Lexus ES 350

The fifth generation ES (GSV40) debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2006, featuring an all-new body in the style of Lexus' new design philosophy, L-finesse. The new design is sleeker than its predecessor, with a streamlined cabin and character lines across the hood, fenders, and rear pillars. The Lexus emblem returns to the grille for the first time since the first generation, and is now placed at the center of a five-bar horizontal grille. The vehicle also no longer shares its body style with Japanese market models, as the previously related Toyota Windom was discontinued for the 2007 model year. The new ES, now called the ES 350, features the first use of a six-speed automatic transmission in a front-wheel drive Toyota vehicle along with its sister U.S. car, the Toyota Camry. The engine is the 272 hp (203 kW) aluminum 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 engine with variable valve timing. Lexus estimates that this combination will accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in less than 7 seconds, but actual tests have netted the ES 350 as being one of the fastest entry-level luxury sedans available now. 0-60mph has been acquired in as little as 6.2 seconds by auto magazines, and the car shows a strong point of high-end power as it clears the quarter mile in 14.6 seconds while almost traveling at 100mph. Fuel economy is estimated at 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) in the city and 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) on the highway.
The ES 350 arrived at U.S. dealerships in late April 2006 as a 2007 model. That year, the ES 350 was launched in North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Despite being built at the Kyūshū plant in Fukuoka, Japan, the ES 350 was not sold in the Japanese market. The fifth generation ES continues the previous generation's direction of moving the ES more upscale in its design and features. Lexus touts the ES 350 as faster, more powerful, more aerodynamic (Cd 0.28), and more quiet than the original LS 400 flagship.

The ES 350 interior features walnut wood accents, leather seats, dual zone climate control with air filter, an MP3 player auxiliary input, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and eight standard airbags. A keyless entry and ignition system, Lexus SmartAccess, which does not require the electronic remote to be taken out of the driver's pocket, is now standard. Available new features include a 300-watt, 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, power seat cushion extender, radar-based adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power rear sunshade, DVD navigation system, and Lexus Park Assist, a sonar-based warning system with backup camera. For the first time, the ES offers an Ultra Luxury Package, which features many of the aforementioned options along with a three-panel panoramic glass moonroof.
For 2007 models, Lexus introduced a number of unique colors exclusive to the ES 350, including Aquamarine Pearl, Royal Ruby Metallic, Moon Shell Mica, and Amber Pearl. The 2007 base price in the U.S. is $33,470.
A hybrid version should arrive in the 2009 model year as the ES 400h, using the same engine as the RX 400h