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:
Seat belts
Make sure that all occupants are wearing their seat belts before driving
the
vehicle.
Correct use of the seat belts
l Extend the shoulder belt so
that it comes fully over the
shoulder, but do ...
Driving position memory
Your preferred driving position (the position of the driver's seat,
steering
wheel and outside rear view mirrors) can be memorized and recalled with
the touch of a button. It is also possible to s ...
Event data recorder
Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control certain aspects of
your vehicle. These computers assist in driving and maintaining optimal
vehicle performance.
Besides storing data useful for t ...