Full 2014 Lexus ES 350 Review
What's New for 2014
The 2014 Lexus ES 350 now comes standard with HID headlights, while the standard foglights now use LED bulbs. In addition, sedans with the NuLuxe leatherette upholstery can now be equipped with ventilated seats as an option, and bamboo wood interior trim is a new alternative to the customary maple trim. Finally, the Display Audio package picks up Siri Eyes Free compatibility for newer iPhone owners.
Introduction
The ES 350 is something of a classic in the Lexus. This nameplate dates back a quarter-century to the launch of the Lexus brand in the United States. And just like the original ES, the 2014 Lexus ES 350 is a spacious entry-level luxury sedan aimed at consumers who value comfort, serenity and premium amenities above all else.
The current-generation ES is especially roomy for rear passengers, since it shares its platform architecture and overall footprint with the Toyota Avalon full-size sedan. As such, it's an excellent option for buyers who plan to make regular use of the backseat. The elegant interior appointments that have always characterized the ES haven't gone anywhere, either: The quality of the materials and craftsmanship remains a strong point in the 2014 ES 350 and certainly a solid justification for spending more for the Lexus than a workaday Toyota.
Naturally, you can equip your ES 350 with all the usual luxury and tech features, too. This year's ES comes standard with xenon headlights, and going with some of the optional packages will get you top-end items such as ventilated front seats and adaptive cruise control. On the downside, though, just about every ES 350 is going to be equipped with the available infotainment system, and its computer mouse-inspired Remote Touch interface isn't especially slick in operation.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2014 Lexus ES 350 is a midsize luxury sedan that seats five people.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights, LED running lights, foglights, a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, heated mirrors, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats (with two-way adjustable lumbar), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leatherette (vinyl) upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Safety Connect emergency communications, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system with CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
A Display Audio package adds a 7-inch central screen, the Remote Touch electronics interface, a rearview camera, Siri Eyes Free (enhanced hands-free iPhone functionality and integration) and an upgraded sound system with HD radio. The Navigation package includes all of the Display Audio items plus a navigation system, a larger 8-inch display screen, voice controls, surround-sound audio processing, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity and the Enform suite of smartphone-connected apps and concierge services. A 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system can be added to the Navigation package.
The Premium package builds on the Navigation package and adds a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver memory functions, leather upholstery, real wood trim and a wood-trimmed steering wheel. The Luxury package includes all the Premium items plus leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. Finally, the Ultra Luxury package includes items from both the Premium and Luxury packages, plus a panoramic sunroof, premium leather upholstery, adjustable seat-bottom cushion length for the driver seat, a power rear sunshade, manual rear side sunshades and ambient interior lighting.
