The 2014 Lexus ES shows up as proof Lexus has done its homework and passed the test with flying colors. In its sixth generation, the ES comes in as one of the best-selling Lexus vehicles in the US. With a strong reputation for reliability and resale value as well as a significantly sporty look for a sedan the ES is a very capable, fun, and comfortable car to drive.
Because the ES received a full redesign for 2013 this year’s model only gains some modest upgrades, but they really do make a difference in this car. The headlights are upgrade to LED’s, heated and cooled seats are now available and the technology package added Siri Eyes Free technology to the roster. The drive is ultra-quiet and comfortable, what else would be expected of a Lexus, with outstanding noise reduction equipment the inhabitants of the vehicle will hardly ever hear any road noise unless the windows are down. With a suspension and steering that feel as if they were born together the handling and road control are superb making this a fun, agile, and easy car to drive.
On the base model the ES 350 offers a great engine which is a 3.5-liter V6 offering 268 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque. When paired with the six-speed automatic transmission this power pair offers a fuel economy of 21 city/31 hwy mpg; very nice for a six-cylinder engine and plenty of power to please just about anyone.
The second engine is the hybrid offering of the ES 300h which is a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine plus a hybrid electro motor with a nickel metal hydride battery module. This engine carries 156 horsepower for the engine alone and 200 horsepower for the pair together along with 156 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is matched to an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offers a great fuel efficiency of 40 city/39 hwy mpg. Even though the ES is a luxury car both engines can run on regular 87-octane gasoline, keeping the owner from having to shell out extra money at the pump.
Offering a sophisticated and luxurious feel inside the cabin, the ES is “style unleashed” according to Washington DC Lexus. Even though Lexus put a lot of upgrades into the cabin, all controls are still very easy to find and use. With plush and soft materials throughout the cabin, the seats feel as though the occupant is being massaged while riding down the road and with a large amount of leg room in the backseat many will be fighting for the rear seats rather than the front passenger chair.
From the outside the ES is a truly beautiful car. From the newly signature Lexus grill that offers horizontal lines and an hourglass shape to the rear trunk lid the ES offer interest and is very easy on the eyes. With excellent angles, great lines, and angular headlights this car is ready to hit the ground running and even when parked out front adds a massive amount of cub appeal to any home. Finish off the awesome look of the ES with twin tailpipes and 17-inch aluminum-alloy ten dual-spoked wheels and this is one outstanding looking car.
If the base model wasn’t fully equipped this really wouldn’t be a Lexus, and it is. Standard features include push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control with an air filter and smog sensor, a moon roof, an auto dimming rearview mirror, a HomeLink garage door opener, an eight-speaker audio system with satellite radio and USB input ports, ten airbags, a backup camera, emergency roadside assistance, and automatic collision notification in case of an accident. This makes the Lexus EX even at the base model a great car to drive, but even with all of this there is still a very nice list of optional features.
The optional features include several packages to choose from, or offer the option of only choosing single options that are desired. This is not a choice offered on most vehicles and this is just another way Lexus makes the ES a great choice. Some of the options available are a navigation system, heated and ventilated seats, a panorama glass roof, a power rear sunshade, a Mark Levinson premium audio system, a lane departure warning system, a radar based cruise control, parking assistance, and blind spot monitoring. Once all these great features are added to the ES the car is impossible to turn down and a lot of fun to drive.
Coming in with a starting price just below $37,500 the Lexus ES 350 is an affordable luxury car, keeping more of the cash in the buyer’s bank account rather than spending it on the car. The 300h model starts just over $40,000 making it a very easy to live with hybrid car that won’t break the bank. At these prices the ES competes in price with cars that are a class below luxury proving once again how affordable this kind of luxury really can be.
For anyone looking for a great car to drive they need to consider the 2014 Lexus ES. Not only is it a great car, but at the prices stated this car is a steal because it is also a luxury vehicle. Parking this car in front of the house will make the neighbors jealous and wonder how anyone could afford such luxury which in reality could be purchased by many a car shopper if they just took the time to check out the Luxury dealership. This is absolutely a car worth checking out and an easy choice to buy as well.
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