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At what point can a car be considered fine art?

I’m not suggesting Lexus ES 300 should hang in the Louvre. But as an outstanding example of the carmaker’s craft, it’s most certainly worthy of attention in recent years.

Artful designs is apparent in the sleek new body of the ES 300, which has been totally restyled for improved aerodynamics as well as aesthetics.

Inside the passenger compartment, you will find a whole new world of luxury. The cabin itself is roomier and trimmed in leather of a quality that’s normally reserved for sedans costing far more. Run your hand along the sculptured contours of the driver’s seat-the seams almost feel hand stitched. Burled walnut accents adorn the dashboard, the console and the door panels.

Sophisticated sound absorption technology creates a hushed atmosphere, in the quietest ES 300 cabin ever. But, with the option of a Mark Levinson Premium Sound System, one of the finest audio systems possible, you may find quiet moments an all-too-rare occurrence.

In their effort to engage all of your senses, Lexus engineers haven’t overlooked the most important one: your sense of safety. To that end, a new, three-stage driver’s-side airbags have been added, which help provide protection in the event of a severe frontal or side-impact collision.

Admittedly, ES 300 is not the kind of art you simply want to sit in front of and admire. This automobile calls out to be driven. And with a 210-horsepower V6 engine mated to a new, five-speed automatic transmission, it could certainly qualify as performance art.

But perhaps the question we posed earlier is best answered by yet another question.

What better place to mull over what passes for art these days than behind the wheel of an automobile that has the power to move you?