Used 2012 Lexus ES for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

What do you get when you build a luxury car based on the Toyota Camry? Exactly what you’d think. As milquetoast as the Camry has always been, it’s also been a dependable, competent vehicle offering adequate performance, ultimate reliability and continually increasing efficiency. What it won’t do is inspire hooligan antics on twisty back roads or a spirited run between the lights. Take a Camry, add some luxury features and upgraded materials, and you’ve got the Lexus ES 350.

The ES 350 comes in a single trim, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 6-speed shiftable automatic. With 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, the ES 350 scoots away from a stop with plenty of rapidity, making the 60-mph sprint in just over 7 seconds despite its nearly 4,000-pound curb weight. Some vibration is noticeable at idle, but at any other engine speed the 3.5 is smooth and quiet, even when pushed on the highway. Any reluctance to downshift can be mitigated easily via the manual shift gate, and the setup will still return an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city/28 highway.

The suspension really illustrates the character of both the ES 350 and the Camry it’s based on. Ultimate comfort is the ultimate concern, even to the point of sacrificing performance. If you want to make sure your ride is never hampered by ripples or potholes, the ES 350 will give you exactly that. If some sporty performance is what you’re after in a luxury car, it’s best to look to competitors like the Acura TL or the Buick LaCrosse. That’s right – a Buick is sportier than this Lexus. The world has turned on its head. This wouldn’t be a problem if Lexus had gotten it right, but the ES 350 tends toward wallowing at highway speeds, especially when larger dips and crests are covered, and the steering is almost wholly numb with regard to road input. Braking is similar, with a spongy feel in the pedal, although thankfully with no similar penalty to actual performance.

Still, luxury is the highlight here, and the interior materials and features don’t disappoint, with wood trim and grained, padded surfaces throughout. While the options list will fast make the price climb, the standard list is extensive. Dual-zone automatic climate controls, a 6-CD changer with USB, satellite and Bluetooth and a full power package including 10-way front bucket seats, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, heated power mirrors with integrated signals and keyless access and start. There’s also a power sunroof and a memory system that covers the mirrors, driver’s seat and steering wheel. Leather is a given and wraps the multi-function steering wheel as well.

Safety isn’t ignored either, with traction and stability control, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, assisted antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and 10 standard airbags including front knee and curtain-side.

The options are extensive however, with adaptive xenon headlights, adaptive cruise control with pre-collision, heated and ventilated front seats, and upgraded leather available. You can add features like a panoramic sunroof, navigation with real-time traffic and a hard drive, and even additional safety features like parking sensors, a back-up camera and the Lexus Enform telematics system. If the standard stereo isn’t enough for you, a Mark Levinson 14-speaker stereo can be purchased, too.