The ES 350 is roomy and comfortable. It has as much rear head and shoulder room, and more rear legroom, than the 1990 LS 400, and its rear floor is flat and can accommodate large American feet under the seats. The interior of the Lexus ES represents a quantum leap over pre-2007 models. The driving ambience is superb, with good sightlines, hooded instruments and crisp graphics, a 10-way power seat and standard tilt/telescope steering wheel. Fit and finish inside are exemplary.
The real wood trim is from a matched set that is serial-numbered for future replacement, if necessary. The thick, fat steering wheel is a pleasure to use. There are three interior colors to choose from, in cloth or two grades of leather.
The instrument panel and center stack are more driver-centered, engaging and involving than on previous generations. The instruments are deeply tunneled, using white LED lighting and the Optitron electroluminescent displays that are part of all Lexus models, with their eye-pleasing startup routine. The trip computer monitors a dozen functions. The ES features push-button engine starting and the SmartAccess key fob.