MotorMouths

This is the sharpest-looking ES in at least three generations, but too many surprise-and-delight features fall flat. Lexus needs to take a page from Audi: Ax the ventilated seats and faux-leather dashboards and invest in consistent quality instead.

Favoring luxury over outright performance, the ES 350 offers a coddling cabin and enough insulation from noise and vibration to please most anyone. Its engine is smooth and strong enough for a luxury-themed sedan with no sport-sedan pretenses.

The 2013 Lexus ES 350 should continue to please its loyal customer base while being updated enough to remain relevant in this competitive entry-level luxury sedan segment. It remains the standard-bearer for a relaxed, luxuriously insulated form of transportation.

If you are looking for quiet luxury and want to carry up to five people in comfort, the 2013 Lexus ES hits the mark. But those looking for a sporty option will want to look elsewhere.

The 2013 Lexus ES lands well ahead of its rivals. It is a much better ES, one that should keep current owners happy, as well as attract new ones. The ES350 has gotten a tiny bit more dynamic, but not at the risk of sacrificing any of the silkiness or extreme comfort that the brand is known for.

Lexus has built on the past strengths of the ES while adding more qualities to further distinguish a car that’s long been a pretender in luxury circle. Growing in size, luxury and style it now looks and feels like a genuine luxury sedan.

My feelings are mixed on this new ES. Engineering-wise, I like what Lexus has done with the car. I can live with the dodgy design decisions, but I think the overly-complicated control system is going to be this car’s Achilles heel.

The 2013 Lexus ES is just as quiet and comfortable as its predecessor, only now it’s a little bit better. No, it’s not any quicker, but it’s more fuel-efficient. Plus, both ES models are roomier and available with more features.

The 2013 Lexus ES is just as quiet and comfortable as its predecessor, only now it’s a little bit better. No, it’s not any quicker, but it’s more fuel-efficient, roomier and available with more features.

Nope, the new ES doesn’t wow us. In fact, in many respects it’s downright disappointing, an uninspired effort, beneath what Lexus is clearly capable of. Not that Lexus will care. For its intended audience, the company has likely hit the bull’s eye. For us, though, the 2013 ES is a target that doesn’t merit our aim.

The Lexus ES is roomy, safe, easy to drive and well finished in attractive materials. It makes a compelling argument for anyone who needs a four or five-passenger sedan.

If you’re looking for a comfortable ride that will likely stand the test of time in both styling and mechanical reliability, the ES 350 is a good luxury sedan to shop.