Test Drive Lexus ES 350 since 2009 Sedan

Unidentified flying

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

Let's start with mandatory facts. Lexus ES350 is assembled by Kyusu's factory in Fukuok on the Toyota Camry platform, which surpasses 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 middle class, which will have to compete with Mercedes-Benz C350, Infiniti G35 and Jaguar X-Type. We always considered them rivals for the younger from the 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. In the end, we will look at ES as the mid-sized premium sedan price about $ 70,000.
 

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

But with the front leading wheels ES at all lags at the label fellow. The sedan is sharply accelerated, steadily stands on the arc and shifts the driver with the softness and smooth action.
 

To start the motor, the key does not even need to get out of your pocket. And turn it out (key) imitation as, for example, in Porsche Cayenne, it is also not necessary: \u200b\u200bjust click on the button. It leads to a starter of 272-strong V6, which speeds up Lexus es to 100 km / h for 6.8 s.

  

The engine is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission of ECT-I, which especially liked its sports mode, shifting the operating range as much as possible. Switching gear instant, jerk minimized; and the mood is better and better
 

It was especially pleasantly surprised by the economy of the 3.5-liter sedan: for the entire test, the arrow did not flourished. According to the passport, the city consumption is 11.2 liters per hundred, but this figure is somehow not believed. It seems in the city of Lexus eats and is less
 

Before turning the hands, the hand was dug in the steering wheel: the speed is decent, turn cool; Do not give God, I will not carry it out!. But the ES steering wheel turned out to be sharp, like a scalpel, easy as a fluff and because of the boring, as the match of the Finnish championship in Kirling. Efforts to apply it was not required, and the angle of deviation of the steering wheel in the snake was completely meager!
 



ES350 is practically not clarified, despite the fact that the suspension is very soft and sincerely believes in the endlessness of smooth highways and interstates. Shock absorbers are often disappointed with blows on the pits and cracks. But this is not the car. Lexus brakes are also purely American: stop confidently, but efforts are missing.
 

Gorgeous leather interior, where every trifle has its own driving card Lexus. But ES does not overload the perception of the abundance of the buttons: from the invasion of the handles and levers, the salon delivered a large touchscreen display on the central ellipsoid console.
 

But the buttons are on the three-spoke steering wheel, trimmed with leather and a red tree. Without rearing hands from him, you can control the audio system, onboard computer and a multifunction display. And the positive 300-watt system Mark Levinson with 13 high-class speakers is responsible for playing a quality sane.

  

The driver's seat is regulated in 10 directions. It is rather convenient than the grip. And correctly hunting to drive disappeared after the first 10 min. behind the wheel.

Lexus is proud of their achievements in the field of aerodynamics. And there is something: ES aerodynamic resistance index is 0.28! Such numbers cause envy of competitors, but except that the Japanese will estimate the flow of ES from the inside.
 

We did not like how the pursuit of aerodynamics was reflected in the salon: due to the low roof, the high driver will definitely knock on the ceiling, and even at the rear places, even medium-sized passengers will have to sit down.
 

Impressions after Lexus ES350 were pleasant. Especially smelled into the soul ease and the ease of his actions, completely blending the hunt to worry as an ugly. At least, it seemed like the driver of the car, without any problems, picking up the first hundred for 6 with a small second.
 

The same non-priority disassembled passengers who collapsed in the chairs (who are collapsed. Otherwise, they would beat the ceiling on each batch). So official GS has an unofficial opponent. With the same emblem, with big ambitions, but however, for now without registration
 

Doctor, I ignore me!
Of the American Linek, those brands that officially come to Russia are disappeared by the models. Lexus ES is just one of many. For various reasons, not all cars are brought to us. What are we deprived of you?

 

Toyota hides from us a whole park of interesting cars in almost all classes. This is a AYGO microlley, Prius hybrid, five-door Matrix, Tacoma and Tundra pickups; 4Runner, Highlander and Sequoia SUVs, however, did not work well: the gray dealers learned to fill their deficit well.

 

Honda. In addition to the line of the subsidiary of Acura, Honda is not lucky to our six varieties of Civic, Compact Fit, Pickup Ridgeline, SUV Pilot and Element.

 

Infiniti not so long ago came to Russia we were lucky to become the first country of Europe. But the proposal did not fully coincide with demand. The large SUV QX56 and the cult G-class sports accumulation is not for sale. 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 road to us.

 

Ford Motor Company is not lucky to Europe in general and in Russia in particular most of the models, successfully sold in America: large Fusion sedans, Pickups F-Series, coupe and convertibles Mustang, SUPER DUTY pickups, medium-sized Taurus sedans, EDGE crossovers and minibuses E- Series.

 

Mitsubishi still does not want to carry Eclipse. True, not only to us, but also to Europe in general. Just like the mid-sized SUV Endeavor and Pickup Raider. In America, by the way, for obvious reasons, the L200 is not for sale more suitable for their Rider's market (nominee for several awards in 2006 in the USA) equip 4.7-liter petrol V8

 

The leader in unavailable cars can be considered Chevrolet: his line is distinguished by the European and Russian. We are mostly led by Daewoo (with the exception of large SUVs), they have a whole range of GM development models: Malibu sedans, sedans and coupe COBALT, Impala sedans, coupe Monte Carlo, Corvette supercar, retro car HHR, Equinox crossover, Pickups Silverado , Colorado, Avalanche, Mini Wenna Uplander, EXPRESS minibuses, Big SUV Suburban
 

By the way, the new generation of TAHOE SUV to Russia is likely to be also not brought.

 

But Chrysler does not hide anything from us. Only Mini Venne Town & Country in Europe is sold under the name Voyager; In Russia, there is no convertible sebring, well, and also mini Ven Pacifica.


Text: Alexander Korchenko
Photo: Roman Stunnin
 
   
 
  

A source: Magazine "Wheels" [№117 / 2007]