baddestdad

My recently acquired LS500 has Lexus Safety System + A. On my first road trip I decided to utilize the lane keeping and tracing functions on the interstates because it is on these high speed highways that driver inattentiveness often occurs with occasionally serious, sometimes fatal consequences. The "+ A" is the most highly evolved form of the Lexus Safety System and so I expected its performance to match or exceed the performance of the similar functions of Tesla Enhanced Autopilot, which I have used for two years now. Regrettably, the Lexus is grossly subpar compared to the Tesla. The objective of the lane keeping and tracing functions is to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. Yet, even on straight stretches of highway with good lane markings, I found my LS500 wandering from side to side within the lane and sometimes outside the lane before being automatically steered back toward the center of the lane. Sometimes the Lexus just kept exiting the lane despite good road markings and would have left the road had I not intervened. This happened frequently enough that I began to realize that by depending on the system to increase safety, I was quite possibly increasing the risk of accident by using it. While the Tesla's performance is not perfect, it is so much better than the Lexus that I consider it to be in a class by itself. While the Tesla wanders somewhat within the lane it never veers as far as the boundary, so I feel secure overtaking 18 wheelers with the system on and have done it many many times.

Besides the dangerous lane wandering of the Lexus, my LS500 has yet to take evasive action when another vehicle approaches too closely, for example when there is a lot of traffic with vehicles changing lanes or entering from on ramps. In contrast, the Tesla always takes evasive action, usually by braking. One other quirk that I've encountered with the LS500 is an occasional failure to slow down when approaching a stopped car with DRCC engaged. Once again, the Tesla has never failed in the same circumstance.

I'm wondering if my LS500 is defective or if my experience with the Lexus Safety System is typical. I'd welcome input.

LexRuger

I don’t think your car is defective. The autopilot in the Tesla is one of the best, if not the best systems in a car. Lexus has never been a leader in technology.

for comparison, I’ve driven a 2017 s class Mercedes with distronic plus and it wasn’t any better than the ls.

Toys4RJill

The new LS can self drive for 10 seconds, will also change lanes when you flick the signals. Any different than the S class?

LexRuger

The LS doesn't change lanes. At least not in the United States. I never tried it on the S-Class.

baddestdad

When using DRCC, the LS500 with the +A option does change lanes when the turn signal is depressed halfway. Have done it often.

LexRuger

Ive tried several times and it never worked. I'll give it a try again.

faifai83

Do you have the +A package?

LexRuger

Yea. Everything except the executive package.

faifai83

Do you have the adaptive headlights, air suspension, and the heads up display too?

LexRuger

Sure do...I must not be doing it correctly

JAM

I have the 2018 LS, the turn signal does not move vehicle to next lane. The 2020 LS 500 has that option now with the +A and Safety. Not sure about the 2019-may have it too.

LexRuger

Ahh thank you. I don't feel stupid now. If I recall, other countries have the feature but not the US. Other countries get more advanced headlights and sequential turn signals

pmichaelmd

The 2019 LS does have the turn signal-induced lane change with DRCC activated and safety A+ activated. I have used it as well.
My experience with the lane centering is the same as above, it is somewhat poor in comparison to that of other manufacturers. My Audi A6 did it much better, as does my Palisade. My Navigator was actually worse than the LS. My sons’ new Optima and Altima both do it better than the LS. I guess it is a work in progress and Lexus has some catching up to do.
Still a great car, though.

jefmedia

It absolutely changes lanes. You have to hold the turn signal down half way for about a second, you will hear a beep, then see the arrow on the heads up as it moves over.

aypues

They added this feature starting in model year 2019. Check the press releases and vehicle info by year.