2011 Lexus ES350

2011 Lexus ES 350 Overview
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2011 Lexus ES 350
SELECTED TRIM
MSRP Range:$36,725 |Get Dealer Pricing
Value: Excellent
Recalls:0 Recalls

2011 Lexus ES350 Review

3 Star Rating  (3 Stars) More bland than bold

Reviewed by Internet Auto Guide

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Overview
There have been several updates to the brand's high-volume luxury car. Some were planned, like the mild freshening the car received for 2010; some (unplanned) were in response to safety recalls involving Toyota and Lexus floormats and pedals.

Some of what the sedan got in the way of improvements for 2010 included a new grille and revised headlights, bumper with new foglights, and taillights. The side mirrors were given integrated turn-signal lights. There are two new wheel designs as well, both 17-inch. Other changes last year: rain-sensing wipers, driver-seat memory and leather seating, Safety Connect, USB port, XM satellite radio, and rear-seat side airbags were made standard.

The 2011 model, in addition to getting the carryover 2010 styling changes, also has minor revisions underhood. The good news: the ES can now run on regular unleaded-last year's model ran on premium. The bad news: the 3.5L V-6's horsepower and torque have both been reduced slightly, from 272 to 268 horsepower and from 254 pound-feet to 248. All ES models come with a six-speed automatic.

The Range

  • Body styles: Sedan
  • Engines: 3.5L V-6
  • Transmissions: 6-speed automatic
  • Models: ES 350

What's New

After a mild refresh added new styling cues for 2010, not too much changes for 2011. The 3.5L V-6 returns, now with six fewer horsepower (now 268) and six fewer pound-feet of torque (now 248). However, Lexus has changed the recommended fuel from premium to regular. The other changes: leather interior trim is now standard, and Deep Sea Mica replaces Black Sapphire Pearl.

Exterior

When it comes to looks and foundation, this is the luxury version of the Camry. They share the same 109.3-inch wheelbase, but styling changes differentiate the two. The ES comes with a choice of 17-inch wheels.

Interior

For 2011, leather interior trim is standard. Last year's changes carry over, too: new steering wheel buttons, contrast stitching, a new cover on the center console, new nav software, and new Bluetooth audio and phone features.

Performance & Handling

We haven't tested the ES since the reduction in horsepower and torque, but Lexus' estimates have 0-to-60 numbers rising from 6.8 seconds in 2010 to 7.0 for 2011. Other than that, the ES line isn't designed to be a canyon-carver; this is more about a luxury car that provides a smooth ride, and it does. Suspension is soft and compliant.

Safety

Dual front, dual front knee, front and rear side curtain, and front and rear side airbags (10 total) are standard; so are stability control, traction control, four-wheel discs with ABS, brake assist, and electronic brakeforce distribution.

EPA Fuel Economy

  • ES 350: 19mpg city/27mpg highway.

You'll Like

  • Plenty of standard features
  • Smooth ride
  • Quiet interior
  • Large trunk

You Won't Like

  • Soft suspension
  • Some body roll
  • Non-sporty drive

Sum Up

3 Star Rating More bland than bold
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Build your own ES350, select a trim below

  Engine MSRP Internet Price
Base Sedan
3.5L 268hp
$36,725
Get My Price
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