What’s it up against?

This one’s tough to answer: The ES doesn’t really have many direct rivals aside from the Ford Fusion-based Lincoln MKZ, the Cadillac CTS , the Acura TL and the Volvo S80 since the segment is all-but ignored by the default German luxury carmakers – and even those four really take on different roles.

The redesigned MKZ has a capable chassis and a nice V6, but it trails the competition in terms of interior appointments. The CTS has wowed us over and over by being so, well, un-GM, but its rear-wheel-drive sportiness might turn some shoppers off. The controversial TL abandoned its conservative roots for 2009, but like the ES, it offers a lot for the money. The S80, also fresh off a makeover for 2010, might be the ES 350′s most direct rival thanks to its sophisticated and quiet demeanor, but we’d be surprised if there’s truly much cross-shopping between the two brands.

Any breakthroughs?

Lots of luxe for the cash – that’s the ES’ promise. You won’t find much that’s truly groundbreaking, but you will find the coddling of the larger LS in a less expensive package.

    See also:

    Safety/Security Features
    A reinforced passenger compartment helps protect the occupants with front- and rear-crush structures. Seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters are used for the front and outboard rear seats. In a ...

    Current Lexus IS 250
    Lexus sells the IS 250 in a single trim level, with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For power, the 250 comes with a 2.5-liter V6 rated for 204 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. ...

    Rear window defogger switch
    Defoggers are used to defog the rear window, and to remove raindrops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mirrors. Turns the rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers on/off. The ...