Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2016 Lexus ES350
The ES350's engine produces significantly more power than the standard four cylinder engines in cross-shops like the Cadillac ATS (2.5 liters, 202 hp), the Audi A4 (2.0 liters 220 hp), the Acura ILX (2.4 liters, 201 hp) and also stacks up solidly against most rivals' optional engines (when there is one).
Though not marketed as a luxury-sport sedan, the ES350 is among the quickest cars in this class. It is capable of making the run from zero to 60 in 6.4 seconds, a time bested only by the Caddy ATS equipped with its optional 3.6 liter (321 hp) V6, which is priced about $3k higher $41,340) than the ES. A less powerful version of this engine (304 hp) is also standard in the larger - and more expensive - XTS.
In the bigger/heavier XTS, the 0-60 time is more sluggish: about 7.3 seconds. The Cadillacs (and the Audis) are available with all-wheel-drive, however - a popular feature that's not available with the ES. You can also buy an AWD-equipped ATS for less ($37,245) than you'd pay for a FWD ES350. But there is another price to be paid (details on that below) if you buy this Cadillac.
Gas mileage-wise, the ES350 rates slightly less than its four-cylinder'd competitors, but the difference is not huge. EPA says the ES350 is good for 21 city, 31 highway. The base-engined (2.5 liter) ATS rates 21 city, 33 highway. The FWD (and four cylinder-only) A4 clocks in at 24 city, 32 highway.
Sport-minded buyers may be swayed by the availability of a manual transmission in both the ATS and the Audi A4. But the Lexus makes its appeal on different grounds altogether.
ON THE ROAD
This Lexus is the only entry-luxury sedan that's not also a compact-sized sedan. It doesn't look (more on this below) or feel downsized. It feels mid-sized, which it is.
It is also heavier (by several hundred pounds) than its price-equivalent, but compact-sized rivals like the Cadillac ATS and Audi A4. More meat on the bones.
In a luxury sedan, this is desirable. The others may be sportier-feeling, which is a function of lightness and smallness. But what's unusual about the ES - at its price point - is its "big car" serenity. It swallows speed bumps and potholes like a baleen whale absorbs krill. The big fish just swims on, unperturbed. There is also the big V6 to take into account.
Again, another point of commonality with luxury sedans that aren't entry-level luxury sedans - and a point of departure vs. those that are.
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