2011 Lexus ES 350 Overview Change Vehicle

This 2011 Lexus ES 350 overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2011 Lexus ES 350, and includes safety, reliability, and fuel economy information for the 2011 Lexus ES 350.

You know the saying “if it ain’t broke why fix it?” That saying clearly applies to the 2011 Lexus ES 350. The only change for this luxury sedan for is that the V6 engine can now run on regular fuel versus the pricey premium blend. That will save you a few bucks each time you gas up. Otherwise, it’s the same car as last year’s model.

The ES 350 is an entry-level luxury sedan that is based on the same platform as the Toyota Camry. But this car is no Camry. It’s much, much better. And more expensive. It competes with the Buick LaCrosse, Acura TL, Volvo S60 and Hyundai Genesis. Of that bunch, it’s definitely the most sedate and least exciting to drive. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing since Lexus drivers expect a comfortable, refined driving experience and the ES delivers those dynamics mile after mile after mile.

The 2011 Lexus ES 350 is only available in a single trim. Standard equipment for the ES 350 includes leather seats, 10-way power front bucket seats with power lumbar support and driver seat memory, rear pass-through bench seat, three-spoke power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, brown walnut wood trim, metallic and leather trimmed shift knob, electroluminescent gauges, information display and trip computer, power windows, power locks, SmartAccess keyless entry, cruise control, automatic climate control, rear window defogger, rearview mirror with compass, 17-inch alloy wheels, power tilt/slide moonroof, chrome body side moldings, horizontal grill with a Lexus logo, integrated fog lamps and projector bulb headlamps.

Looking to customize your 2011 Lexus ES 350 with the right options? You have two to choose from, the Ultra Luxury and the Navigation/Mark Levinson Audio package.

The Ultra Luxury package includes front passenger seat memory, perforated semi-aniline leather seat trim, heated and ventilated front seats, power driver seat cushion extender, panorama glass roof, power rear sunshade, wood and leather trim steering wheel and shift knob, high-intensity discharge headlights and 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels with a liquid graphite finish.

The Navigation/Mark Levinson Audio package includes an in-dash six-disc CD/DVD changer, rear back-up camera, navigation system with touchscreen, Lexus Enform with Destination Assist, Bluetooth, Edestination that lets you enter addresses from a computer at your home or office and save them within the navigation system for easy access later (includes a one-year trial subscription), Lexus Insider, voice command, XM Navtraffic, XM Navweather, and XM Sports and Stocks with a 90-day trial subscription.

The 2011 Lexus ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy on the ES 350 ranges from 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the open road. During our week of driving, we managed to best the combined 22-mpg rating by 5 mpg with an average of 27. We probably spent about 60 percent of our time on freeways on longer drives but were still impressed by the mileage. In fact, the 22 mpg combined average is one or two miles better than the Buick LaCrosse, Acura TL and Hyundai Genesis.

Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission are standard on the 2011 ES 350.

The 2011 Lexus ES 350 comes standard with a four-wheel anti-lock brake system, electronic brake force distribution with brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, daytime running lights, dual front twin-chamber airbags, dual front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, rear seat side airbags, front/rear side curtain airbags, dual front knee airbags, tire pressure monitoring system and a collapsible steering column.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated the 2011 ES 350 as Good in frontal offset, side impact and roof strength tests.

Consumer Reports rated the 2011 ES 350 as better than average for predicted reliability. J.D. Power and Associates agree and rated the Lexus ES 350 as slightly better than most cars.

Smooth. That’s the first word that popped in my head within the first 5 miles on the road and it’s the word that remains after 300 miles of driving. The shifts are smooth. The leather seats are smooth. The acceleration is smooth, even when pushing the engine. In so many ways, the ES350 is exactly what Lexus buyers want and expect. The 3.5-liter V6 engine and its 283 horses offer enough spunk to motivate the car in and out of traffic quickly when needed. But most of the time, the engine simply operates so smoothly in the background that you don’t really even notice it all. The six-speed transmission is more of the same. Shifts come easily and when expected.

The interior finish even feels smooth. The walnut wood trim is subtle with splashes of lumber on the steering wheel, the gearbox and all four doors. The wood and leather shifter knob and steering wheel are also smooth to the touch. So is the armrest between the front seats. There is nothing jarring or loud or sharply angled in this vehicle. It’s all comfortable, refined and Lexus elegant.

Our test model started at $35,525 but included more than $8,000 in options that pushed the test, after destination fee, to $44,637. So all this smooth refinement doesn’t come cheap. But if you pull the trigger on this purchase, you’ll likely be comfortably satisfied.

Toyota Camry or Honda Accord buyers regularly and happily graduate to the Lexus ES 350 for its renowned reliability ratings, comfortable interior and luxury finishes. The ES is the kind of new car you can buy today and confidently drive for years without much worry about safety, performance or dependability. While there are more engaging cars to drive in its entry-luxury category, you’ll find very few that are a better bet for a satisfying and comforting family sedan. The ES 350 is a safe, smooth choice Vehix easily recommends.

By Michael Waterman