Vehicle: 2008 Lexus ES350 with Ultra Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$43600

A follow-up test is what we at Direct Shift always have a second thought on a particular vehicle, so we decided to test drive it in a shorter period to see if we appreciate more or less. But it isn’t a long-term review which usually hold the vehicle for a couple of days. This week we begin with the Lexus ES350.

The ES350 has always been regarded as one of the quietest cars in its price bracket. While its definitely not a driver’s car, nor any Lexus is a true driver’s car even the IS-F. Lexus has done a really good job on engineered an ES as a luxury car that focus more on engine quietness, interior comfort and soft ride quality.

The silky smooth of ES350’s 3.5 liter V6 with 272 hp and 254 lb/ft of torque. It got enough grunt for those who are looking for luxury. The engine smoothness is simply amazing for this price class. It rivalled those of many of its European competition’s V8s. Our biggest surprise is how Lexus addressed the harsh 6-speed automatic gearbox. It was a really harsh system when we drove it 2 years ago. Lexus has finally made it up to their high standards of being a carmaker which has a trademarked smooth powertrain. The ES350 is no exception.

The leather seats are soft and supple. Softness has been Lexus’s trademark when it comes to leather hides. With its level of quietness through engine isolation and superb isolations on the door panels, ES350 could very well put any passengers into sleep mode on highway speed.

Although not much suppleness through the suspension, it rides like a Buick with a very soft setting that creates a senes of floatiness with Lexus’s confidence. That kind of driving experience has served Lexus’s typical audience well for the last decades, it will continue to succeed with that loyal crowd. That kind of ride quality and engine refinement also what 99% of driving population want in the marketplace.

We actually appreciate the ES350 more than the initial test drive because we can really feel how the general population feel about this car. Its level of engine refinement, soft yet floaty ride comfort and engine insolation what we most consumers are looking for. That’s why it continues to do well without the infusion of enthuisasts. And it will continue to do so.