| Published
on 7
Jun
2012 |
All rights reserved.
|
|
|
Save some Buicks and
Lincolns, Lexus ES can be described as the least respected nameplate in
the world of luxury cars. Since the very beginning, the ES has been
derived from none other than Toyota Camry. This dictates its mechanical
layout, i.e. front-wheel drive, nose-biased balance and unsophisticated
all-strut suspensions, hence the unremarkable driving dynamics. While
other Lexus models like IS, GS and LS pursue engineering excellence to
match their German rivals, the ES is content to target aging customers
and company car buyers who care more about comfort and value for money
than technology or driving excitement. Admittedly, Lexus manages to
find 100,000 such customers every year.
This year's new ES – the 6th generation – does not deviate from the
proven formula. Yes, it is built on the platform of new Camry, sharing
its engines (3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid),
transmission, suspensions, steering and most of the mechanicals that
you cannot see. However, judging from its exterior and interior
packaging, it has no traces of its roots at all. The fact is, this car
looks as elegant and high-quality as any other Lexus. Its tasteful
styling is day-and-night different to the last two generations. The
"double-spindle" grille might not be up to everyone's taste, but the
rest of the design is stylish and finely detailed. At some angles, it
even has a strong resemblance to the flagship LS!
Inside, the full-width dashboard seems to be inspired by BMW 7-Series,
while the prominent transmission tunnel has some Jaguar XF in it. An
LCD monitor is deeply recessed in a binnacle located above the center
console. Wood and metal accents are aplenty. Stitched leather trim on
the dash delivers a top-notch feel. Complaints are few, and they are
mostly related to the use of technology. The mouse-style control for
infotainment system on transmission tunnel is never as intuitive to use
as rivals' rotary knobs, especially when the car is in move; The
analogue clock on the center console is out of place with the modern
theme; Finally, it would be better to see TFT instrument panel instead
of conventional dials, especially when Dodge Dart has that equipped as
standard.
Forget those picky complaints, this cabin is a nice place to be in. It
offers all the creature comfort you may ask for, such as a pair of
comfortable front seats with heating, cooling and 10-way adjustment and
a quality Mark Levinson 5.1 audio system. Space is generous, too,
especially for rear passengers. This ES runs a 2820 mm wheelbase, 45 mm
longer than the Camry's and identical to the forthcoming Toyota Avalon.
The move is an attempt to promote sales in China, where the ES is sold
mainly as a company car and driven by chauffeurs. The extra wheelbase
boosts its rear legroom by a massive 105 mm, whereas rear headroom
grows by 18 mm. Such a roomy cabin moves it further away from the
comparison with BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-class and Audi A4, giving its
target customers a solid reason to make the purchase.
A refreshing packaging aside, the ES does not represent a huge leap in
mechanical aspects. On the contrary, the revisions it made to the
chassis and powertrains are rather modest. The body shell's drag
coefficient has been lowered marginally from 0.28 to 0.27. The chassis
uses more high-strength steel, extra bracing and spot welds to cut kerb
weight by 23 kilograms. The all-strut suspension remains, with only
minor tweaks in springs, dampers and bushings etc. Because of its Camry
roots it is not served with air springs, adaptive damping and aluminum
suspension components as in the case of other Lexus. The electrical
power steering has its ratio tightened by 8 percent. Still, 14.8:1 is
by no means quick in a class full of drivers' cars, and the feel it
delivers is as numb as in Camry. That is not the way to narrow the gap
from its German rivals.
On the road, the new ES does display a better handling and ride manner
than its predecessor. Its new active engine mounts and other NVH
suppression works manage to deliver excellent running refinement.
However, a new BMW 328i is just as refined these days. Jump from the
BMW into the comfortable driver seat of ES and you will be shocked with
its lack of interaction. The steering, the chassis response and the
brake are all slow and inert. Try to up the game by switching the
so-called "Drive Mode Select" system to Sport mode, you will get a
weightier steering without more feel or quicker response. The throttle
reacts keener, but the automatic gearbox – still comes without paddles
or a truly overriding manual mode – is still reluctant to react. What
about body control? The suspension is fully passive thus the control
system has no effect on it. This mean a soft and loose ride remains
soft and loose. Ridiculously, the Sport mode turns the instrument
reading to red (as in Opel Insignia OPC). I guess it is used to alert
you the lack of body control.
Considering the car is not supposed to be sporty, its performance is
not lacking. ES350 needs about 6.5 seconds to sprint from rest to 60
mph. Its 268hp 3.5-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission are
carried over unchanged from the old car. While the combo is a little
bit outdated – with neither direct injection, auto stop-start nor smart
alternator – it does the job well in a smooth and tractable manner. The
old-fashioned V6 also sounds nicer to ears than many modern
turbocharged motors. As for fuel economy, Lexus found a slight
improvement by using a taller final drive ratio and lower drag
coefficient.
A new addition to the range is ES300h, where h stands for hybrid, of
course. Its powertrain is carried over intact from the Camry Hybrid. In
other words, a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-pot engine combines with 2
electric motors and a CVT. A system output of 200 hp is not much, but
it nearly doubles the mileage from the V6, so you can recoup its price
premium from fuel saving in less than 50,000 miles. That said, the
four-cylinder noise is not something to be proud of on an executive car.
As before, the best way to drive the Lexus ES is to sit back and enjoy
its relaxing manner. This might sound boring to keen drivers, but older
drivers and chauffeurs will definitely appreciate that.
|
Verdict:  |
|
