Speculating on New 2025 Model ES 350
03-03-23, 07:46 PM
#31
I'm uninterested in turning this thread about the future of our ES into a genuflection session toward some other carmaker.
Sticking to the topic at hand, I agree that we'll see AWD. While the V6 will be a big loss, AWD will be a nearly compensating gain. I'd guess it'll be the same drivetrain tech the upper-model Crown is using, whatever that is, and reviews of that car seem to say it gets up and goes well.
A big question in my mind is whether the ES will be as tall as the Crown. I fervently hope it won't. In my mind, two of the biggest reasons to get a sedan are the lower profile against wind resistance and the lower center of gravity, with resulting improvement in cornering and less head toss over bumps. Lose those advantages, and you might as well get the greater cargo versatility and rear seat room of a real SUV. The Crown is functionally the worst of both worlds. It interests me not whatsoever.
Sticking to the topic at hand, I agree that we'll see AWD. While the V6 will be a big loss, AWD will be a nearly compensating gain. I'd guess it'll be the same drivetrain tech the upper-model Crown is using, whatever that is, and reviews of that car seem to say it gets up and goes well.
A big question in my mind is whether the ES will be as tall as the Crown. I fervently hope it won't. In my mind, two of the biggest reasons to get a sedan are the lower profile against wind resistance and the lower center of gravity, with resulting improvement in cornering and less head toss over bumps. Lose those advantages, and you might as well get the greater cargo versatility and rear seat room of a real SUV. The Crown is functionally the worst of both worlds. It interests me not whatsoever.
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hotwings (03-07-24)
03-03-23, 09:43 PM
#32
Unless they offer something like an air suspension (which I highly doubt, just for reliability reasons if nothing else), run flats are a big thumbs down for me. This is not a sports car and the quality ride many of relish will be ruined by run flats on the coil/stamped steel suspension.
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radiologym (11-08-23)
03-04-23, 01:36 AM
#34
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F3Woody (03-04-23)
03-04-23, 06:14 AM
#35
Lead Lap
03-04-23, 07:28 AM
#36
Racer
Thread Starter
None of that plug in craziness for me, thank you.
As a comfortable, retired 75 year old, I’ve become used to certain of the finer things in life. Among them are my Lexus and it’s smooth and quiet ICE power plant, its luxury ride and its “never any aggravation”” bullet-proof reliability. I know and like my 2021 ES 350 and intend to own and drive the last attractive and prestigious year’s model to the end of my life’s journey.
So there! 😜
As a comfortable, retired 75 year old, I’ve become used to certain of the finer things in life. Among them are my Lexus and it’s smooth and quiet ICE power plant, its luxury ride and its “never any aggravation”” bullet-proof reliability. I know and like my 2021 ES 350 and intend to own and drive the last attractive and prestigious year’s model to the end of my life’s journey.
So there! 😜
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03-04-23, 08:32 AM
#37
Lead Lap
None of that plug in craziness for me, thank you.
As a comfortable, retired 75 year old, I’ve become used to certain of the finer things in life. Among them are my Lexus and it’s smooth and quiet ICE power plant, its luxury ride and its “never any aggravation”” bullet-proof reliability. I know and like my 2021 ES 350 and intend to own and drive the last attractive and prestigious year’s model to the end of my life’s journey.
So there! 😜
As a comfortable, retired 75 year old, I’ve become used to certain of the finer things in life. Among them are my Lexus and it’s smooth and quiet ICE power plant, its luxury ride and its “never any aggravation”” bullet-proof reliability. I know and like my 2021 ES 350 and intend to own and drive the last attractive and prestigious year’s model to the end of my life’s journey.
So there! 😜
03-05-23, 06:56 AM
#38
While shopping for my wife’s car (she got an ES 300h), I test drove and Accord 2.0T and I liked it so much I ended up getting a I got a CPO Accord Touring 2.0T about 3 months after my wife (and just about 2 months ago). I had also looked at and drove the TLX A Spec (but for me wasn’t worth the premium over the Accord Touring and it had a small back seat). It is really the best turbo I’ve ever driven (nearly full torque at low (1500 rpm) with no noticeable turbo lag) - I am really liking it so far, it performs better than either the Camry or ES with V6 and the 10 speed AT is perfectly matched and is excellent.
I am certainly not saying the Honda 2.0T is nicer than a comparable Toyota V6 - so I get what you are saying, but I think it(with the 10 speed AT)is a very formidable. I think Toyota will eventually get there with their turbo 4 - and I like the new Toyota/Lexus hybrids that are matched with the turbo 4.
03-05-23, 07:52 AM
#39
Lead Lap
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03-05-23, 09:13 AM
#40
My $0.02
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03-05-23, 12:37 PM
#41
03-06-23, 11:57 AM
#42
Intermediate
IMO, it's the government regulators that have forced the auto industry to switch to smaller turbo engines that don't significantly improve fuel economy, but supposedly do improve emissions.
03-06-23, 12:55 PM
#43
I've not driven Lexus' 2.4 Turbo, but I thought Mazda's 2.5 Turbo was a bit coarse around town.
03-06-23, 03:17 PM
#44
Intermediate
I like it, especially compared to some of the new stuff that is out there..
Thanks for the picture too!
03-06-23, 04:42 PM
#45
)Admittedly I don't know a lot about Tesla and frankly don't want to. However itt seems to me that Tesla is famous for (a) being recalled - (b) catching on fire - (c) killing someone while on autonomous drive mode - (d) breaking down and costing owners mucho dinero... Plus it's uglier than Grandpa's toenails...Good idea, bad car...