Lexus has confirmed that Apple CarPlay®1 and Android Auto™2 compatibility will become standard on eight model lines, and a number of existing owners will be supported by a comprehensive smartphone integration dealer-upgrade programme.
From October, all grades of the medium ES sedan and large RX SUV have been updated to include the technology that allows owners access to their smartphone apps directly through the vehicle’s multimedia system3 as standard.
From 1 November, the medium NX SUV, flagship LS sedan, and sports RC, RC F and LC coupes will also receive Apple CarPlay®1 and Android Auto™2 compatibility as standard.
Following this upgrade, recommended retail prices for the NX and LS have increased by $300 and $250 respectively, and the RC, RC F and LC have increased by $150 range-wide.
All existing LC owners, and new-generation LS (production 8 January, 2018, onwards) and ES (production 4 July, 2018, onwards) owners, can also now upgrade their existing vehicles to incorporate enhanced smartphone integration via a dealer-installed software update for a one-off $249.
Owners of RC and RC F models built from 27 November, 2017, and NX models built from 1 September, 2017, onwards, will also have access to the same dealer-upgrade programme for the same cost.
Owners can choose to implement the dealer-upgrade programme – which takes about 60 minutes – during a scheduled service, taking advantage of Lexus hospitality that includes vehicle collection and drop-off from an owner’s home or workplace.
From 1 December, the compact UX SUV will also include enhanced smartphone integration as standard, with revised pricing to be announced. Every existing UX owner will then be eligible for the dealer-upgrade programme.
Lexus chief executive Scott Thompson said the smartphone integration upgrades ensured customers gained access to the widest choice of multimedia options.
“From detailed audio systems to rich widescreen displays, the latest smartphone integration further adds to a complete technology suite that Lexus customers love,” Mr Thompson said.
The latest addition further enhances the functionality on the high-resolution 10.3-inch widescreen display included in the UX, NX, RC, RC F and LS, and the 12.3-inch display in the ES, RX and LS.
Every UX comes standard with satellite navigation, voice control, DAB+4, and eight-speaker audio including 16cm subwoofer.
Befitting their flagship status in the Lexus line-up, the LC and LS add to their sophisticated multimedia systems with an 8.0-inch digital driver display and Mark Levinson™6 audio (13-speaker for LC and 23-speaker for LS).