2016 Lexus ES 350 Overview
The 2016 Lexus ES 350 continues its tradition of offering a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience, making it a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing luxury and ease of use in a midsize sedan. It's a vehicle that excels at making everyday commutes and long journeys feel effortless and stress-free.
Highlights
- Engine: The ES 350 is powered by a robust and smooth 3.5-liter V6 engine. This powerplant delivers a healthy 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, providing ample acceleration for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles. It's mated to a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission that shifts seamlessly, contributing to the overall serene cabin atmosphere.
- Safety Features: Lexus prioritizes occupant safety, and the 2016 ES 350 is well-equipped. Standard features include:
- 10 Airbags: A comprehensive airbag system including front, side, knee, and curtain airbags for enhanced protection in a collision.
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC): These systems work together to help prevent skids and loss of traction by automatically adjusting engine power and applying individual brakes.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA): ABS prevents wheel lock-up during braking, EBD optimizes braking force distribution based on vehicle load, and BA provides additional braking pressure when it detects emergency braking.
- Optional Safety Features: Buyers could opt for advanced driver-assistance systems, such as:
- Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): PCS uses radar to detect potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes. ACC maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on highways.
- Lane Departure Alert (LDA): LDA alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal activated.
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): BSM warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spots, while RCTA alerts them to approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space.
- Trims: The 2016 Lexus ES 350 was offered in a single, well-appointed trim level, the ES 350. This simplified approach meant that most luxury and convenience features were standard, with a curated selection of optional packages and standalone features to personalize the vehicle.
- Other Notable Aspects:
- Exceptional Ride Comfort: The ES 350 is renowned for its supple and absorbent ride. The suspension is tuned to soak up road imperfections, delivering a smooth and composed experience that glides over bumps and pavement irregularities.
- Quiet Cabin: Lexus has masterfully engineered the ES 350's cabin to be a sanctuary of quiet. Extensive sound-deadening materials and meticulous attention to detail create an environment where road noise, wind noise, and engine noise are significantly minimized.
- Luxurious Interior: The cabin boasts high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and an intuitive layout. Soft-touch surfaces, elegant wood or metallic trim accents, and precise craftsmanship contribute to a premium feel.
What to Expect
Owning a 2016 Lexus ES 350 typically translates to a serene and hassle-free ownership experience. Lexus vehicles are generally known for their exceptional reliability, and the ES 350 is no exception. You can expect consistent performance and a low likelihood of unexpected mechanical issues.
- Maintenance: Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations, will be straightforward and relatively affordable for a luxury vehicle. Lexus dealerships offer a high level of service, though independent mechanics familiar with luxury vehicles can also provide excellent and potentially more budget-friendly maintenance.
- Insurance: Insurance costs for the ES 350 will likely be in line with other luxury midsize sedans. Factors such as your driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels will influence the exact premium. However, its reputation for safety and reliability can sometimes positively impact insurance rates.
Potential Considerations
While the ES 350 excels in many areas, there are a few aspects potential buyers should be aware of:
- Engaging Driving Dynamics: While the ES 350 prioritizes comfort, it does not offer the most engaging or sporty driving experience in its class. Drivers seeking sharp handling and a more connected feel to the road might find it a bit soft.
- Infotainment System: The infotainment system, while functional, may feel a bit dated compared to the more advanced and visually appealing systems found in newer vehicles or some competitors. The Remote Touch controller can also be a point of contention for some users, with a learning curve involved.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): The ES 350 is exclusively front-wheel drive. While this is perfectly adequate for most driving conditions, drivers in areas with frequent harsh winter weather might prefer the added traction of all-wheel drive, which is not offered on the ES 350.
Overall Summary
The 2016 Lexus ES 350 remains a benchmark for comfort, quietness, and refined luxury in the midsize sedan segment. Its smooth V6 engine, plush ride, and exceptionally quiet cabin make it an ideal choice for those who value a serene and comfortable daily driver. While it might not appeal to the enthusiast seeking sharp handling, its unwavering reliability and premium interior ensure a pleasant and stress-free ownership experience, making it a sensible and desirable pre-owned luxury car.
