2021 Lexus ES350 for Sale: The Best Affordable Luxury Sedan Available Today
The 2021 Lexus ES350 is a remarkable blend of luxury, performance, and reliability that continues to captivate car enthusiasts and drivers looking for a refined and comfortable driving experience. If you're in the market for an affordable luxury sedan, the Lexus ES350 is definitely a vehicle worth considering. Below, we'll break down everything you need to know about this exceptional model, from its features and specs to the reasons why you might want to make this your next car purchase.
Why the 2021 Lexus ES350 is the Ideal Choice for You
Buying a car is one of those significant decisions that requires extensive research, especially when it comes to luxury vehicles like the Lexus ES350. As part of the ES series that has been in production since 1989, the ES350 has earned a well-deserved reputation for offering an exceptional balance between value and luxury.
When you're looking for a 2021 Lexus ES350 for sale, you're not just buying a car; you're investing in a vehicle that has both stylistic elegance and long-term reliability. Let's dive into the specifics.
The Performance That Surprises
The 2021 Lexus ES350 has been built to provide a satisfying driving experience without compromising comfort. Here’s what you can expect in terms of performance:
3.5-Liter V6 Engine
- Produces 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.
- Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, which is respectable for a luxury sedan.
This engine makes the ES350 smooth and powerful, with enough oomph to make highway merging a breeze. Unlike many competitors that may rely on turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, the naturally aspirated V6 of the ES350 delivers linear power and a seamless driving experience. According to Alex Collantes, a long-time automotive enthusiast, "The V6 engine in the ES350 is one of its greatest attributes. You won’t get that drone you often hear from turbocharged engines—just smooth, predictable power."
Handling and Comfort
The 2021 Lexus ES350 features a well-tuned suspension that perfectly balances sporty handling and comfortable ride quality. This makes it great for long drives as well as city commutes.
While the ES350 might not handle corners like a BMW 5-Series, the comfort it provides far exceeds that of many sport-focused luxury sedans. The steering is light, and body roll is minimal—making the overall driving experience pleasant and refined.
The Interior of the 2021 Lexus ES350
Premium Materials and Craftsmanship
The ES350's cabin exudes a sense of refinement and luxury that is hard to find in its competitors. The materials used are top-notch, from leather upholstery to wood and metallic accents, ensuring a luxurious experience.
Spacious Seating
The ES350 provides an exceptionally comfortable interior. Its front seats are highly supportive and come with multiple adjustment options to make long drives as comfortable as possible. The rear seats are spacious as well, with enough legroom to make passengers feel relaxed.
Tech Features That Make Life Easier
- 8-Inch Touchscreen Display: Standard in most models, the infotainment system is intuitive but not overly complicated.
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Compatibility: Ensures seamless smartphone integration for music, calls, and apps.
- Optional 12.3-Inch Touchscreen: If you're looking for an even more immersive tech experience, this larger screen offers more detailed navigation and control options.
Though the infotainment system provides a wealth of features, its touchpad interface can be tricky to use, especially while driving. It's one of those areas where Lexus could have made an improvement for ease of use.
Safety Features & Reliability
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
The 2021 Lexus ES350 includes the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which adds a suite of advanced safety technologies, including:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Dynamic radar cruise control
- Lane departure alert with steering assist
- Road sign assist
All these features make the ES350 one of the safest cars in its class.
Longevity & Resale Value
Lexus has long been known for its reliability and durability. The ES350 is no exception—owners can expect their vehicle to last well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. And when it comes to resale value, the ES350 holds up remarkably well, thanks to its reputation for long-term reliability and low cost of ownership.
Trim Levels and Customization
When you're looking for a 2021 Lexus ES350 for sale, you have multiple trim levels to choose from, each catering to different preferences and budgets:
- Base Model: Comes with all the essentials, including a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5.
- Luxury Trim: Offers upgraded leather seating, a 14-way power driver’s seat, and wood trim accents.
- Ultra Luxury Trim: Includes all the features of the Luxury trim, plus a power rear sunshade, hands-free trunk, and adaptive variable suspension for a smoother ride.
- F-Sport Trim: For those seeking a sportier edge, the F-Sport comes with a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels, and unique interior trim.
Price Range
- Base Model: Starting price around $40,000.
- Luxury Trim: Around $45,000.
- Ultra Luxury Trim: Up to $50,000+.
- F-Sport Trim: Around $47,000.
These prices make the 2021 Lexus ES350 a relatively affordable option within the luxury sedan segment, offering great value for money.
Potential Drawbacks
While the 2021 Lexus ES350 offers a compelling package, there are some drawbacks to consider:
Touchpad Controller
The touchpad controller for the infotainment system can be finicky and difficult to use while driving. Many users find that the touchpad requires too much attention, which can be distracting.
Performance Limitations
Though the V6 engine provides a smooth ride, the ES350 does not offer the performance-oriented dynamics of some competitors like the BMW 5-Series or Audi A6. If you're looking for a luxury sedan with sporty handling, the ES350 might not fully meet those needs.
Limited All-Wheel Drive Availability
The 2021 ES350 is primarily front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive (AWD) only available in certain models. If you live in an area with harsh winters or rough terrain, this could be a limiting factor.
Key Features at a Glance
Here is a quick summary of the key features you will find in the 2021 Lexus ES350:
- Powerful V6 Engine with 302 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque.
- 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth acceleration.
- Premium interior materials with leather upholstery and wood trim.
- Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 offering advanced safety features.
- Touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
- Multiple trim levels: Base, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F-Sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Lexus ES350 reliable?
Yes, the 2021 Lexus ES350 is known for its exceptional reliability and low maintenance costs. It is expected to last over 200,000 miles with proper care.
What is the fuel economy of the ES350?
The 2021 Lexus ES350 has an EPA rating of 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined, which is decent for a V6-powered sedan.
How comfortable is the ride in the Lexus ES350?
The Lexus ES350 is designed for comfort and smoothness. With its well-tuned suspension, it handles road imperfections gracefully and provides a quiet cabin environment.
A Final Word on the 2021 Lexus ES350
In the words of Alex Collantes: “The 2021 ES350 might not be the sportiest car on the market, but it’s got luxury down to an art. If you’re after comfort, reliability, and style—without spending a fortune—the ES350 is the best pick.”
When searching for a 2021 Lexus ES350 for sale, you’ll find that this model offers an exceptional balance of features, comfort, and value that’s hard to beat in the luxury sedan market. Whether you’re a first-time luxury car buyer or someone looking to upgrade to a reliable and stylish vehicle, the Lexus ES350 should definitely be on your radar.
So if you’re ready to experience elevated driving, look no further than the 2021 Lexus ES350. It's not just about getting from Point A to Point B; it's about doing it with class, comfort, and style.
References
- "2021 Lexus ES350 Review," Edmunds.com
- "Lexus ES Reliability," Consumer Reports
- Personal insights from Alex Collantes, Automotive Enthusiast and Luxury Car Reviewer