2010 Lexus ES350 Facelift with Mild Cosmetic Revisions and Interior Enhancements Officially Revealed

Apparently it's that time of the year for Lexus. Only days after the unveiling of the gently facelifted LS and GS model series in Frankfurt, the Japanese luxury firm rolled out the North American market 2010 ES350 sedan. For the new model year, the ES350, which is nothing more than a tarted-up Toyota Camry, receives some minor cosmetic tweaks in the form of a more prominent grille with additional chrome surroundings, reworked headlamps and tail lights, a new front bumper with revised lower intake and integrated fog lamps and chrome body side moldings.

The newly designed 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a split five-spoke design and four new exterior colors (Truffle Mica, Peridot Mica, Satin Cashmere Metallic and Cerulean Blue Metallic) complete the exterior updates.

Inside, the ES350 facelift gets new steering wheel controls, updated trim choices and driver's seat memory while the revised center console now offers more storage volume than before. Other changes include the rear coat hooks and an Eco Drive indicator that are now standard across the range while all models come equipped with a total of 10 standard airbags thanks to the addition of new rear seat-mounted side airbags.

Finally, Lexus updated the audio packages and added a new hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system to the ES350's optional equipment list.

There are no changes under the hood as the ES 350 continues to be offered with an aluminum 3.5-liter V6 producing 272 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. Power is transfered to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission

The revised 2010 ES 350 sedan will arrive at U.S. dealerships later this month priced from $35,675 (including delivery, processing and handling fee) which represents an increase of $330 or 0.9 percent over the 2009MY.