1.900 3rd1.421 4th1.000 5th0.713 6th0.609 Reverse 4.148 Final Drive Ratio 3.685
2007 ES 350 Preliminary Product Information
CHASSIS AND BODY Body/Frame Unitized steel body/frame structure Suspension - Front MacPherson strut-type independent suspension - Rear Dual-link MacPherson strut-type independent suspension Steering - Type Engine speed-sensing power-assisted rack and pinion - Overall Ratio 16:0:1 - Turns (lock to lock) 3.2 - Turning Circle (curb to curb) 36.7 Brakes - Type Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) - Front 11.65 in. ventilated disc - Rear 11.06 in. solid disc Anti-lock Braking System 4 channel, 4 sensor Wheel Size/Type 17 x 7 JJ seven-spoke aluminum alloy (silver finish) - Optional (with Ultra-Luxury Package) 17 x 7 JJ 10-spoke aluminum alloy (graphite finish) Tire Size/Type 215/55R17 all-season or summer tire - Optional (with Ultra-Luxury Package) 215/55R17 all-season tire Spare Tire/Wheel Temporary spare tire - Optional Full size spare tire with alloy wheel Tire Brands Michelin, Toyo PERFORMANCE 0-60 MPH Acceleration (mfr. estimate) 6.8 sec. 0-1/4 Mile Acceleration (mfr. estimate) 15.0 sec. Top Track Speed (mfr. estimate) 137 mph (electronically limited) Fuel Consumption (mfr. estimate) – City/Highway 21/30 mpg (25 combined) Coefficient of Drag (Cd) 0.28
2007 ES 350 Preliminary Product Information
EXTERIOR FEATURES Overall Exterior Styling/Body Design• L-finesse inspired long, sleek cabin look • Signature low grille position, below headlights, with movement flowing outward, upward and away from grille for a dynamic feeling • Horizontal grille design with incorporated Lexus grille emblem • Tapered front end (bird’s-eye view) • Crisp, high-shouldered cut-line along flanks • Distinctive wrap-around tail lamps • Dual-exhaust with seamless tips • Projector bulb headlamps • Fog lamps • 17-inch wheels with seven-spoke design Body Structure and Paint• Flush surface body panel and glass • Use of sound dampening paint type and asphalt sheets in floor pan • Narrow and precise body panel gaps • Anti-chip paint on lower body panels • PVC sealer and undercoating • Cathodic Electro-Deposition treatment • Exterior colors: Crystal White, Tungsten Metallic, Smoky Granite Mica, Black Onyx, Moon Shell Mica, Royal Ruby Metallic, Golden Almond Metallic, Amber Pearl, Aquamarine Pearl, Blue Onyx Pearl Convenience Features• Moonroof • Optional Panorama Glass Roof (Ultra-Luxury Package) • Variable intermittent wipers with mist cycle • Optional rain-sensing wipers (Premium Plus or Ultra-Luxury Package) • Heavy duty rear window defogger with timer
2007 ES 350 Preliminary Product Information
INTERIOR FEATURES Interior Trim• Optional leather interior available in Cashmere, Light Gray or Black • Fabric interior available in Black • Wood trim for center console and doors • Metal and leather-trimmed shift knob • Power tilt/telescoping three-spoke steering wheel with audio and display controls • Optional wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob • Fabric sun visors and headliner • One-piece cut pile carpeting • Carpeted floor Mats • Assist grips: two front and two rear Seats• 10-way power adjustable front seats (power fore/aft slide, recline, front and rear vertical cushion height and lumbar) with two-way power lumbar • Optional power driver’s seat bottom cushion extender (for additional thigh support) • Optional leather, perforated leather (heated/ventilated seats), and upgraded perforated leather (Ultra-Luxury Package) • Height adjustable front shoulder belt anchors • Front seatback pockets • Optional driver’s and front passenger’s seat two-position memory • Rear-seat pass-through to trunk Instrumentation and Controls• Optitron® gauges featuring a 160-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, fuel and coolant temperature gauges • Battery, oil level, seat belt, brake, airbag SRS, side airbag SRS, engine, oil pressure, low fuel, tire pressure and tire slippage (with TRAC) warning lights • Door open, TRAC off, high beam, hazard and cruise control indicator lights • Scheduled maintenance indicator light • Electronic digital quartz clock, exterior temperature gauge • LCD-type electronic digital twin trip meters and odometer display • Headlights-on indicator in instrument panel • Automatic climate control display: speed and air flow indicators
2007 ES 350 Preliminary Product Information
INTERIOR FEATURES – CONT. Comfort/Convenience Features• SmartAccess with push-button start/stop • SmartAccess door unlock settings (unlock Driver’s door only or unlock all four doors): settings can be changed by simultaneously pressing the unlock and lock buttons on the key fob for six seconds • LED interior spot-lamp illumination (front and rear) • Illuminated entry system: front and rear seating areas, engine start button, driver and front passenger footwell areas and exterior mirror puddle lamp areas • Puddle lamp illumination (from bottom of exterior side-view mirrors) • LED license plate illumination • Illuminated gas and trunk release buttons • Multi-Information Display • Homelink® programmable garage door opener • Electrochromic autodimming interior mirror with compass function • Optional electochromic autodimming exterior mirrors (standard with Premium Package or higher) • Heated external mirror function • Optional reverse tilt-down feature for exterior mirrors (standard with Premium Package or higher) • Optional memory function for exterior mirrors (standard with Premium Package or higher) • Optional power rear sunshade • First aid kit • Tool kit • Lexus Personalized Settings (LPS) to allow certain electronic settings to be tailored to owner preference (programmable by Lexus dealers) Multi-Information Display• Driving Information: outside temperature, driving range, average fuel consumption, average fuel consumption since refueling (per tank), current fuel consumption and average speed • Warning Information: key is not detected (if key is not inside the vehicle), steering lock is not unlocked, brake pedal must be depressed to start engine, low battery in key, door/trunk is open, low oil pressure, low washer fluid, Park Assist exterior sensors require cleaning (if equipped), check dynamic radar cruise control (if equipped), Pre-Collision System (PCS) is currently not available/off-line (if equipped), oil maintenance required soon • Dynamic Radar Cruise Information (if equipped): shows car icon with the selected following distance • Intuitive Parking Assist Information (if equipped): shows car icon with the location and distance of the detected object • Vehicle Diagnosis Information: displays trouble codes for systems such as VSC, TRAC, etc.
2007 ES 350 Preliminary Product Information
AUDIO SYSTEMS • XM and Sirius Satellite Radio available (dealer installed) Lexus Premium Audio (standard) Lexus Premium Audio with Bluetooth (optional) • Standard satellite radio compatibility .. • AM/FM Tuner .. • Six-disc in-dash CD auto-changer .. • Digital Sound Processor (DSP) .. • Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) .. • MP3/iPod® audio input plug .. • Eight speakers .. • Bluetooth Lexus Premium Audio with Navigation (optional) Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio® with Navigation (optional) • Standard satellite radio compatibility .. • AM/FM Tuner .. • Six-disc in-dash CD auto-changer .. • Digital Sound Processor (DSP) .. • Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) .. • MP3/iPod® audio input plug .. • Eight speakers • 14 speakers • Bluetooth .. • Cassette .. • Generation V Navigation System .. • DVD-Audio/Video with 7.1-channel speaker architecture and discrete 5.1 channel playback SAFETY AND SECURITY Safety • Driver and front passenger knee airbags • Twin-chamber front passenger airbag • Driver and front passenger dual-stage front airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) • Front and rear side curtain airbags Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) • Front seat–mounted side airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) • Optional rear seat side airbags • Occupant Classification System for front passenger seat • 3-point seat belts for all seating positions, front and rear outboard with force limiting pre-tensioners • Height adjustable front shoulder belt anchors
2007 ES 350 Preliminary Product Information
SAFETY AND SECURITY – CONT. Safety – cont. • ALR/ELR function for all positions except driver (driver’s only equipped with ELR) • Front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes with tandem brake booster and four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) • Traction Control (TRAC) • Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System • Optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) • Front and rear door side-impact beams • Front and rear energy-managing crumple zones • Collapsible steering column • Energy-absorbing soft upper headliner and pillars • Impact-absorbing door and body construction • Child Restraint Seat (CRS) top tether anchor brackets • ISO-FIX (child restraint seat anchor location) Indicator Buttons • Daytime Running Lights (DRL) • Optional Intelligent Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS): “dual-swivel” headlights with low speed control and medium-to-high speed control • Glow-in-the-Dark emergency interior trunk release handle Security • Vehicle theft-deterrent system with engine immobilizer • Remote-activated, SmartAccess-linked illuminated entry (dome-light ring illuminates when doors are unlocked, remains illuminated for 15 seconds or until door is opened) • Headlight-off delay feature (after locking vehicle, headlights remain illuminated for approximately 30 seconds before automatically shutting off) • Multifunction in-key FOB remote • Entry system with lock, two-stage unlock, trunk open and “panic” features, volume adjustable confirmation tone and rolling code technology
2007 ES 350 Preliminary Product Information
FACTORY OPTIONS Premium Package • Bluetooth • Leather • Front Seat Memory (Driver) • Exterior Mirror Functions (memory, electrochromic, reverse-tilt) • Steering Wheel Memory • RKE-Controlled Memory Premium Plus Package (requires Premium Package) • Power Cushion Extender (Driver) • Rain-sensing Wipers • Heated/Ventilated Seats • Front Seat Memory (Passenger) • Full-Size Spare Tire with 17” Alloy Wheel • All options under Premium Package included Ultra-Luxury Package (requires Premium Plus Package) • Panorama Glass Roof • Upgraded leather • 17” Wheel (Graphite Finish) • Power Rear Sunshade • Wood/Leather-trimmed Steering Wheel & Shift Knob • HID/AFS • NAV/Back-up Camera • Rear Seat Side Airbags • All options under Premium Plus Package included Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) & Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Package (requires Ultra-Luxury Package) • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control • Pre-Collision System • Lexus Grille Emblem with millimeter-wave radar Navigation System Package • Generation V Navigation System with touch-screen, voice-activation, back-up camera and Bluetooth Navigation System/Mark Levinson® Audio Package • Generation V Navigation System with touch-screen, voice-activation, back-up camera and Bluetooth • Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio with DVD-Audio/Video, 14 speakers and 5.1channel playback Intuitive Parking Assist Power Rear Sunshade Heated and Ventilated Front Seats Wood/Leather-trimmed Steering Wheel and Shift Knob
2007 ES 350 Preliminary Product Information
FACTORY OPTIONS – CONT. Rear-Seat Side Airbags (included with Premium and Premium Plus packages from May production) High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) Full-size Spare Tire with Alloy Wheel ACCESSORIES Alloy Wheels - 17” Wheel (E-Sport) Audio – XM and Sirius Satellite Radio - Uses genuine Lexus XM or Sirius receiver and antenna - Provides over 125 channels covering music, news, sports, talk, comedy and children’s programs as well as traffic and weather Body Side Molding Car Cover - Special fabric sheds moisture easily and dries quickly - Fabric breathes to allow any heat or condensation to escape easily - Fabric is UV resistant to help protect the vehicle’s finish and interior - Patented fiber encapsulation process used to manufacture the fabric helps prevents dust from reaching the vehicle - Rear license window allows easy viewing of the license number - Designed specifically for the new ES for a custom fit Cargo Net - Keeps items stored in the trunk from slipping and sliding - Net secures objects of various shapes and sizes Floor Mats, All Weather - Protects against rain, snow, mud and sand to keep the interior clean - Floor mat design channels water and fluids away from feet to keep passengers dry - Designed specifically for the new ES for a perfect fit Rear Spoiler - Adds a sporty image to the ES while making it more aerodynamic Trunk Mat, Carpeted - Protects the area inside the trunk from debris, dirt and mud - Helps insulate the cabin from additional road noise or rattles from the trunk area - Adds a more luxurious look to the interior of the trunk - Custom designed specifically for the ES trunk floor to provide an exact fit Wheel Locks - Helps protect vehicle against wheel and tire theft - Matched and weight balanced to Lexus specifications
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
realhawker 12:11PM (2/08/2006)
The Camry look's really sweet this year. Can't wait.
;-)
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Aunt Jemima 12:12PM (2/08/2006)
looks like the camry and it's a bit of a bore. i am not feeling the center stack arch, but i like the sunroof. they should have no problem hitting the 70,000 target.
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fuscob 12:16PM (2/08/2006)
The wood trim looks awful! It's so obviously fake.
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Gardiner Westbound 12:20PM (2/08/2006)
The dash looks like it was designed by a refugee from the Ford Taurus design team.
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Vladmir "The Terrible" Stravinsky 12:20PM (2/08/2006)
Toyota continues its North American assault. Can't say that the new ES is a terribly exciting vehicle, but it is very competent, bulletproof and well-equipped.
Once again Toyota blows away its so-called competition.
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Edsel 12:25PM (2/08/2006)
It's nice enough I suppose; but I'm getting really tired of the asian "podular" school of automotive design. Perhaps this is how Ford & GM will eventually recapture market share - by selling automobiles that don't look like they weren't squeezed out of a toothpaste tube.
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pedro 12:25PM (2/08/2006)
'3. The wood trim looks awful! It's so obviously fake.'
LOL, except its not, if you read the article.
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Brian 12:36PM (2/08/2006)
hmm. the exterior really doesn't do it for me either. headlights sit too high up. back end's ok. I'm not a big fan of the new camry either.
but I guess if you're toyota, you can do pretty much anything with design, and call it "trendsetting."
interior is unoffensive, and the specs are pretty good. they'll sell a bunch of these.
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TJ 12:36PM (2/08/2006)
This is a very uninspired car. But I guess thats how you win market share, build cars that don't offend anyone. Still, I think it looks extremely boring. Good news for the German brands.
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Steve Clarke 12:40PM (2/08/2006)
So Lexus is in a competition with GM for the world's ugliest car range and the patronage of the "zimmer frame" set. I guess Buick is safe for a while now.
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JL 12:56PM (2/08/2006)
There should be more differentiation between Toyota and Lexus styling but unfortunately, the "L-fineness" theme seems to be applied on both brands, which is not very wise choice, at lease IMO. One thing for sure, although many Lexus fans rant about how MB copy Lexus (I think they are ignorant) the panoramic roof on the new ES is solid proof that Lexus is still coping MB.
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DarkKnight67 12:56PM (2/08/2006)
I guess Toyota must be so comfortable now that they figure they can put out boring, staid designs and they'll sell.
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Opposite Lock 12:58PM (2/08/2006)
I just managed to yawn and barf at the same time. Thanks Toyota.
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Aki 1:02PM (2/08/2006)
I almost got excited when seeing that. But then realized it was just my stomach reeling from memories or old Taurses. Interior is nasty, exterior is plain--typical Toyota. But hey, they sell like hotcakes, so more power to them. Guess I'll look to Audi for good designs
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Tim UF 1:08PM (2/08/2006)
so, im thinking that they dont want the car to do well in south florida... the black roof will cook the cabin during the summers down here. its to the point that UPS painted their brown trucks with white roofs, to help keep temps down in the trucks.
that said, people wont care, and itll sell like crazy.
ill take the is250 or gs350, personally
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traviww 1:17PM (2/08/2006)
The amount of whining here is so stupid....some of you will find ANYTHING to complain about....it's so sad....if you don't like the car don't buy it and don't take your trashy selves to Lexus dealerships...they dont need you...Lexus automobiles sell like they do because people love them...and they rarely have any problems...aka the ES, even starting when it was the 250 of 89. That, by the way, was my moms first Lexus. They have gradually stepped up the ladder and now own a 05 LX (amongst 4 ES's, 3 GS's, 1 LS, and an 03 GX). They have NEVER had a SINGLE problem with any of them...and living in South Texas, where the nearest Lexus dealer is in San Antonio, they have always sent her a brand new version of whatever she is driving at the time on a truck, while they take her's back to be serviced...no questions asked, ever.
Lexus cars are fast enough (used to love "driving" my moms GS400 (loved smoking mustangs and trans ams), built like a brickhouse, non-offensive and classy
this new es is ok and will sell well..it's a nice luxury car to start off with and i love that new bronze color....my only thought is that the leather should be standard.. and for that smart person who thinks the wood is fake....Lexus has never used fake wood in anything
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Chicago Joe 1:20PM (2/08/2006)
JL:
Say what you will about Lexus copying MB, everyone in the auto industry copies anything remotely popular that another manufacturer has experienced success with. However, the panoramic roof on this new ES is directly from the Scion tC.
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Casey 1:22PM (2/08/2006)
For the love of God, someone please tell me how this car copies MB.
Fuscob...stick to your Kia, the wood trim in the ES is not fake.
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DaveSt 1:50PM (2/08/2006)
"Lexus automobiles sell like they do because people love them...and they rarely have any problems...aka the ES"
That's simply not true. Lexus still does not have a fix for this problem:
http://sedans.autoblog.com/2004/12/09/lexus-es330s-having-transmission-problems/
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RaslDasl 1:59PM (2/08/2006)
That engine bay reminds me of the "no user serviceable parts inside" stickers they put on the backs of TV's.
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