LexusTechSA
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View the original article postLimited to Japan for the time being.
The last 2 photos are horizontally mirrored, see Lexus logo and license plate.
Someone an explanation for this?
The worst part is not their lack of innovation, but them keeping so many of the cool features JDM-only. And that's something they have been doing since the Bubble Era.
In the case of the outside rearview cameras in lieu of mirrors, part of the problem is that they are still illegal in the United States. The laws as written require an actual, physical mirror. Both Audi (whose outside cameras in the upcoming e-tron SUV are also banned here) and Lexus have petitioned NHTSA for a change in the laws, but they don't seem to be coming anytime soon.The worst part is not their lack of innovation, but them keeping so many of the cool features JDM-only. And that's something they have been doing since the Bubble Era.
What bothers me about Toyota at Lexus is a failure to execute a proper top down approach to their model range. There's no reason why the RAV4 has more equipment in some areas than the facelifted NX. This company has the ability to innovate for its brands, but has slowed down at times in some senses.
My only anger is, since WHEN did the ES become the Lexus flagship? Wasn't the LS supposed to debut this originally? Why are they behaving like the LS is some CLS type niche model and the ES is a (successful) RLX-type FWD flagship?
This is the new Lexus, for better or worse, and sales in the USA validate the strategy. Dealerships are struggling with the LS & LC (both of which have distinct personalities that require some salesperson storytelling), especially when they're used to the ES & RX flying off the lots. Add the fact that no one wants a car in this market, and there's little reason to debut new tech on the two $75k+ flagships.
Honestly, the new ES could be the best selling luxury sedan in the country (excellent design, modern features, exceptional price point).
What bothers me about Toyota at Lexus is a failure to execute a proper top down approach to their model range. There's no reason why the RAV4 has more equipment in some areas than the facelifted NX. This company has the ability to innovate for its brands, but has slowed down at times in some senses.
All of this is true, it's just hard to watch and seems to speak to the fact that LS was either over baked, half baked or something else. ES debuts with CarPlay, Alexa, digital side mirrors, and soon, a better (torque vectoring) AWD system. Notice that LS reviews were plagued with media complaints about infotainment, but on ES, it seemed to be a footnote at best. Digital side mirrors are just plain cool and would have been a notable feature for LS debut.
I understand the rapid pace of progress in this industry, but for the amount of time it took to come to market and the fact that it costs double the ES, the LS should have really debuted all of these things first.
I would not spend my own money to buy:
ES over Camry
GS over Camry
RX over Highlander
NX over 2019 Rav4
LX over Land Cruiser
RC over Supra
Not really.
It has nothing to do with LS or ES or NX. TMC puts technology like this inside vehicle when it is available.
Digital rearview mirrors were available when ES is coming out, as such they could do engineering on that vehicle for it. For LS, it has to wait until refresh.
Same goes for CarPlay.
Do you really think they should have delayed these features until LS first had them?
Same goes for AWD... do you think Lexus LS should not have had AWD because year later they are building some torque vectoring setup for ES?
By that account, any innovation in Lexus can only happen every 3-4 years when LS is refreshed.
They are reserving things like 500 and 500h for LS/LC, but other minor things will certainly not wait, nor should they.