Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2016 Lexus ES350
Pedestrian detection capability has been added to the optional collision-avoidance system.
Last year's limited-edition Crafted package has been dropped - but a new "flaxen" upholstery/bamboo trim ensemble for the interior is available and some of the features that used to come only as part of a package, such as the panorama sunroof and the 15 speaker Mark Levinson audio system, can be added as individual options.
WHAT'S GOOD
More car for your coin - literally. The ES350 has much more backseat room than other brands' comparably priced entry-luxury sedans. And more than several that are higherpriced, like the Caddy XTS (and the Audi A6).
Standard V6 vs. price-competitive rivals' standard fours. Just the one already-loaded trim. As blue chip a car as it gets; stellar reputation, low depreciation, high resale value.
WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD
Camry kinship… if that bothers you. Cadillac ATS is an attractive alternative that costs less even when ordered with AWD ($37,425) … if you can handle its much tighter back seat.
Caddy XTS has as much interior room - and offers AWD ... if you handle its much higher MSRP.
UNDER THE HOOD
All ES350s come standard with an engine type that's either optional - or unavailable - in other similarly priced entry-luxury sedans: A 3.5 liter V6 (vs. a two-ish liter four in the others). It makes 268 hp and is paired with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel-drive.
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