Leftlane’s bottom line

Looking at the sales figures alone, the ES fills an obvious slot in the market that no other automaker has really chosen to take on. Priced more like the compact IS, the ES is sized like the GS but offers the comfort and convenience now-sporty Cadillac once coveted.

By today’s standards, it is a Japanese Buick, much like its distant Toyota Avalon cousin, albeit sporting a fancier badge and more opulent amenities. But with an impressive redesigned Buick LaCrosse on the horizon, Lexus should take this opportunity to tighten up the ES’ driving characteristics to keep it competitive. The automaker has proven, with the LS, that it can make a car that glides down the road but doesn’t whimper at the sign of a corner or provide the kind of feedback that might turn buyers off of a BMW.

Button this one down for the next-generation model and you’ll remain top dog in the segment, Lexus.

    See also:

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    The Lexus GS 350 and GS 460 offer an all-new telematics system, Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™, available by subscription. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are included on all purcha ...

    Driving It
    Driving Impressions Comfortable, controllable and quick with either powertrain or drivetrain combination, the 2011 Lexus GS is an excellent all-around performer that should please all but the mo ...

    Extended trunk
    Long objects can be loaded in the vehicle by utilizing the trunk space and rear seat area. Pull down the armrest. Open the armrest door. The armrest door can be locked and unlocked using the ...