What body style is Lexus ES 350?
The Lexus ES 350 is a four-door, mid-size luxury sedan designed for comfort and quiet refinement.
Body style overview
The ES 350, a variant of Lexus's ES line, is classified as a traditional four-door sedan with a separate trunk and a two-row, five-passenger layout. In practical terms, it belongs to the mid-size luxury sedan segment, offering a balanced blend of interior space, ride quality, and trunk practicality. The body style has remained consistent across generations, focusing on a formal silhouette rather than a hatchback or SUV/CUV shape.
Key characteristics of its body style
The following list highlights the core features of the ES 350's body style and how it fits within the sedan category.
- Four-door sedan configuration (two rows of seating).
- Separate trunk space with a three-box design typical of traditional sedans.
- Spacious cabin seating up to five passengers with a focus on rear-seat comfort and insulation.
- Clean, refined exterior silhouette emphasizing a formal, executive look.
These characteristics define the ES 350's body style and help explain why it is positioned as a comfortable, practical choice within the luxury sedan segment.
Additional context
For buyers comparing options, note that the ES 350's body style as a sedan contrasts with Lexus's SUV/crossover lineup (such as the NX or RX) and with any sportier or two-door models. The sedan configuration also aligns with a longer trunk opening for easier loading of daily belongings and luggage, a common expectation in the mid-size luxury segment.
Summary
The Lexus ES 350 is a four-door, mid-size luxury sedan built around a traditional sedan body style: a three-box design with a separate trunk, two rows of seating for up to five passengers, and a focus on comfort and refinement. It remains a practical choice for buyers seeking a quiet, upscale daily driver in the luxury segment.
When did Lexus IS 350 change body style?
2014
When the IS sedan was redesigned for 2014, the IS convertible carried on in 2014 and 2015 on the second-generation IS platform. The IS 350 sedan gained a two-door coupe sibling in the new-for-2015 RC 350 (also covered separately on Cars.com).
Is Lexus ES basically a Camry?
No, the Lexus ES is not a Camry, but they share the same platform and some mechanical components because Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. The ES is a more premium version, featuring a more luxurious interior, better materials, a quieter ride, and a more powerful standard engine.
- Platform and powertrain: The ES and Camry have historically shared the same platform, and many modern versions use a similar platform and powertrains. For example, the Lexus ES 350 and many Toyota Camry models use a similar 3.5L V6 engine.
- Luxury and features: The ES is designed to be a luxury sedan, with a more premium and quiet interior, higher-quality materials, and a softer ride compared to the sportier or more mainstream focus of the Camry.
- Positioning: The Camry is a mass-market sedan, while the ES is a luxury vehicle. This means the ES comes standard with more luxury features and has a higher price point to reflect its premium positioning.
What year to stay away from Lexus ES 350?
You should avoid the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Lexus ES 350 models due to common issues like melting dashboards, engine/transmission problems, and other mechanical failures. While some later years also have specific reported problems, such as a hollow door design on some 2019 models that causes noise, the 2007-2015 period contains the most widely cited issues.
Years to avoid and common problems
- 2007–2009: Prone to oil leaks, engine issues like blown head gaskets, and AC problems from a defective evaporator core. The 2007 model is particularly known for its melting dashboard. Transmission problems like rough shifting and hesitations are also common.
- 2011: Has a high number of complaints for various problems, including engine and transmission issues, as well as other mechanical failures.
- 2013–2015: Reportedly have issues with exploding sunroofs, engine stalls when turning, and door lock malfunctions. Some of these years also saw problems with ventilated seats and powertrain fluid leaks.
- 2019: Some owners reported that the doors feel hollow and let in a lot of road noise, a problem that was reportedly fixed around the 2020-2021 model years.
Years that are generally considered more reliable
- 2012: Often mentioned as a good year to buy.
- 2017–2019: Generally considered reliable with modern features.
- 2020 and later: The years following the 2019 model year are generally considered more reliable, with some specific minor issues such as the hollow doors on 2019 models being addressed in later models.
What body type IS a Lexus?
Current models
| Body style | Model | Current generation |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Model code | |
| Sedan | LS | XF50 |
| Coupe | LC | Z100 |
| Crossover SUV | LBX | AY10 |
