I got 02 and 06 RL and end up with 11 ES 350 Lexus to replace 02 since I got it cheap.But I am sad to part with 02 since it is still nice car but needs overhaul.But Lexus is not as fancy as RL,its comfy but feels more like plush Camry while RL feels like car itself built like tank.I dont know why people claim Lexus is superior. Its nice car but RL is sportier and feels like class itself,seems like LS is more like RL than ES.

 

I have always found that you get far more value in an Acura than you do in a LEXUS.....dollar for dollar. True for the last 25 years.

 

Yes,06 RL has individual tire pressure monitor and 11 Lexus does not and only shows generic value which also mulfunctions.RL weighs 500lbs more than ES which shows difference in materials and build.

 

At least half that mass is the SH-AWD unit - it's what makes the RLegendo irreplaceable!

 

Yeah,I am not impressed with Lexus.It is more quiet and comfy but has cheap sound system,spongy brakes which everyone complains about it,its more on level of TL not RL.Now I discover it has likely poor shocks so when I load car with AC back feels lower and on start I have to press gas gently,it feels like it is hesitating bit in front end (apparently what cars do when they have bad rear shocks).
Funny I have 2002 RL with low brakes and unkept and shocks are still strong and brakes better than newer Lexus with better brakes.

 

Unfair to judge all of Lexus based on a comparison of the RL and the ES, and I say that as someone who's owned both. The Lexus equivalent to the RL was the now-extinct AWD GS. As you've figured out, the ES is a less premium car. But that makes sense, because adjusted for inflation, the RL was much costlier.

The short version: If you want a car as premium as the RL, fix your RL.