All-New Fifth Generation 2007 Lexus ES Sedan Redefines Entry Luxury Segment

The all-new fifth generation, completely redesigned, 2007 ES 350 luxury sedan substantially redefines the levels of comfort, safety, performance and craftsmanship in the entry-luxury sedan segment. What’s more, with its refined L-finesse design theme, the new ES350 solidifies its position as the best selling Lexus sedan.

“We believe the new ES 350 is better in virtually every way than our original LS flagship sedan,” said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Bob Carter. “It’s faster, more powerful and quieter than the vehicle that redefined the prestige luxury segment in the early 1990s.”

2007 ES Marks Complete Redesign of All Lexus Sedans
With its sophisticated restyling, the ES marks the final Lexus sedan to receive a complete redesign emphasizing a more sculptural direction, one that now reveals a family resemblance across the entire passenger car lineup. With an over two-inch longer wheelbase and more than an inch wider track, the ES has a more confident stance. A long hood, pulled-back cabin and short rear deck are characteristic of the new L-finesse design theme, recalling classic sports car proportions with a contemporary look unique to all new-generation Lexus sedans.

The creation of perceived space in the passenger compartment is central to the new Lexus design direction. Without increasing the overall exterior length, the longer ES wheelbase enabled engineers to increase rear legroom while maintaining the already roomy driver and front passenger compartment.

The interior of the new ES introduces a new level of craftsmanship as well. Premium wood, polished metal and leather accents provide a level of luxury never before seen in the entry luxury segment. Everything inside the ES is designed and styled to create a comfortable and harmonious interaction, with touch points that convey quality and refinement. The roomy, luxurious cabin is complemented by intelligently designed displays and controls to make driving both simple and pleasurable. Bright, clear Optitron gauges combined with smartly integrated metallic and authentic brown walnut wood trim help create a luxurious, elegant ambience.

Powerful Technology for New V6
The ES 350’s 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers 272 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque, resulting in an estimated zero-to-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds, substantially quicker than the model it replaces. The highly sophisticated engine uses electronically controlled sequential fuel injection, which optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability. The result is substantial improvements in engine efficiency with increased power and improved fuel economy.

The engine also benefits from reduced internal friction via chain-driven camshafts and roller-rocker arms that serve to increase efficiency. Aluminum heads and cylinder blocks feature special cast-in “spiny” cylinder liners to improve liner stability and cooling by increasing surface contact area with the cylinder head.

The new ES comes standard with dual exhaust, which reduces exhaust backpressure at high rpm. Extensive use of stainless steel in the exhaust system minimizes weight and improves durability.

The integration of these technologies contributes to segment-leading efficiency with the ES 350 obtaining a manufacturer-estimated combined fuel consumption of 25 mpg (21 mpg city/30 mpg highway) and is expected to be certified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV II).

Six-Speed Transmission
The front-wheel drive ES 350 features a six-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and sequential shift. Gear ratios are carefully matched to the engine horsepower and torque characteristics. This intelligent transmission is designed to provide very smooth yet responsive shifts for improved drivability.

New Intelligent Luxury
In addition to a new look and feel, the new ES also improves upon the increasingly complex nature of automotive technology. The ES offers numerous standard features such as SmartAccess keyless entry and new push-to-start ignition system that allows drivers to keep the access fob in their pocket or purse.

Lexus craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide true luxury by design.

Dual-zone automatic climate control and 10-way power front seats, with available memory, highlight the front cabin. The supportive standard cloth seats are also available in leather and extra-soft upgraded perforated leather for additional comfort.

The three-spoke steering wheel features easy-to-use controls for the audio system, trip computer and multi-information display in the speedometer. It also adds a voice control switch for the available Bluetooth navigation and features. An auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated digital compass is standard, as are heated exterior mirrors.

Additional standard luxury features include a sliding center console, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a one-touch power moonroof, and an illuminated entry system that lights the exterior with puddle lamps and the interior cabin foot wells.

The integrated Homelink® transmitter can control a variety of compatible home security devices and systems. Luxury extends to the smallest details in the new ES, from illuminated front cup holders to an interior LED soft-lighting system that provides just the right amount of light where driver and passengers need it most.

Advanced Safety Features
New standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an electronic traction control system that uses both throttle and brake intervention to help control wheel spin.

In addition, the new ES provides eight standard airbags, or 10 with the optional rear seat side airbags. For 2007, the ES gains new knee airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as a twin-chamber front passenger airbag. Side curtain airbags coupled with front seat-mounted airbags and the optional rear seat side airbags are designed to help offer additional crash energy management for the front and rear seat occupants.

The Supplemental Restraint System in the new ES also includes variable-force front airbags for both driver and front passenger. Sensors determine the severity of the accident and in turn the force with which to deploy the front airbags, helping to provide an appropriate level of occupant restraint. Rear seat side airbags are offered optionally.

The ES 350 includes the safety of several visibility-enhancing technologies. The front side windows feature a water-repellant surface that helps to bead rainwater. A rear back-up camera, part of the available navigation package, is mounted near the top of the license plate surround and projects a color image of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen whenever the vehicle is in reverse.

In addition, the ES provides the first-ever intelligent Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) that allows both right and left front headlamp bulbs to swivel at the same time to help illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.

Mind-Expanding Audio Systems
An enhanced standard premium audio system brings an in-dash, six-disc CD-changer, MP3 player and iPod connectivity and an additional speaker to the 2007 ES. The system also includes an Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) to maintain consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds.

Music aficionados will appreciate the newest generation of the optional Mark Levinson audio system in the new ES. Using a 7.1 channel speaker architecture, this leading-edge design uses 10 channels of amplification with a total of 300 watts at 0.1 percent Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) playing through 14 speakers to bring a major new dimension to automotive audio systems. The Mark Levinson audio also takes advantage of DVD audio and video technology, allowing users to play both conventional CDs and DVDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the color 7-inch touch screen when the vehicle is parked.

Luxury Alive in the Details
For the first time, Lexus offers an optional Panorama Glass Roof on the ES 350 creating an expansive feeling of openness for interior passengers. The glass roof extends over the entire passenger cabin providing a fixed skylight for rear passengers and a sliding sunroof for front passengers. A manual interior shade is provided for the front and rear passenger compartments. The frameless design allows for significantly tighter gaps versus other manufacturers and with no visible gaskets, contributes to its sleek appearance and efficient aerodynamics.

Optional ventilated front seats and available power rear window sunshade work in concert with the standard dual-zone climate control that filters the air to keep occupants comfortable. A dual zone automatic climate control keeps temperatures from becoming a point of argument, while rear passengers enjoy their own A/C vents.

The optional and newly upgraded fifth-generation navigation system offers eight million points of interest (POI). The multi-information display makes key information readily available and easy to see. These and other features available on the new ES, such as semi-aniline leather, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, intelligent Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, heated/ventilated front seats and a Panorama Glass Roof – a Lexus first - are normally found only in more expensive luxury cars.

Rich new exterior colors and interior wood and leather selections coupled with Lexus’ boldest design to date make choosing the right ES luxury sedan more intriguing than ever before.

The all-new 2007 Lexus ES goes on sale late April. Although prices have not been finalized, it will represent the best value in the entry luxury segment.

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