Richie Honein takes Lexus’ “benchmark luxury sedan”, the new ES 350 for a spin in Dubai. Continue reading if you would like to know more about the medium-sized saloon.
The ES 350 is powered by a 2GR-FE V6 Dual VVT-i engine, featuring advanced technologies and providing excellent acceleration feeling and sporty driving. The six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides enhanced performance, fuel efficiency and smooth shifts. Low friction materials further improve efficiency.
The new ES unmistakably bears the new face of Lexus with its distinctive, spindle grille. Oversized grille molding with a chrome plated finish and a grille with a dark gray metallic finish have been adopted, creating a sense of luxury. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps have been adopted, effectively ensuring nighttime visibility. LED daytime running lights which enhance product appeal while effectively ensuring visibility, and combination rear lamps which enhance appearance and fuel economy, reflect the “L” design motif.
An array of safety features aid the driver. The available Blind Spot Monitor helps detect vehicles in side blind spots. Available Lane Departure Alert (LDA) is integrated with automatic high beam dimming technology. The available Pre-Crash System (PCS) uses sub-millimeter wave radar to detect obstructions and prepare the vehicle for a potential collision.
The brake control system features that have been adopted include: Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Emergency Stop Signal. A brake mechanism developed with the concept of braking performance that provides the driver with a sense of security has been adopted, realizing excellent brake feeling and anti-fade performance. Ventilated front 17-inch (V6) or 16-inch(L4) disc brakes are available and solid rear 16-inch disc brakes have been adopted.
The ES features a segment-leading 10 airbags as standard equipment, including dual-stage SRS airbags for the front seats as well as driver and front passenger SRS knee airbags, front and rear SRS side airbags, and full-length SRS curtain shield airbags. Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to limit excessive head movement in certain rear-end collisions helping to decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries.
