Mother Proof's view

I’ll tell y’all somethin’. Lexus ain’t messin’ around anymore. Maybe y’all already know and maybe y’all don’t know that Lexus is the luxury subsidiary of Toyota. (What? OK, I’ll drop the twang.) I think I’ve always thought of Lexus as a souped-up Toyota. Until now, that is. Lexus has really defined itself as its own brand and style of car, and its new ES350 is the prime example. I have to say this isn’t the typical Mother Proof test drive. I have only a brief opportunity to drive the ES350. Brief means about an hour and a half. Oh, and I don’t have the kids with me. So keep that in mind, cowgirls.

The exterior of the car is a delicious blend of luxury and sporty. It’s curvy and sharp, with nice wheels and beautiful colors available, although there is a strange-looking teal available, according to the website. The interior is inviting and comfortable, even the backseat. Lots of leather (albeit perforated for heating, ventilation, and the eternal storage of spilled milk), and some wood make me feel very welcome in the ES. The teardrop-shaped console on the dash is at first odd, but I warm to it quickly. All instruments, gauges, and goodies are easy to reach and not just jumbled in there. I have lots of room in the ES, but can reach everything efficiently, and am very comfortable.

Lexus doesn’t market the ES350 as a mom-mobile, but they include all kinds of mom-friendly goodies such as a skylight in the backseat (a moonroof that doesn’t open); an automatic rear shade; very accessible Latch connectors in the two outboard backseat positions; loads of legroom in the backseat; large trunk space; a first aid kit and tool kit; navigation; and the price tag. Don’t get me wrong, the ES350 is no cheapie, but you get so much with this car that you don’t necessarily get with same-priced SUVs! Don’t get me started on all the technical and safety features.

Darn you! You got me started on the technical and safety features. Let me list just a few features to begin: Cruise-control sonars that keep the ES350 an even distance from the car in front of it, park-assist, stability control and antilock brakes. Add to the list Smart Access (keyless entry), Bluetooth, and the Pre-Collision System with Airbags. What is that? The Pre-Collision System with Airbags uses radar to detect if a front collision is unavoidable. So what does it do when it decides a front end accident is unavoidable? Let me tell you, in Lexus’ words, the Pre-Collision System with Airbags “retracts the seatbelts and primes the Brake Assist. This means that the moment the driver touches the brake pedal increased brake force is applied.” There are also up to 10 airbags available (8 of which are standard) including rear-seat side airbags. Yeeha! Them there’s some incredible safety features, cowpokes. (What? Oh, the twang. Sorry.)

Learning all this before actually setting foot in the car primes me for a great experience. The second I drive the ES350, I pretty much want one. I’m the first to admit I’m a bit of a pushover for a nice car, but who isn’t? There are no glaring blind spots. The car is fast, responsive, and quiet. An incredible sound system and very easy-to-use navigation system ease my nerves about driving the car in unfamiliar territory.

I am sad that I don’t have an opportunity to take this car on a long test drive with the kids. I am sure I would have loved the ES350 equally at the grocery store, pre-school, picnics at the park, and the trip to and from the local amusement park. I know she would have proved her worth as a mom-mobile. Until someone throws up on that perforated leather after too many funnel cakes and roller coaster rides, that is. Maybe it’s because I don’t have the kids along that I’m kind of enamored with the Lexus ES350 (kind of like how I can go to a really lame movie for a girls night out and still love it since I’m having a kid-free night). Maybe that’s why it seems so luxurious. Whatever the case may be, I’m here to tell y’all, don’t mess with Lexus. I have a sneaking suspicion they will prove their worth with the ES350 every time.

*For more information on the Lexus ES350 and its safety features visit Cars.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

LATCH Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair – Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair – Great

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times