Lexus Connected Services roll-out completed

LEXUS Australia now offers its Lexus Connected Services suite of technologies across the entire model range with the LC Coupe and LC Convertible the last to receive the upgrade.

Lexus Connected Services was first introduced in Australia in late 2020 with the IS sports sedan series. Lexus Australia says its availability and functionality have increased steadily across the current range ever since, giving customers the “peace of mind knowing emergency services are on the way in the event of a serious crash, or their vehicle may be tracked if stolen”.

The technology suite is facilitated by the fitment of a Data Communication Module (DCM) integrated into the vehicle when it stays connected to a mobile network, allowing real-time communication between vehicle and owner or third-party call centres. Its priority is the protection and wellbeing of occupants with Automatic Collision Notification.

In the event that a connected Lexus vehicle’s impact sensor is triggered, or if an airbag is deployed, the Connected Services DCM is designed to automatically trigger a call to a Lexus call centre, who will then speak with the vehicle's occupants and send emergency services if required.

Alternatively, the SOS Emergency Call to a Lexus call centre may be manually enabled by pressing an SOS button inside the vehicle, should occupants require emergency assistance from police, fire, or ambulance.

Further, if a connected Lexus vehicle is stolen then the Stolen Vehicle Tracking feature is designed to use the DCM to trace its location, assisting authorities in finding it.

Owners may also use the Lexus Connected smartphone app to access a suite of vehicle status information including odometer readings, fuel level and remaining range, recent trip information and the vehicle’s last known location.

Additionally, owners may remotely check whether the doors, windows, boot, and bonnet are opened or closed; or if their Lexus is locked or unlocked, with the app able to send notification alerts if a setting has been breached.

Other information including tyre pressure readings and vehicle health checks may also be accessed; the vehicle also able to send alerts to owners if certain speeds or distances are exceeded if the car is loaned or left in the care of valet parking.

Lexus Connected Services also offers a Drive Pulse feature designed to take G-force readings for acceleration, braking and cornering to help a driver to assess their driving behaviour. Certain Lexus models are also equipped with Lexus Remote features, which are designed to allow owners to remotely lock and unlock the doors, start and stop the ignition, turn on the headlights and horn and even operate the climate control, via the Lexus Connected app.

The technology suite offers further capabilities for owners of Lexus Electrified models, including the RZ, UX 300e and NX 450h+, including the ability to locate the nearest EV charging station, and manage the charging schedules and status of their electric traction battery.

Lexus Connected Services-enabled multimedia features such as cloud-based connected navigation may provide nearest fuel locations (as well as charging stations for BEVs and PHEVs), live traffic updates, parking information and location services. Other multimedia features include vehicle personalisation, first- and last-mile routing and enhanced voice recognition capabilities.

All vehicles equipped with Connected Multimedia now may also receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates, providing greater convenience with the latest features.

All new Lexus vehicles gain a complimentary three-year subscription to Lexus Connected Services from delivery date, after which a yearly subscription fee may apply. SOS Emergency Call and Automatic Collision Notification remain complimentary when the vehicle is connected to an enabled service network.

“To put it simply, we are committed to enriching the lives of Lexus customers throughout their ownership journey,” explained Lexus Australia chief executive, John Pappas.

“Whether it’s peace of mind with safety and vehicle security with Lexus Connected Services, personal touches such as collecting their Lexus for service, to exclusive offers and events delivered through our Lexus Encore owner benefits program.

“These initiatives are driven by our proud Japanese omotenashi tradition of aiming to please customers by anticipating their needs before they do. This is what Lexus means by making luxury personal.”