At the track, the ES is no rocket, but it's not supposed to be either. Its performance is about dead center of the midsize sedan pack. But with a 0-60 time of 8.15 sec, you'd still be able to easily get out ahead of most of the sport/utility-driving commuters at a stoplight. Even with the hardware updates, the car's horsepower and torque numbers don't change. But maybe they should: Both the '02 Infiniti I35 and Acura TL Type S will be packing 260 horses. Still, the ES delivers wholly adequate, ultra-smooth performance that's appropriate to its mission as a luxo cruiser, not a racer.
The ES' unibody is close to flawless when it comes to the structural solidity and quietness that contribute largely to its, or any car's, comfort level. Rubber-isolated subframes in the front and rear convincingly separate the cabin from the powertrain and suspension vibrations. And that makes for creamy driving behavior that truly rivals that of top prestige sedans. This car is a lesson to all who say you can't get first-rate rolling quiet with MacPherson struts in both front and back. With a flick of the switch, the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension actually offers an even higher level of sensory deprivation by varying the shock damping rates based on surface conditions, vehicle speed, driver steering and brake inputs, and body movement. Our tester turned in a VSC-monitored slalom speed of 60.6 mph, which is plenty good given this sedan's heavy ride-comfort bias and nondefeatable stability system.
Another nice driving surprise is the excellent boost rate and precision of the power rack-and-pinion steering. Generally, steering systems suffer serious compromises in pleasant-riding sedans. But not here. The brake pedal is also nicely linear in response and calls on larger front discs this year with dual-piston calipers. The standard four-wheel discs yielded a stop in 123 ft from 60 mph. That compares with the 131 posted by a Buick LeSabre, 128 by a Cadillac Catera, and 114 by a Mercedes C320.
The ES 300's interior styling is perfectly gorgeous, and its execution nearly flawless. The California walnut trim on the wheel, dash, console, and doors looks miles deep and is smooth as glass. Accenting it, and the rich leather upholstery, are tasteful bright points of chrome on the dash and door handles. An optional power rear sunshade helps keep things cool. Other goodies include optional navigation and Mark Levinson premium audio, dual-zone climate control, and two-level heated seats. We do, however, have some minor quibbles with the needless complexity of the electronic controls and screen shared by the HVAC, navigation, and sound. The trunk is adequately sized, nicely finished, and packs a full-size spare on an alloy rim.
The '02 ES 300 is a slick piece. Its velvety mechanical refinement and ride are unmatched in the $30,000-plus price range. It offers the luxury accoutrements and feature levels buyers have come to appreciate and expect in the mid-level lux category. Although the target customers may need some time to get used to the avant garde front-end created in the company's Japanese design studios, the new ES 300 is definitely an entry-lux knockout.