Bottom line: The restyle adds character and panache to a car that desperately needed a big dose of it, and the resemblance to the senior Lexus will surely appeal to social climbers. The standard Lexus ES 350 with 17-inch tires remains perhaps the safest model to recommend to mild-mannered non-enthusiast friends looking for a car in the entry-lux class. Similarly, the hybrid is probably a safe call for younger car-indifferent pals looking for a roomy bucks-up hybrid, as they're likely to appreciate the haptic controller integration of their favorite apps. Our ES may be all grown up, but it still has a few life-lessons left to learn.

Vehicle
Year Make Model 2013 Lexus ES 350 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Vehicle Type FWD 4dr 5-passenger sedan
Estimated MSRP $38,000 (estimated base price)
Assembly location Toyota Motor Kyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Drivetrain
Configuration Transverse, front-engine, front-wheel drive
Engine type Naturally aspirated, port-injected V6, gasoline
Displacement (cc/cu-in) 3,456/211
Block/head material Aluminum/aluminum
Valvetrain DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing
Compression ratio (x:1) 10.8
Horsepower (hp @ rpm) 268 @ 6,200
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) 248 @ 4,700
Fuel type 87-octane recommended
Transmission type Six-speed automatic with console shifter and Sport and Eco modes
Transmission ratios (x:1) I = 3.30, II = 1.90, III = 1.420, IV = 1.00, V = 0.71, VI = 0.61, R = 4.15
Final-drive ratio (x:1) 3.46
Chassis
Suspension, front Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, stabilizer bar
Suspension, rear Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, twin-tube dampers, lateral links, stabilizer bar
Steering type Electric-assist, speed-proportional, rack-and-pinion power steering
Steering ratio (x:1) 14.8
Tire make and model Michelin Primacy MXM4
Tire type All-season, low rolling resistance
Tire size 215/55R17 93V (standard), 225/45R18 91V (optional)
Wheel size 17-by-7-inches (standard), 18-by-7.5-inches (optional)
Wheel material Cast aluminum alloy
Brakes, front 11.6-inch ventilated disc with single-piston sliding caliper
Brakes, rear 11-inch solid disc with single-piston sliding caliper
Track Test Results
0-60 mph, mfr. claim (sec.) 7.1
1/4-mile, mfr. claim (sec. @ mph) 15.1
Fuel Consumption
Fuel economy, mfr. est. (mpg) 21 city/31 highway/24 combined
Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) 17.2
Audio and Advanced Technology
Stereo description AM/FM/with six-CD changer with MP3/WMA capability (standard),
iPod/digital media compatibility USB and auxiliary inputs (standard), Enform smartphone-based apps (optional)
Satellite radio Optional
Bluetooth phone connectivity Hands-free phone capability (standard), streaming audio (optional)
Navigation system Optional, hard-drive-based, 8-inch screen (measured diagonally)
Telematics (OnStar, etc.) Enform (optional)
Smart entry/Start Standard
Parking aids Optional back-up camera, sonar
Blind-spot detection Optional
Adaptive cruise control Optional
Lane-departure monitoring Optional
Collision warning/avoidance Optional
Driver coaching display Standard
Dimensions & Capacities
Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) 3,549
Length (in.) 192.7
Width (in.) 71.7
Height (in.) 57.1
Wheelbase (in.) 111.0
Track, front (in.) 62.6
Track, rear (in.) 62.0
Legroom, front (in.) 41.9
Legroom, rear (in.) 40.0
Headroom, front (in.) 37.5
Headroom, rear (in.) 37.5
Shoulder room, front (in.) 57.6
Shoulder room, rear (in.) 55.0
Seating capacity 5
Trunk volume (cu-ft) 15.2
Warranty
Bumper-to-bumper 4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain 6 years/70,000 miles
Corrosion 6 years/Unlimited miles
Roadside assistance 4 years/Unlimited miles
Free scheduled maintenance 5,000 miles

Normally, Toyota's mileage estimates for its hybrid models are dead on, but despite its claimed 40 mpg, the ES 300h returned only 34 mpg on a 90-minute loop driven sedately.

The ES is evolutionary and lacks some of the technology leaps of its rivals. The center stack layout is a disaster. But the ride is smooth, and the engine has good power. It likely will retain a good chunk of the buyer base that loves Lexus' customer service and perfectionist engineering -- but good luck trying to conquest someone out of an Audi A4 or BMW 3 series just because the ES is larger.

The ES is no tarted-up Toyota; the quality gains versus a loaded Camry are apparent, and its strengths are clear. This is the sharpest-looking ES in at least three generations, and the hybrid's 39-mpg EPA combined rating should all but guarantee more interest. 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.