Lex5150

Hi everyone,

Is Lexus behind Infinity in their tech package? I notice the new G35's have real time traffic, a 9.3 GB internal hard drive, a more comprehensive voice activated control panal system which will also control nav, climate, stereo and bluetooth. Infinity has a compact flash slot to add songs and update the nav system. Also the 08 Infinities are supposed to have a true ipod jack where you can control the ipod from the nav screen. Not to mention their nav system is 3D. From what I understand Lexus lacks all of these. Am I wrong? thanks!

MoLexus

Its Infiniti. I wouldn't say they are ahead but they released the new G sedan a year in a half after the IS. I would expect Lexus to add those options in 08 or 09.

wolverine

iTrader: (9)

well maybe in th next couple years there will be an update. lexus dont usually update thier cars as much as infiniti.

jdanon

Those features are not that significant, and I'm personally not buying the car because of the navigation screen or the complexity of the control panel. That is only a small part of the car. I really don't think it will make that much difference to prospective buyers because if you're in the market for a Lexus, you're in the market for a Lexus, not an Infiniti. Would those very minor differences sway you from buying a Lexus?

encore888

Infiniti's top car is the G35 (well one of its 2 cars, not SUVs). Acura as well has more of an entry-level up strategy, implementing real-time traffic on RDX up.

Lexus has put the real time traffic, 30 GB HDD with song capability, etc. on the new LS. I think all Lexus voice command systems now control NAVI, climate, stereo, and bluetooth. However, Lexus does not plan to add flash capability thus far, or iPod controls--company philosophy is to not align too closely with certain technologies for fear of obsolescence.

I believe the IS may one day get the real-time traffic like in the LS, and other features which are already included in the Japan market IS (such as HDD, IIRC). However I doubt Lexus will introduce a 3D NAVI. It seems cool but practically speaking, 3D does not add much value to navigation and may actually make it more confusing to some people.

l1tech

I am waiting for the day that I have to reprogram or replace somebodys module because they downloaded a virus into their car....it's coming

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Lexus always gives the LS it's new technology first. It then trickles down to the other sedans in a couple of years.

The IS will soon get the technology. Lexus just wants to maintain the hype and technology on its flagship as long as it can (until something better comes along).

Too bad Infiniti's savior is the G35, instead of a true flagship a luxury marque needs...

ben_r_

Exactly... Thats what I was thinking. Im sure the next gen IS will have those things too, Nissan just got to it first on an in between gen with Lexus.

RocketGuy3

iTrader: (1)

It's true that the IS doesn't have any of those features. Really wish it did... but I'll live.

IS_NIICE

iTrader: (1)

of course it's ahead, it's a newer vehicle. it succeeds the IS by nearly two years. the IS truly is becoming dated, it was manufactured to compete with the 330i, which it blew out of the water, but now there's the 335i being compared to the IS350. the IS is becoming outdated compared to its competitors--in speed first and now it looks like functionality. trust me if lexus wants to hold the market, theyll do something.

ba-b4

stuff like onboard nav's and hard drives are parts of a car that become the most quickly outdated. At a rate in which it almost doesn't make sense to get the NAV when even cell phones are becoming just as capable functionality wise.

tt061880

You are right, please go buy an Infinity

knihc2008

iTrader: (1)

I have heard from multiple reviews that it is the new C-class that is the class leader in terms of tech. This confuses me as it doenst' seem to add all that much to the package.

lexboi250

iTrader: (10)

I would buy a lexus over infiniti any day

k_dizzle

Lexus>infiniti = nuff said.........