Lexus confirms smartphone mirroring rollout plans

LEXUS Australia has detailed its rollout plans for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, with smartphone mirroring to become available on seven of its models by the end of the year, while some recent buyers will be offered a retrofit.

As of this month, all examples of the NX mid-size SUV, LS upper-large sedan and RC and LC sportscars sold come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support as standard, while the UX small SUV will get the upgrade in December.

However, buyers will have to pay more for the privilege of smartphone mirroring, with range-wide pricing for the NX and LS up $300 and $250 respectively, while the RC and LC are now $150 dearer. The UX’s revised cost is yet to be announced.

That said, smartphone mirroring is not limited to new owners, as those with examples of the LC and UX are eligible for a retrofit alongside others with examples of the NX (September 1, 2017), LS (January 8, 2018) and RC (November 27, 2017) built from a certain date.

Offered via Lexus Australia’s dealer network, the $249 retrofit is now available for all of the aforementioned models as well as examples of the ES mid-size sedan built from July 4, 2018. However, UX owners will have to wait until December 1 for it.

Either way, the retrofit – which requires a software update for the infotainment system – can take place during a scheduled service, and if it does not, it takes about an hour to complete on average.

As reported, the facelifted RX large SUV entered showrooms on October 2 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, while the ES gained it around the same time.

As such, the CT small hatch, IS mid-size sedan, GS large sedan and LX upper-large SUV are now left as the only models in Lexus Australia’s line-up without smartphone mirroring, with all waiting for an upgraded infotainment system to usher it in.

Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support ensures that owners now have the widest choice of infotainment options available.

“From detailed audio systems to rich widescreen displays, the latest smartphone integration further adds to a complete technology suite that Lexus customers love,” he said.

Toyota Australia announced similar rollout plans earlier this month for new and recently purchased vehicles, although its retrofit option for the latter costs $50 less than that of Lexus Australia, at $199. Comparatively, Mazda Australia charges about $500.