Lexus ES 350

Well, it was not exactly ugly but that's the phrase that came into my mind while putting pen to paper.

While there is no disputing the fact that earlier models from Toyota's luxury arm had more than just a touch of its German competition, now there is talk of 'Japanese originality' and it shows with its L-Finesse design philosophy.

The new ES350 is European in design and style but borne out of Japanese culture and a need to create a distinct identity. A case in point is the kimono outline in the centre console, although I must confess that its effect was totally lost on me.

What I really was sure about, though, is my reaction to the new ES350, so named to reflect the bigger 272-horsepower 3.5-litre V6. In a nutshell, inspiring and elegant. This is a car that can transport one from everyday humdrum travel to cocktail party with ease.

Al Futtaim Motors, the official importer of Lexus vehicles in the UAE provided us with a pristine example of the new ES350 Premium Plus model with all the bells and whistles including a navigation system with a rear camera; bluetooth hands-free phone system; front and rear sonar parking sensors; wireless door locking with SmartAccess etc. There are three distinct grades available: Premium, Premium Plus and Luxury.

Even the entry-level Premium version is heavily loaded with full-grade leather and all the amenities of its other brethren. The only gizmos it does not have includes the SatNav, Bluetooth and rear camera. The price range starts at AED 143000, peaking out at AED 161000 for the Luxury version which gets a DVD changer, 10-channel power amplifier and 14 speakers for the 300 watt Mark Levinson sound system over and above the standard equipment in the Premium Plus model.

Inside the ES350 is a swathe of expensive materials that have been entwined together to create an ambience spelling class and luxurious comfort. Materials, textures and colours have been integrated so well together that one (and that includes myself) would want to spend a lot of time cocooned in this car. Seats are leather (obviously!), with the steering wheel and gear shifter knob encompassing leather with wood.

Talking of wood, there's quite a bit of it on the centre console as well as inserts on the doors. And this is the real McCoy, no faux pas stuff from Lexus, mind you. The steering wheel incorporates functions for handsfree telephone and audio system. The ES350 inculcates some very sophisticated wizardry to eliminate cabin noise, and that makes the inside an unbelievably quiet place.

Lexus says the ES 350 has a zero-100 kph time of 7.1 seconds, but it doesn't feel like a rocket when you try to launch it past an articulated truck on the Al Khail road in Dubai. What the heck, if one misses some explosive power to scare white van man, at least he gets a boy-racer touch in the cabin in the form of the pushbutton start. Play on, dude.

A new six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode sends power out to the front wheels. This auto box is smooth and responsive but Lexus could do well to give it some more heft. Also, the gear shifter looks very spindly and fragile. Maybe a more macho shifter would give the ES that extra flavour.

Safety features abound and standard are driver and front passenger knee air bags, front side air bags and side curtain air bags for all outboard passengers.

The new Lexus ES350 is a capable and quite impressive piece of automotive flair and technology rolled in one. However, it still lacks the emotional tug it's just too clinical and may need a bit more work in this regard. Even so, it is extremely refined with the expected comfort, first-class safety features and surprising performance.