The Lexus ES 350 is in the wondrous midsize luxury class. It includes tough competition among well-heeled vehicles ranging from the Buick LaCrosse to the Volvo S60 and the Acura TL to the Hyundai Genesis.
For 2012, the Lexus ES 350 remains largely unchanged from the 2011 model, with only one available trim. It’s a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 268 horsepower, 248 pound-feet of torque and has a standard six-speed automatic transmission.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: the ES 350, the only 2012 trim, with a 3.5-liter V6 making 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic.
- $36,735 MSRP and $41,455 as tested.
- 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds on the figures in the review.
- 19 mpg city and 28 highway as listed in the review.
- Acceleration: Great acceleration. Lots of cars with more than 268 horsepower don’t seem nearly as quick.
- Brakes: Slightly soft brakes.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
Without changes, Lexus must be confident in the Lexus ES 350, the high-brow sibling of a Toyota Camry. There was plenty of evidence for that theory during my weekly drive.
Quick acceleration to substantial comfort to smooth driving, the ES 350 continues to hold its perennial position at the top of the perch in the entry level segment. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated exterior mirrors, a sunroof, automatic wipers, cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats, driver memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, an auto-dimming mirror, Bluetooth phone and music streaming capability, and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, an iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.
The options list is additionally impressive: xenon adaptive headlights, parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control with a pre-collision system, heated and ventilated front seats, front passenger memory functions, upgraded leather upholstery, a power rear sunshade and a wood-trimmed steering wheel.
There’s also an optional hard-drive-based navigation system includes a back-up camera, voice commands, real-time traffic updates and the Lexus Enform telematics system. A 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo can be added to the navigation system.
Add it all up and there’s little not to like about the Lexus ES 350. It’s impressively quick, impressively comfortable and impressively well built.
Likes and Dislikes
Likes
The interior wood trim is ideally designed and perfectly positioned.
Great acceleration. Lots of cars with more than 268 horsepower don’t seem nearly as quick.
Wonderfully toned sound system.
Dislikes
Slightly soft brakes.
City gas mileage could be better.
What Others Say
“Plenty of premium-badge buyers aren’t driving enthusiasts and are just looking for a well-built car that’ll provide them with the latest convenience features, a comfortable ride and isolation from the noisy and harsh outside world. For this majority, the 2012 Lexus ES 350 is a worthy choice.” Edmunds.
“The ES 350 proves to be worth the dollar amount in the long run as it not only boasts reliability, but also tends to retain higher-than-average resale value.” Kelley Blue Book.
“Outward visibility is very good, enhanced by the convenience of the available rearview camera.” Consumer Guide
What The Wife Says
“It’s very comfortable, with easy access seating and quick acceleration at any time.”
2012 Lexus ES 350 Verdict
“From the long history of Lexus reliability to its interior to its all-round comfort, the Lexus ES 350 is a choice for car buyers making the move into the $40,000 luxury range.”
Facts & Figures: 2012 Lexus ES 350
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $36,735 |
| As-Tested Price | $41,455 |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 268 hp |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 6.4 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (original EPA label) | 19 city / 28 highway mpg |
| Fuel Economy (EPA, revised) | 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Airbags | 7 |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper 4 yr/50,000 mi; powertrain 6 yr/70,000 mi; corrosion 6 yr/unlimited |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.