Lexus Announces Partnership With Amazon Using Near-Autonomous Electric Luxury Vehicle Technologies

Today Lexus stunned the automotive world by announcing several major technological upgrades and world firsts based upon their flagship LS Hybrid. The LS600hLP is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model, combining the LS600hL’s unrivaled AWD hybrid drive with the ability to plug the luxury car in for significantly improved all electric operation.

Lexus claims a whopping increase in range of up to 650% beyond current capabilities of the standard LS600hL model. Speeds of the new LS600hLP are reported to be ‘up to 78 mph’ in all electric mode as well. Besides obvious fuel savings, the almost silent operation of the vehicle only enhances the luxury experience. When not in EV mode, the silky 5.0L V8 propels the flagship.

Lexus has long been known for automated safety features such as advanced pedestrian detection and semi-autonomous functions such as lane keep assist. Now Lexus brings autonomous highway driving to the flagship LS600hLP. Beyond normal radar cruise control, the new Lexus model is able to steer, change lanes, stop upon hazard detection, and slow to approach exits automatically. It does require that hands are applied or ‘near’ the steering wheel at least once every two minutes, and the vehicle monitors the driver’s eye movements to confirm that the vehicle operator is sufficiently attentive to the road. During heavy traffic, the semi-autonomous mode is largely disabled.

Here’s where the story gets really interesting. In partnership with technology leader Amazon, Lexus has enabled the new flagship LS600hLP to communicate and respond to drivers using a built-in version of Amazon’s home automation Echo device. Now you can just ask Echo to ‘start the Lexus’ and ‘back the Lexus out of the garage’ for example. Fully connected, the driver can call up a bevy of entertainment and information to the large screens both in front or for a rear passenger with a second content source. Your vehicle content can be seamlessly transferred to your home Amazon devices upon arrival. Other more pedestrian example activities include ‘set the Lexus radio to news’, ‘turn on the Lexus defrost mode’, and ‘set Lexus navigation destination to office’.

These world firsts demonstrate Lexus’ commitment to innovation, safety, and luxury. They also provide a more seamless experience from an owner’s home, to their Lexus, to their destination. The LS600hLP will be available to consumers in 4Q 2017.