What is the difference between ES 350 and ES 350 luxury?
In brief, the ES 350 Luxury is the higher-trim version of the ES 350, offering more premium interior features and technology, while the core engine and performance remain the same. The difference lies mainly in equipment and comfort rather than horsepower or drivetrain.
Performance and drivetrain
The two trims share the same fundamental powertrain and driving character. Most model years place a 3.5-liter V6 at the heart of the ES 350, delivering roughly 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available in some markets and model years. There is no change in engine output or core performance between the ES 350 and ES 350 Luxury; differences are primarily in equipment levels and ride refinement.
Shared powertrain basics
Engine size, horsepower, and transmission are consistent across trims, ensuring similar acceleration and in-cabin noise profiles. Optional drivetrain configurations may vary by year or market.
Interior and comfort
The Luxury trim expands on the ES 350’s cabin with upgraded materials, seating features, and convenience touches that enhance perceived quality and comfort.
- Premium seating materials and comfort enhancements (often upgraded from synthetic to higher-grade leather or leatherette and additional seat adjustments).
- Richer interior trim choices and accents that elevate the cabin ambiance.
- Enhanced seating functions such as memory settings for the driver’s seat and mirror positions.
- Additional comfort amenities like heated front seats and, in some years, ventilated seats or a broader climate-control setup.
- Sunroof or panoramic roof options that contribute to an open-air feel inside the cabin.
These interior upgrades aim to deliver a more premium feel and greater convenience without altering the ES 350’s fundamental driving experience. Exact materials and features can vary by model year and market, so always check the specific build sheet for the car you’re considering.
Technology and safety features
The ES 350 Luxury typically nests more advanced technology and safety features as standard or as part of packages, compared with the base ES 350.
- Enhanced infotainment options, which may include a larger display, upgraded navigation, and premium audio systems.
- Advanced driver-assistance features and safety tech, such as more comprehensive blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and other active safety aids that can be standard or more readily available on Luxury trims.
- Connectivity and convenience enhancements, including additional USB ports, wireless charging, and upgraded telematics depending on model year.
As with interior features, the exact tech package depends on the year and market. Prospective buyers should verify the feature list for the specific vehicle to understand what is included vs. what is optional.
Exterior and wheels
The Luxury variant often brings visual upgrades that signal its higher status and can include larger or styled wheels and distinctive exterior trim.
- Upgraded wheel designs and sizes that contribute to a more premium appearance.
- Sharper exterior accents and possible chrome or metal trim treatments.
- Lighting enhancements, such as brighter or more expansive LED headlight setups in some trims and years.
Exterior differences are primarily cosmetic and reflect the trim level rather than a different fundamental platform. Availability varies by model year and market.
Pricing and value considerations
Price differences between the ES 350 and ES 350 Luxury reflect the expanded equipment and luxury content. The Luxury trim typically commands a higher upfront cost, and the exact delta can vary by year, market, and optional packages.
- The Luxury trim generally adds several thousand dollars to the sticker price relative to the base ES 350, though exact figures depend on the model year and chosen options.
- Higher trims can affect ownership costs, including insurance premiums and potential maintenance of premium features, so buyers should factor total cost of ownership alongside upfront price.
For the most accurate comparison, review the official MSRP and the exact equipment list for the specific year and market you’re considering. Options and standard gear shift over time as Lexus updates its lineup.
Summary
The ES 350 and ES 350 Luxury are built on the same mechanical foundation, with the Luxury trim differentiating itself through enhanced interior materials, comfort features, technology, and often exterior styling cues. Prospective buyers should weigh the value of the extra equipment against the higher price and confirm the exact specifications for the model year they want. In practice, choosing Luxury is about upgrading the cabin and tech experience rather than chasing more power or a fundamentally different drive.
In all cases, check the specific vehicle’s build sheet to confirm which features are included, as Lexus sometimes parcels out amenities differently by year and region.
What does the Lexus ES 350 luxury package include?
Lexus ES 350 Luxury
The ES 350 Luxury comes with all the standard features that are found in the base 350 trim level, now with the addition of a few extras. In this trim level, you'll also get: Perforated leather interior trim, wood trim with ambient lighting, and a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
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 is the difference between Lexus ES luxury and ultra luxury?
The Lexus ES Ultra Luxury trim adds premium features to the already luxurious base Luxury trim, including a head-up display, a hands-free power trunk with kick sensor, and manual rear door sunshades. The Ultra Luxury also offers enhanced comfort and quietness through features like noise-reduction wheels and thicker front window glass.
You can watch this video to learn more about the features of the Lexus ES 350 Ultra Luxury: 59sKenny VacekYouTube · Mar 8, 2025
Key differences by category
| Feature | Luxury | Ultra Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | Standard wheels | 18-inch noise-reduction wheels |
| Trunk | Power trunk | Hands-free power trunk with kick sensor |
| Windshield | Standard display | Head-up display (HUD) |
| Rear Seats | Standard rear sunshades | Manual rear door window sunshades |
| Audio/Tech | Standard audio system | Often includes a Mark Levinson audio system and 360-degree surround-view camera |
| Interior | Quilted leather and wood trim | Perforated semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats and performance dampers for a quieter ride |
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Which one to choose
- Choose Luxury if you want a well-equipped, upscale sedan and don't need the most advanced convenience and comfort features. Many features available on the Ultra Luxury can be added as options to the Luxury trim.
- Choose Ultra Luxury if you want the ultimate in convenience and comfort, and are willing to pay for the premium upgrades like the head-up display, hands-free trunk, and additional sound-deadening technology.
What is included in the Lexus luxury package?
The Lexus Luxury Package typically includes premium interior materials like perforated semi-aniline leather and wood trim, advanced climate control features such as a Four-Zone Climate Concierge, and enhanced seating with heating, ventilation, and power-adjustment for both front and rear passengers. It also often adds more advanced technology, including features like power rear sunshades, a wireless charger, a 14-inch HD touchscreen display, and a digital key for smartphone-based access.
Interior and comfort
- Premium upholstery: Perforated semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats with unique stitching
- Wood trim: Premium wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and console
- Heated and ventilated seats: For both front and rear passengers
- Advanced climate control: Four-Zone Climate Concierge
- Power rear seats: 18-way power-reclining outboard rear seats with memory, and power rear-cushion airbags
- Sunshades: Power side-window sunshades
- Headliner: Ultrasuede® headliner and sun visors
Technology and convenience
- Head-Up Display (HUD): A 10-inch HUD projects important information onto the windshield
- Wireless charging: Integrated wireless charger for compatible devices
- Large touchscreen: 14-inch HD touchscreen display
- Digital Key: Allows you to use your smartphone as a car key
- Wireless connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Remote seat adjustment: Remote adjustment for front passenger seats
- Rear armrest control: Semi-aniline leather-trimmed rear armrest with a 7.0-inch touchscreen controller
Other features
- Adaptive Variable Air Suspension: Provides a more comfortable ride
- Unique wheel designs: Larger and more premium alloy wheels
- Illuminated door sills: Adds a touch of sophistication
