Lexus ES 300 sedan gains more strength with luxury trappings
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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ROANOKE, Va. -- A drive along freeways and back roads of Virginia in the quiet and comfortable ES 300 showcases changes -- subtle yet strategic -- which have been applied to the entry-level sedan in a cushy line by Lexus, the upscale offshoot brand from Toyota of Japan.
As the only front-wheel-drive Lexus sedan, the ES 300 measures to mid-size standards and looks slick and sophisticated in the smart design which emerged in 1997.
For 1999 issues, the ES packs a new Lexus 3.0-liter V6 engine which develops a few more points in horsepower. This further differentiates the Lexus from its platform sibling at Toyota, the Camry.
The new engine provides best-in-class muscle of 210 hp.
Variable valve timing for intake and exhaust enables the plant to muster healthy low-end torque for quick acceleration but still earn efficient fuel economy rates.
A new intelligent electronic 4-speed automatic transmission also drops into the ES.
In addition, the car offers sophisticated new optional mechanical equipment such as an adaptive variable suspension system and the Lexus vehicle stability control system -- VSC -- which compensates and corrects for lateral skidding.
The adaptive suspension amounts to a semi-active damping system with sensors on-board to measure irregularities of a road surface, the vehicle's speed, braking and steering input from driver, plus any vertical movement of the chassis. A computer analyzes this data, then makes instantaneous changes for each wheel's shock absorber settings and continuously adapts the suspension to maintain smooth and comfortable ride characteristics.
The VSC device integrates anti-lock brakes and traction control to correct over-steer or under-steer when cornering and can actually pull the vehicle back into a proper path automatically without needing intervention from the driver.
Turn off these controls with a console toggle and the ES will behave like any other car when faced with a quick-cut turn at speed, such as an emergency swerve to avoid a road hazard: It spins out of control, which may mean disaster.
Turn on the controls and make the same emergency turn at the same speed and something magical happens: The ES remains stable, with all tires rooted to road, so you may steer around a problem and possibly avoid disaster.
A number of new convenience features also apply to the ES 300 now, including 10-way power adjustments for the driver's bucket seat with 2-way memory settings, and a front passenger seat with 8-way power controls. Front windows and the optional moonroof now have a 1-touch down feature for opening and closing, and a twist to the key on the left-side door lock will lower all windows and open the moonroof.
New options for the ES 300 include a 6-disc CD changer mounted in the glove box and a Nakamichi audiophile system with 215 watts of power and multiple speakers.
These fine-tuning measures elevate the plush Lexus hauler to near limousine luxury within the context of a package which still produces sporty handling on demand.
The ES 300 looks slick and sophisticated in a smart stance where all lines flow in streamlined fashion.
Its design, tracing to the 1997 generational change, increased the overall size of the package, with a wider track and longer wheelbase and body.
The quality of fit and finish for parts coming together on this version of the ES will impress the scrutinizing eye, as it rivals that ultimate Lexus sedan, the LS 400.
Safety systems also impress, beginning with twin air bags for front riders as well as side-impact protection from an air bag mounted to the outboard edge of each front seatback. A 3-channel anti-lock device links to the four disc brakes, and traction control is now standard gear.
With its slant toward luxury, plush comforts are at hand inside ES 300.
Power controls attach to virtually everything.
We were was able to customize the bucket to a precise fit. Knobs and buttons on driver's armrest, center console and dash seemed ergonomically ideal, and the console added an armrest which fit just right.
Lexus offers the ES 300 as a less costly alternative to the LS 400 sedan. Differences between these two cars have more to do with down-scaling of physical dimensions than anything else because the smaller sedan still provides sophisticated luxury features and eye-popping novelties, such as electro-luminescent analog instruments which seem to float in 3-dimensional glow.
Climb inside, shut all doors and you'll seal yourself in an isolation chamber shrouded in heavy layers of sound-deadening materials.
No other automaker does a better job of isolating passengers in a quiet cabin virtually removed from harsh external noise and free from inherent machinery vibrations.
A unitized chassis produces a stiff platform for the ES 300, which helps eliminate sound-intensive rattles typical of lesser cars.
The ride quality feels delightful.
That stiff chassis forms a solid platform to attach a fully independent MacPherson strut-type suspension designed to impart a luxury feel to the ride while at the same time permitting sporty action through quick response systems such as the rack and pinion steering mechanism with its variable speed-sensing progressive power effort.
Front and rear suspensions were rigged to reduce the body's natural tendency to roll outward in a turn. As a result, the ES can act aggressively agile, as proved on too many of Virginia's tight mountain turns, and, for a vehicle canted toward luxury, it's surprisingly fun to drive.
Pricing for current editions begins at $30,790, with $495 added for delivery to a Lexus dealer.
Due to a long list of standard features, the car seems remarkably complete in base form, with important safety gear like the anti-lock brakes and traction control already aboard, plus such conveniences as air conditioning and an automatic climate control system, heated exterior rearview mirrors, a theft-deterrent system, automatic headlamps, and remote keyless entry system.
Options include the adaptive variable suspension ($620), leather seat upholstery ($1,835), power moonroof ($1,000), the Nakamichi sound system ($1,630), 6-disc CD changer ($1,080), and chrome wheels ($1,700).
1999 LEXUS ES 300 SEDAN
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| 1999 LEXUS ES300 VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Mid-size luxury sedan |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size luxury sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
105.1 inches |
| Overall Length: |
190.2 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 3.0-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side) |
| Gas Mileage: |
19/26 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 31,400 to $ 39,800 |
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