By: Joshua Lee
November 24, 2025
There’s a warm, familiar hush to the Lexus ES350: a measured V6, cushioned suspension, and a cabin that seems designed to make time slow down. The 2025 ES350 Black Line Special Edition takes that temperament and dresses it in something a little more assertive. Black mirror caps, a black rear lip spoiler, lower rocker panels, subtle puddle lamps, and darkened trim give the ES the sort of visual attitude its ride rarely betrays. Our Ultra White tester features 19-inch F SPORT alloy wheels, F SPORT puddle lamps, an adaptive front lighting system and premium triple-beam LED headlamps. It’s a tasteful dose of drama rather than a full personality transplant, and for buyers who want a sedan that speaks quietly but gets noticed, it’s an effective look package.
Under the hood, the ES350 remains conservative but competent. The 302 horsepower naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 makes 267 lb-ft of torque which is smooth, linear and willing enough to accelerate highway traffic. The eight-speed automatic isn’t the quickest gearbox in the world, although it complements the car’s refined character beautifully. Downshifts are deliberate, not abrupt, and power delivery is clean from idle to redline. In everyday driving, the result is immediate refinement. The engine is subdued at cruising speeds, yet there’s usable shove when you dial in the throttle. The F SPORT Handling package makes the ES as composed as it’s ever been. The adaptive dampers firm up quickly through corners, keeping body roll minimal without sacrificing ride comfort. Steering is accurate and well weighted, though a little light on feel.
Comfort is where the ES still earns its keep. Even with the F SPORT Handling setup, ride quality remains composed over broken pavement. Lexus has tuned the suspension to isolate irregularities and keep high-frequency thumps out of the cabin. The Circuit Red F SPORT Nuluxe seats are broad and supportive with eight-way power adjustments for both driver and passenger. The Black Line Special Edition layers in unique interior touches. The F SPORT steering wheel and shift knob, dark trim pieces and a special door switch plate add to a cohesive, slightly darker ambiance that complements the exterior without feeling gimmicky. For long drives, the ES350 continues to be one of the more relaxing seats-in-the-house experiences.
The latest Lexus Interface infotainment system, shown on a crisp 12.3-inch touchscreen, is worlds better than the outgoing touchpad setup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does a suite of driver assists under the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 umbrella. Optional highlights include a panoramic view monitor, head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system that still ranks among the best in the segment.
If you’re betting on fuel economy, remember this is the top gas model in the ES lineup. Lexus rates the ES350 at 10.7L/100km city, 7.3L/100km highway for a combined 9.2L/100km. The ES350 starts at $57,357.58. Add $11,177 for the Black Line Special Edition and the total comes to $68,534.58 including taxes.
The ES is aging well, and the Black Line Special Edition is a refinement-first proposition: a car for buyers who prize quiet, tactile luxury and comfortable long-distance manners but who also want a little visual edge and sharper handling than the base model. It doesn’t win on radical driving thrills or the lowest fuel bills, although it keeps delivering what it has always done well: a composed highway ride, solid build quality and a calming interior.
The ES design is approaching a transition. Lexus has debuted a redesign for the ES family which means the 2025 model is one of the last iterations of the current generation. If you value immediate refinement and the current car’s proven strengths, the Black Line is a satisfying stepping stone.
