Amazon Alexa Coming to Select U.S. Lexus Vehicles in 2018


The Amazon Alexa voice service will be coming to select Lexus vehicles in the USA this year, as announced today at CES in Las Vegas, with more models offering the service in 2019.

Details are sparse right now, including which vehicles will get the Alexa update. One pre-requisite is the Enform 2.0 App Suite infotainment system, which has been available on every navigation-equipped Lexus in the USA since the launch of the 2013 GS.

Update: My mistake, Enform App Suite 2.0 is only available on the 2018 Lexus LC, NX, RC, RC F, and LS.

This feature will allow Toyota and Lexus customers in the United States to interact with Alexa in the car — here are some quotes from executives today:

“Voice services are rapidly becoming more popular and through our integration with Amazon Alexa, Toyota and Lexus customers will soon be able to easily speak to Alexa in their cars while on-the-go,” said Zack Hicks, senior vice president and chief information officer of Toyota Motor North America and chief executive officer and president of Toyota Connected.

“We’re thrilled that Toyota and Lexus will bring Alexa to customers on the road,” said John Scumniotales, head of product for Amazon Alexa Automotive. “Our vision for Alexa is that she should be everywhere a customer might need her – at home, in the office, on phones – and in cars. This integration means that customers can interact with Alexa, virtually anywhere they drive.”

Tech
Comments
SIRI and Apple carplay would be a better choice.
Enform debuted in 2013, but Enform 2.0 was launched with the 2018 LC :)

I would much rather see Apple Carplay than Alexa. I'm an iPhone user but have no plans to buy any of the Amazon AI.

Ray99
SIRI and Apple carplay would be a better choice.
You can use Siri in newer Lexus vehicles by pushing and holding the off-hook phone button on the steering wheel instead of voice commands button.
Looking forward to trying it on my 2018 NX!!!
ThePenguin
Enform debuted in 2013, but Enform 2.0 was launched with the 2018 LC :)

I would much rather see Apple Carplay than Alexa. I'm an iPhone user but have no plans to buy any of the Amazon AI.
Ray99
SIRI and Apple carplay would be a better choice.
Alexa, update my radio with Carplay and Android Auto
ThePenguin
Enform debuted in 2013, but Enform 2.0 was launched with the 2018 LC :)
You're absolutely right, my mistake. Enform has only debuted in Canada last year, so I'm unfamiliar with the tech myself.

To be clear, Enform App Suite 2.0 is only available on the 2018 Lexus LC, NX, RC, RC F, and LS.

K