2010 Lexus ES Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Lexus gives the ES 350 a number of exterior and interior updates for 2010, enhancing the luxury sedan's styling and adding several new features. Exterior revisions focus primarily on the front end, with the ES 350 receiving a new grille, revised headlights, and a new front bumper with integrated foglights, as well as new taillights and restyled side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Lexus also introduces four new exterior colors for 2010, including Truffle Mica, Peridot Mica, Satin Cashmere Metallic, and Cerulean Blue Metallic, and adds rain-sensing wipers, previously available as an option, as a standard feature for 2010.

Inside, new features include revised steering wheel controls, an updated center console with more storage space, and newly standard rear seat-mounted side airbags, which bring the total number of airbags in the ES 350 to 10. New standard equipment also includes the Lexus Memory System, which stores settings for the driver's seat, outside mirrors, and steering wheel.

Other updates for 2010 include new wood trim choices. In addition, Lexus revised the ES 350's optional navigation system, which now features improved casual-language voice recognition. Owners can also add an all-new telematics system, called Lexus Enform and Safety Connection, which operates through the navigation system and offers such services as a stolen vehicle locator, automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, and enhanced roadside assistance.

Now in its fifth generation, the ES 350 competes in the entry-level luxury sedan segment, which includes such vehicles as the BMW 3 Series, the Infiniti G37, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Cadillac CTS, and the Acura TL. Most owners find the ES 350 a quiet, comfortable car, with a smooth ride and good handling, although some owners consider the ride a bit too soft and the handling too insulated from the road.

A 3.5-liter, all-aluminum V6 engine, unchanged from the previous year, powers the front-wheel-drive 2010 ES 350. The engine develops 272 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque, and mates to a six-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission with intelligence, which adjusts shifting patterns to match the driver's style. The V6 runs on premium gas and posts fuel economy numbers of 19/27 mpg. The ES 350 is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV II).

Inside, the ES 350 seats five passengers in its comfortable, upscale cabin. Leather upholstery, available in three colors, comes standard, along with polished brown walnut or espresso bird's-eye maple wood trim on the center console, glove box, and doors. Other standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control with rear-seat vents, a power tilt/slide glass moonroof, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with memory on the driver's side, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, remote keyless entry, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

Drivers can manage the ES 350's audio, climate, and optional navigation systems with the standard Bluetooth-compatible voice-recognition system, and monitor fuel economy using the new Eco Driving indicator. An eight-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system with an in-dash 6-CD changer, sound levelizer, and XM satellite radio comes standard, while owners can opt for a 14-speaker, 300-watt Mark Levinson system with an amplifier, 6-CD/DVD changer, and subwoofer.

For a higher level of luxury, Lexus offers an Ultra Luxury Package, which adds upgraded perforated leather upholstery with double-contrast stitching on the seats, doors, and console. The package also includes a panorama sunroof, a wood-and-leather-trimmed steering wheel, and heated and cooled front seats. An electronic parking aid and DVD entertainment system are among the ES 350's other options.

Standard performance- and safety-related features include antilock brakes with brake assist and Vehicle Stability Control with traction control. The 2010 Lexus ES 350 rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.