TO THE POINTWhat’s New? Everything is new, from the 3.5-liter V6 engine to its larger dimensions, new styling, and additional luxury amenities. Selling Points: More powerful engine, more interior room, new styling, panoramic roof Deal Breakers: If you’re looking for sharp handling, don’t look here Our Advice: For those shopping comfort and quality in an entry-luxury sedan, the 2007 Lexus ES 350 is the class leader.
Safety and Technology As with all Lexus vehicles, the 2007 ES 350 offers a cavalcade of industry-leading safety features and technology treats. One notable missing feature, however, is the Lexus Link telematics system.
Few areas of the new 2007 Lexus ES 350 represent the high level of attention to detail than the available safety equipment and technology enhancements. Indeed, it is fairly characterized as a continuation of the Lexus drive to outfit all of its cars with the latest and greatest features available. For an entry-level luxury vehicle, in fact, the ES 350 offers some equipment not often found at its price point, making the car worth a closer look. Standard items include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), which automatically adjusts the throttle and brakes to control wheelspin. The ES 350 also comes standard with eight standard airbags, including knee bags for driver and front passenger, and side curtain airbags for all outboard seating positions. Seat-mounted side airbags are also standard for front seat occupants, and Lexus claims that the twin chamber design of the main front passenger airbag will result in fewer injuries from deployment.
Optional safety equipment available on the 2007 Lexus ES 350 includes a rear backup camera (part of the available navigation package), and an Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) that swivels the headlights to illuminate around curves.
Aside from safety, much of the new technology behind the ES 350 is dedicated to improving the experience, with a Lexus-first panoramic glass roof option and an available new, graphically advanced and easy-to-use navigation system. The ES 350 is also offered with the now-familiar SmartAccess keyless entry and vehicle start system. As with all Lexus vehicles, the ES 350 can be equipped with an optional Mark Levinson entertainment system – the latest generation Levinson system – with a 300-watt audio setup playing through 14 speakers and 10 channels of amplification. The system includes a DVD video package, with viewing available on the seven-inch color front-only display screen when the car is parked.
One notable absence on the ES 350’s equipment roster is an OnStar-style telematics system. This type of communication portal has proven popular and effective for a variety of safety and day-to-day circumstances. Lexus claims that the re-adoption of its Lexus Link system is moving forward, and will happen on a car-by-car basis, meaning that the more expensive models will get it first. As it is on introduction, however, the ES 350 suffers from the lack of a telematics system, whereas many competitors – GM cars especially – offer it as standard equipment.
