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2010 Lexus Es 350 - Beginner's Lux

From its modest beginning of a two-model lineupthe smaller ES and larger LSLexus has flourished and grown to U.S. luxury market leadership with a strong stable of sedans, coupes and the occasional convertible, including high-efficiency hybrid versions, a variety of SUVs and crossovers, and now a high-performance division.

For 2010, the ES 350 gets a fresh face: new headlamps, grille, grille surround and front bumper with integrated fog lamps flanking a revised lower intake, plus redesigned tail lamps, chrome body side moldings, and new turn signals integrated into the outside mirrors. Also a slew of new features, including Lexus Enform and Safety Connect, a new security and convenience telematics suite similar to GM's ubiquitous OnStar system.

The only available powertrain is Lexus' 272-hp, DOHC, 24-valve 3.5-liter aluminum V6, with efficiency enhancing Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), coupled to a 6-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). This super-smooth automatic provides fast kick-down response and sequential manual shifting for those of us who sometimes care to manage our own shift timing.

As expected in a midsize luxo-sedan, the interior is rich and feature-filled, with average space for the class: plenty of room up front for the driver and primary passenger and reasonable real estate for two, or even three, adults in back. Also as expected is Lexus-level craftsmanship, enhanced for 2010 with standard leather-trimmed seating, bright Optitron gauges, premium wood, polished metal and leather accents. The three-spoke wood and leather steering wheel with handy audio, trip computer and information display controls is especially nice, as is the (available) large, easy to use color navigation touch screen.

Also standard are SmartAccess keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, 10-way power front seats (with driver-seat memory), power tilt/telescope steering wheel adjustment, rain-sensing wipers, heated outside mirrors, an illuminated entry system with exterior and interior puddle lamps and even illuminated front cup holders. The standard audio system has a six-disc CD changer, automatic sound leveling, an integrated satellite radio receiver (with a complimentary 90-day trial subscription) plus iPod/USB connectivity (in the console), Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and music streaming.

The available Ultra-Luxury Package includes a panorama glass roof, perforated "semi-aniline" leather seating, a power rear sunshade, front passenger seat memory, HID Active Front Lighting (AFS) that follows the steering, that beautiful wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and exclusive "liquid graphite-finish" alloy wheels. The long list of stand-alone options includes the HID AFS, heated and ventilated front seats and Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) that uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to either bumper. It alerts the driver and shows distances to objects in the multi-information display.

The optional touch-screen nav system uses "Voice Command" casual-language voice recognition, which comprehends conversational commands for control of audio, climate, and navigation. It also comes with a rear back-up camera, integrates control of personalized settings and has Bluetooth phonebook download. An optional 10-channel, 300-watt, 14-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system is available with navigation, and DVD movies can be viewed on the nav screen when the car is in park and the parking brake is engaged.

Also new are available-by-subscription Lexus Enform and Safety Connect. Safety Connect, available on any ES 350 with or without navigation, offers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance (SOS) and Enhanced Roadside Assistance, which adds GPS data to Lexus' roadside service. Lexus Enform, available on nav-equipped vehicles, adds Destination Assist and eDestination.

Destination Assist agents, available 24/7 via on-board cellular equipment, can help find an address, a specific business or type of business (gas station, theater, restaurant) and send coordinates to the nav system for routing. With eDestination, you can save and sort destinations online and send them to your car for download. Lexus Enform also offers subscriptions to XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather and XM Sports and Stocks.

Standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control integrates Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). A new VSC cut-off switch is useful if you're trying to rock the car out of deep snow, mud or sand.

The 10-airbag Supplemental Restraint System includes advanced front and front seat-mounted side bags, rear seat-mounted side bags, full-length side-curtain bags and driver and front passenger knee bags. An optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which maintains a pre-set distance from vehicles ahead. If the PCS senses an impending collision, it pre-initializes Brake Assist, tightens the front seat belts, and Active Braking will automatically apply the brakes (up to 0.3 g) if the driver fails to react.

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