pab12

In 8 years of driving my '13 Luxury I never used anything but Normal (except to testing that the different colored lights on the dash workedm ...)
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My karma just ran over your dogma
Current Hers: '24 Lexus ES350 Luxury
Current Mine: '15 Jaguar XF

F3Woody

I use Sport once in a while, no rhyme or reason as to when or why, but it is really quite lackluster. I came from a 2018 Acura TLX (V6), and the sport mode on that car was pretty aggressive. Switched to Sport-Plus, this thing went like the Tasmanian Devil - super high idle, hair trigger throttle response, it was a beast.
So, yeah, the ES is a lot of terrific things, but exciting to drive isn't one of them, even in Sport Mode. And that's not a complaint whatsoever. I knew what I was getting into when I purchased it.

mikemu30

Yeah it's not a race car, but I've found once you're used to SPORT, going back to NORMAL feels like the car can't get out of it's own way. ECO - fuggetaboutit

dezymond

The TLX was far from the performance sedan that Acura advertised, but the difference in modes was pretty significant in comparison to the ES. Came from a 2015 TLX and really enjoyed that car, but the transmission was the Achille's heel of that car, why Acura chose that transmission and advertised it as sporty is beyond me. The ES steering gets tighter, which can be nice, but throttle response has no noticeable difference to me.

Two pretty different cars, but the ES suits my needs now. Miss the TLX some times, but overall the ES has checked all the boxes in the last 2 years.

Shaboom

Interesting that my “Plan B” list includes new Acura TLX (not the S version). If the Gen 8 ES 350 is a big disappointment, I’ll be considering the TLX and the Genesis G80 next time around. Other posters have discouraged G80 for reliability reasons, as well as BMW and Audi. So after those eliminations, if you want a comfortable, reliable, upscale sedan under $60,000 (egads, are we really talking those kind of numbers for a new car these days!), Acura is about all that’s left.

F3Woody

If you're ruling out the Type S, sadly you're stuck with the turbo charged 4-banger. The 2021 model redesign eliminated the V6 for all versions except the S. That was the primary reason I moved to Lexus. A lifelong Honda/Acura owner, I wanted to love the new model but the racket that little engine made on my test drive was almost heart breaking.

Shaboom

Thanks a million for the heads-up. Then let’s hope the Lexus either surprises us all with a continuation of the 6 cyl. engine ( and makes me a twenty dollar bill in the process), or comes up with a calm and quiet 4 of its own. I’m not at all familiar with the current Lexus ICE 4’s. Are they considered to be more quiet and refined than your description of the Acura 4. The TLX S is just not of the luxurious, comfortable type of car I seek. Genesis 80 fills the bill, if only it were more trouble free. I simply no longer have the energy or desire for squabbles with service managers and Zone representatives as during my younger days!

mikemu30

The V6 G80 is probably north of $60K - nice car for sure as is the case with most of the Genesis line but their service appears to be horrific.

Shaboom

Their 2.5 non-hybrid 4 is still in mid-fifties. I’m curious as to how quiet, powerful, etc. that engine is.
True that few service levels match Lexus.

mikemu30

If you don't mind a 4 cyl, just wait for the new gen ES I thought your main point was that you wanted to stay with a V6. And your ES is pretty new anyway but you're looking to replace it?

Shaboom

You are right but if all the ES Gen 8 models are hybrids (like Camry did), then I’m out and will either keep my fine car or check out the Genesis for a non-hybrid 4 cylinders model. Their 6 cylinder model is beyond my budget for a third car! Wife would have my head!

Shaboom

Looking to replace it only to get one of the last Gen 7 Luxury models made, one that will be four years newer and with 20,000 fewer miles (by that time), to be set for the duration.

mikemu30

Got it - that's a good move. I'd probably do the same but my wife decided she wanted a new one this year so I'll stay in the ES for the long haul now

Shaboom

And you, sir, are financially prudent and a good spouse, too!
You’re wise for sticking with your current ES. It very well might end up that way for me, too. And if so, it will be perfectly fine.

jkayca

Nope. I feel it too. I have the f sport appearance package.