Click here for a video review of the Lexus ES 350.

Toyota's premium-luxury division, Lexus, redesigns its best-selling car for 2007, giving the new ES fresh styling, more power, and additional safety and convenience features. The ES continues to share chassis and engines with Toyota's Camry. Wheelbase of the new model grows by 2 inches and track increases by 1 inch, though overall length stays the same.

The car will officially be known as the ES 350 because the standard V6 engine grows from 3.3 liters to 3.5 liters. Horsepower's up as well, going from 218 to 272. The only transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Lexus claims that this new powertrain will push the new ES from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds. All-disc antilock brakes and antiskid/traction-control remain standard. Newly optional is Lexus' Pre-Collision System, which readies airbags, seatbelts, and brakes when sensors detect a skid or imminent crash. It's paired with newly available adaptive cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance. Standard last year were front, side, and head-protecting curtain airbags. This year, those are joined by driver and front-passenger knee airbags and by optional rear side airbags. Engine starting is now by a keyless fob and dashboard pushbutton. Wood interior trim is standard. A conventional sunroof is again included.

Newly optional is an Ultra Luxury Package with a "panorama" roof that combines a sliding glass sunroof with a stationary glass rear panel. A navigation system is again optional, and now includes a rearview TV camera. The new ES will be built in Japan and goes on sale in late April 2006. Pricing was not announced, but we'd expect this new model to sell for $34,000-$36,000.

The 2007 Lexus ES won Consumer Guide'sŪ Most Significant New Car Introduction Award at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. Like the original ES, the '07 model is poised to regain lost market share for Lexus in the highly contested near-luxury segment.

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