Acceleration

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	7

V6 takes a moment to summon power, but then scoots away with satisfying strength. Test example did 6.4 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission changes gears smoothly, but can require lots of throttle to deliver a highway-speed downshift.

Fuel Economy

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
5	5	4.6

Test ES 350s averaged 19.6-19.8 mpg overall. Other examples averaged 26.3 mpg in mostly highway driving and 18.9 with more city use and gas-eating acceleration runs. Lexus recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	6.6

ES models excel for cushioned comfort, but they trail European rivals for composure on bumpy roads. Some bobbing and pitching noted at high speeds.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	7.2

Competent front-drive behavior. But ride-biased suspension tuning precludes sporty cornering poise of Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35. Steering filters out most road feel. Good brake performance, though pedal mushy in simulated panic stops.

Quietness

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
8	8	6.9

Among class leaders. Excellent isolation from road and wind. V6 suffers minor vibration at idle, but sounds rich in rapid acceleration.

Controls

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
8	8	6.8

Large gauges clearly marked. Steering wheel spoke hides windshield wiper stalk, and rain-sensing wiper function frustratingly inconsistent. Navigation system absorbs some audio and climate controls, requiring familiarization. Wood trim, padded surfaces, grained panels add to upscale ambiance.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
7	7	7.4

Tall occupants will complain of too little head clearance beneath housing from sunroof or panorama ceiling. Generous leg room. Seats nicely padded, contoured for set-and-forget support. Power tilt/telescope steering column replaces previous manual-tilt-only unit for finer tuning of driving position, though power-adjustable pedals no longer offered. Fine outward visibility enhanced by convenience of rearview camera.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
6	6	5.4

Again, taller riders will want more head room. Plenty of knee clearance, through toe space a tad tight beneath front seats. Cushion comfortably shaped, but a little low to floor for best thigh support. Three-across will be OK for short distances thanks to soft padding, nearly flat floorboard that makes center position more comfortable than most. Panorama roof enhances airy cabin feel. Easy entry/exit.

Cargo Room

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
4	4	4.2

Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges impede on otherwise roomy, usefully shaped trunk. Low liftover, but opening cramped for loading bulky boxes. Rear seatback has pass-through opening. Cabin storage just adequate. Center console lid slides up and back, making access to console bin awkward.

Value within Class

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
10	9	6.1

Lexus paints its trimmer, tauter IS model as a performance luxury car. The bigger, more comfortable ES 350 is focused on coddling, which it does extremely well. That's what makes ES a Best Buy pick among premium-midsize cars.

Total Score

Base w/Prem. Plus Pkg, nav. sys.	Base w/Ultra Luxury Pkg.	Class Average
68	67	62.2

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		49
Average Score		62
High Score		75