Overview

What Changed for 2008:

• New sleeker side-view mirrors


• Upgraded interior lighting


• Standard anti-lock braking system (ABS), with stability and traction control


• Optional rear-seat side air bags


• Optional pre-collision system


• Optional premium sound system


• Optional chrome wheels

Overview
The Lexus ES 350 is a midsize luxury sedan that offers only a coupee of minor changes for 2008, including sleek new side-view mirrors and upgraded interior lighting. With a single 272-hp V-6 engine, automatic transmission and a load of standard luxury features, the ES 350 is the entry-level luxury sedan from Lexus. It is similar to the Toyota Camry, although a more luxurious version (Lexus being Toyota's premium division). Competition for the ES 350 includes the Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and Chrysler 300C.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Lexus ES 350 has one trim level, a single V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes real wood accents; dual-zone automatic climate control; trip computer; power tilt and telescoping steering wheel; keyless entry and remote vehicle start; stability and traction control; 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS; 10-way power front seats; sunroof; one-touch up/down windows; 8-speaker audio system with single disc in-dash CD changer and auxiliary input jack; sunroof; and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Optional equipment includes leather seats; heated/ventilated front seats; front seat memory system; Bluetooth connectivity; park assist; adaptive cruise control; adaptive Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps; power rear sunshade; voice-activated navigation system; and chrome wheels.

Powertrain
The 2008 Lexus front-wheel-drive ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6, 24-valve, 4-cam, dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) engine that delivers 272 hp at 6200 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque at 4700 rpm. Power is transferred through a 6-speed electronically controlled sequential shift automatic transmission. Stability and traction control and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 3.5-liter V-6 engine are 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway, classifying the ES 350 as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEV-II).

Safety
The 2008 Lexus ES 350 carries a full complement of standard or available safety features, including standard dual front and front knee, front-seat side and full length side curtain air bags, with rear-seat side airbags optional; seat belt pre-tensioners for all seating positions; child restraint seat (CSR) tether anchor brackets for rear seating positions; child safety locks; electronic park assist; anti-theft protection; optional pre-collision system and backup camera; 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS; stability and traction control. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2008 Lexus ES 350 receives a 5-star rating for all occupants in frontal and front-seat side-impact crash tests, and a 4-star rating for rear-seat occupants in side-impact tests. In NHTSA rollover testing, the ES 350 receives a 4-star rating.

Technology
A Lexus premium sound system with automatic sound levelizer, single CD player, auxiliary input jack and 8 speakers is standard on the ES 350. A premium Mark Levinson 14-speaker surround-sound audio and video system is optional, as well as a voice-activated navigation system. Bluetooth connectivity is also available. Remote vehicle start is standard. An ultra luxury package is available that includes a panorama glass roof, navigation system with voice recognition and rearview camera, and steering-linked headlamps. Satellite radio via Sirius or XM is optional.