Lexus ES test drive since 2006 sedan

Unidentified flying

Lexus ES is not officially delivered to Russia. Because it does not fit into the framework of the usual class segmentation. In terms of dimensions, it is located between the GS and LS sedans, at the price between the IS250 and GS 430, and the sensations between the office sofa and a small aircraft.
 

Let's start with mandatory facts. The Lexus ES350 is assembled by the Kyusu plant in Fukuok on the Toyota Camry platform, which exceeds in everything: from size to quality (and quantity) of equipment. But if you sell one ES, you can buy two Camry
 

The authors see the ES350 premium sedan of the middle class, which will have to compete with the Mercedes-Benz C350, Infiniti G35 and Jaguar X-Type. We always considered them rivals for the youngest of IS sedans. But for Russia, the latter is not equipped with 3.5-liter engines we have to be content with only a version with an index of 250. As a result, we will look at ES as a medium-size premium sedan at a price of about $ 70,000.
 

ES The first front -wheel drive Lexus in the modern line. It is possible that this has become another reason for the refusal to sell this model in the Russian Federation, because all other Lexus have either rear or all -wheel drive.
 

But with the front drives, ES does not at all behind the brothers on the label. The sedan accelerates briskly, stands steadily on the arc and lulls the driver with softness and smooth action.
 

To start the motor, the key does not even need to be taken out of your pocket. And turning it (key) imitation, for example, in Porsche Cayenne also does not need to: just press the button. It leads to the starter of the 272-horsepower V6, which accelerates Lexus ES to 100 km/h for 6.8 s.

  

The engine is equipped with a six-speed ECT-I automatic transmission, which especially liked its sports regime, which shifts the working range as much as possible. Switching transmissions instant, jerks are minimized; And the mood is better and better
 

The economy of the 3.5-liter sedan was especially pleasantly surprised: for the entire test, the shooter never moved. According to the passport, urban consumption is 11.2 liters per hundred, but these figures are somehow not believed. It seems that in the city Lexus eats and even less
 

Before turning, the hands dug into the steering wheel: the speed is decent, the turn is steep; God forbid, I won’t hold it!. But ES’s steering wheel turned out to be sharp, like a scalpel, light like a fluff and that is why the match of the Finland Championship in Curling. It was not required to apply efforts, and the angle of the steering wheel in the snake was even scanty!
 



The ES350 is practically not cracked, despite the fact that the suspension is very soft and sincerely believes in the endlessness of smooth highweacs and interstistles. Shock absorbers are often disappointed with blows on pits and cracks. But this is not to blame for this. Lexus brakes are also purely American: they stop confidently, but there is not enough effort.
 

A chic leather salon, where each trifle has its own electric drive Lexus business card. But ES does not overload the perception of the abundance of buttons: from the invasion of handles and levers, the salon saved a large sensory display on the central ellipsoid console.
 

But there are buttons on a three -spoke steering wheel, trimmed with skin and red tree. Without tearing off hands from him, you can control the audio system, an on -board computer and a multifunctional display. And for playing a high-quality sound, a chic 300-watt Mark Levinson system with 13 high-class speakers is responsible.

  

The driver’s chair is regulated in 10 directions. It is more comfortable than grip. And correctly, the hunting was disappeared after the first 10 minutes. behind the wheel.

Lexus are proud of their achievements in the field of aerodynamics. And there is something: the aerodynamic resistance index ES is 0.28! Such numbers are envious of competitors, but unless the low Japanese will appreciate the streamlines of ES from the inside.
 

We did not like how the pursuit of aerodynamics reflected on the cabin: because of the low roof, a high driver will definitely knock his head into the ceiling, and in the rear places even medium heights, passengers will have to sit loaning.
 

The impressions after the Lexus ES350 were pleasant. Especially the ease and ease of his actions, which completely beat off the hunt as the sown with the sorry. At least, it seemed so to the driver of the car, without any problems gaining the first hundred in 6 and a little seconds.
 

The same insurance and passengers also disassembled passengers who fell apart in the armchairs (it was collapsed. Otherwise, they would fight on the ceiling on each bump). So the official GS has an unofficial opponent. With the same emblem, with large ambitions, but it is true, so far without registration
 

Doctor, they ignore me!
Of the American lines of those brands that officially come to Russia, models disappear. Lexus ES is only one of many. For various reasons, not all cars are being taken to us. What are we deprived of?

 

Toyota is hiding from us a whole park of interesting cars in almost all classes. This is Aygo micro -lines, Prius hybrid, five -door Matrix, Tacoma and Tundra pickups; SUVs 4runner, Highlander and Sequoia, however, did not work well: gray dealers learned to make up for their deficiency well.

 

Honda. In addition to the entire line of Acura, Honda, Honda is not lucky for us by Russia its six varieties of Civic, compact fit, Ridgeline pickup, Pilot and ELEMENT SUV.

 

Infiniti came to Russia not so long ago we were lucky to become the first country of Europe. But the proposal did not completely coincide with demand. The large qx56 SUV and the cult sport of the G-class is never sold with us. However, the sedan with the same index (G) has already crossed the ocean, and it is possible that the two -door version will also find the way to us.

 

Ford Motor Company is not lucky to Europe in general and in Russia in particular, most models sold in America: large fusion sedans, Mustang packages and convertibles, Super Duty pickups, Mid-sized Taurus sedans and E-E-E-BECTIES E- Series.

 

Mitsubishi still does not want to take Eclipse. True, not only to us, but also to Europe in general. Just as the medium -sized SUV Endeavor and Raider pickup. In America, by the way, for obvious reasons, L200 is not for sale more suitable for their Ryder market (nominee for several 2006 awards in the United States) is equipped with a 4.7-liter gasoline V8

 

The leader in non -assembled cars can be considered Chevrolet: its line is strikingly different from European and Russian. We have this mainly turned on Daewoo (with the exception of large SUVs), they have a whole gamut of GM development models: Malibu sedans, sedans and Cobalt coupe, IMPALA sedans, Monte Carlo coupe, Supercar Corvette, Retro-Car Hhr, Equinox Crossover, Silverdo Cross. , Colorado, Avalanche, Uplander mini-veins, Express minibuses, large Suburban SUV
 

By the way, the new generation of the Tahoe SUV to Russia, most likely, will not be brought either.

 

But Chrysler hides almost nothing from us. Only the Town & Country mini-van is sold under the name Voyager; In Russia there is no sebring convertible, well, and still Pacifica mini-wen.


Text: Alexander Korobchenko
Photo: Roman Ostanin
 
   
 
  

Source: Wheel magazine [No. 117/2007]