No messing with success for Lexus ES 350 redesign

“Over one million sold.”
That isn’t Lexus’ slogan for the ES 350 entry-level luxury sedan, but it could be.
That’s an impressive figure. After all, we’re not talking burgers here, not even Hyundai Accents, but a deluxe car that starts at a price point some $6 grand above the average cost of a new car in the U.S.
When a car company hits this kind of jackpot, it must feel a fiduciary restraint not to deviate too much from the formula come new-model time. So Lexus has taken great pains with the 2013 redesign of the ES 350 not to mess with success.
Evolutionary change is the order of the day, as it has been since the ES’ inception in 1989. The sixth-generation 2013 model is slightly larger while retaining its familiar profile. The addition of Lexus’ signature “spindle” grille aligns it with the rest of the lineup, while its slightly more bulbous body lends it a bit more presence in keeping with its luxury aspirations. Overall, it’s just enough difference to keep return customers content.
The longer wheelbase delivers benefits inside with greater interior room, especially for rear-seat passengers. With an addition of more than 4 inches in legroom, it’s practically limo-like back there.
Comfort is the order of the day. Our tester came with the Ultra Luxury package, the highest of three levels, and included upgraded leather upholstery, heated and ventilated from seats with power cushion extenders, a panoramic sunroof, rear-window and rear-side sunshades, and a number of other convenience niceties. It’s a thoroughly pleasant place to wile away the miles.

2013 Lexus ES 350 VEHICLE TYPE: Four-door, five-passenger, midsize luxury sedan BASE PRICE: $36,100 PRICE AS TESTED: $46,004 (incl. delivery fees) POWERTRAIN: 3.5-liter, DOHC, V-6; 268 horsepower; 248 pound-feet torque; six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive WHEELBASE/LENGTH: 111.0”/192.7” CURB WEIGHT: 3,549 pounds EPA FUEL RATING: 21 mpg city/31 highway (regular unleaded)

The freshened interior, as expected, is expertly executed in high-grade materials and well-placed controls in a sober, conservative design. Nothing flashy, just well done.
Underneath, some suspension fiddling has tightened the ride and handling a tad, while the steering seems more responsive. The carryover engine now sits on redesigned mounts that banish vibrations from reaching the occupants. Acoustic glass further repels the outside world; wind noise is nil.
All in all, the new ES provides true luxury at reasonable cost. The most recent J.D. Power reliability survey ranked Lexus No. 1. Again. Enough said.