Compared to its predecessor, the 6th-generation Lexus ES 350 is even more inviting. The underlying attraction: the 2013 Lexus ES 350 is roomy. With its 111-inch wheelbase, the luxury sedan is stretched by 1.8 inches. Rear seat passengers feel the pampering-effect with an additional 4.1 inches of legroom as well as more foot room under the front seat. Driver and front passenger can get comfy in the (standard) 10-way power adjustable seats. Turning the wheel is more intimate as the steering angle has been dropped from 24 degrees to 22 degrees. For models equipped with navigation, a second-generation Remote Touch Interface center console controller is the selection/operation point for climate, audio, navigation and other systems.

Powering the front wheel drive ES 350 is a 3.5-liter V6 that releases 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 248 pounds-feet of torque at 4700 rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine/transmission combination wasn’t temperamental during numerous moderate to heavy acceleration commands, providing transparent gear shifts and on-demand speed climbs during a one-week test drive. The ES 350 has 10 airbags (including front and rear side curtains) as standard equipment. Safety options include a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert and intuitive parking assist. The Lexus ES 350 four-door sedan collects estimated mpg of 21 city/31 highway and carries a MSRP of $36,100.