Lexus ES350 flaunts new styling, luxury

MUSCAT — In its fifth generation, the Lexus ES350 continues to blur the line between “entry luxury” and “prestige luxury.” Revised headlamps, a new grille, new grille surround, chrome body side moulding and new front bumper with revised lower intake and integrated fog lamps underscore the car’s refined character. Side mirrors now feature integrated turn signals, and the tail lamps are redesigned. Elegant new exterior colours accentuate the distinctive design in the 2010 ES 350. For 2010, renowned Lexus luxury is enhanced by revised steering wheel controls, as well as new wood trim choices. A revised centre console offers more storage than before.

The ES 350's 3.5-litre V6 with dual variable valve timing produces 272 horsepower. The six-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) provides a sequential manual shift feature for a more involved driving experience when desired. Shifting strategy adapts to driver input, with rapid kick-down response. The low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd) helps minimise wind noise while also helping to maximise highway fuel efficiency. Standard 17 x 7-inch aluminium alloy wheels with a new split five-spoke design carry 215/55 R17 all-season tyres.

Standard vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control system integrates the anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and the brake assist (BA) safety feature. VSC cut-off switch is useful if it becomes necessary to extricate the car from deep snow or other difficult conditions, such as mud or sand. The optional pre-collision system (PCS) can help reduce collision damage. The package includes dynamic radar cruise control, which uses millimetre-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set distance from a vehicle travelling ahead.

The multi-information display within the combination meter will show a car icon with the selected following distance. The dual-swivel adaptive front lighting system (AFS) helps illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it. It allows both the right and left front headlamp bulbs to swivel towards the direction of the turn at the same time. The smart access keyless entry and push-to-start ignition system allows the driver to enter and start the car without needing to remove the access fob from pocket or purse.

The standard Lexus premium audio system includes an in-dash, six-disc CD changer with automatic sound leveliser with optional Mark-Levinson 14-speaker audio system. New for 2010, the system adds USB connectivity. Lexus vehicles are marketed in Oman by the Saud Bahwan Group. In Oman, every Lexus vehicle comes with special benefits and privileges such as 6 years unlimited extended mileage protection — Aman Bahwan and Lexus Prestige Club Card that offers 24 hours on-road assistance from AAA.