What is Lexus Drive Connect?

As in-vehicle technology continues to evolve, automakers are introducing new systems to make it easier for owners to interact with their vehicles. One such system is Lexus Drive Connect. The Japanese luxury automaker's latest-generation multimedia platform includes a comprehensive list of entertainment, convenience, and connectivity features.

The subscription-based offering combines app technology with an Intelligent Assistant voice-recognition system to deliver a safer, better, and more enjoyable driving experience. The primary components of Lexus Drive Connect are Remote Connect, Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Cloud Navigation with Destination Assist. This article provides an overview of each element and how they work together to enhance the Lexus ownership and drive experience.

Remote Connect

Remote Connect allows the driver to interface with their Lexus even when it's not in sight. This system grants control of a wide array of vehicle functions from a distance using a smartphone and the Lexus App, from locking and unlocking the doors to monitoring a guest driver. Owners must download the Lexus App and enroll in Connected Services to use the system. Here are the main features of Remote Connect:

• Engine Start/Stop—Starts and stops your engine from a distance. It also heats or cools the interior with remote climate controls.
• Door Lock/Unlock—Locks and unlocks vehicle doors from a distance for easier entry and exit
• Status of Windows/Moonroof—Checks whether windows and moonroof are open or closed
• Last Parked Location—Finds the vehicle's location when parked on a crowded street or in a large parking facility
• Guest Driver Setting—Monitors guest drivers and sends notifications if they exceed pre-set limits, such as maximum speed. This is ideal when there is a teenage driver in the house.
• Smartwatch Compatibility—Operates when you pair the Lexus App with a compatible Apple Watch or Android Wear device
• Home-to-Vehicle Management with Alexa or Google Assistant—Starts/stops your car, locks/unlocks your doors, and checks your car's fuel level from home using the Lexus Skill for Amazon Alexa or the Lexus Action for Google Assistant

Safety Connect

Another component of Lexus Drive Connect is Safety Connect. It provides peace of mind and makes the driving experience more secure. With this feature, Emergency SOS Assistance and Enhanced Roadside Assistance are just the push of a button away. Whether as simple as a flat tire or as urgent as a collision, live 24/7 service is there to answer your call for any situation, using built-in cellular and GPS technology. Here are the main features of Safety Connect:

• Emergency Assistance (SOS)—When an emergency arises, press the SOS button to dispatch first responders to your location
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance—Have roadside assistance sent directly to your vehicle's exact location
• Automatic Collision Notification—Automatically calls for help should your airbags ever deploy or if the system detects a severe rear-end collision
• Stolen-Vehicle Locator—Should your Lexus ever be stolen, this feature can work with local authorities to help with its recovery

Service Connect

With Service Connect, owners can keep their Lexus in peak condition with access to warning light notifications and vehicle health reports. On-demand vehicle health reports and maintenance alerts inform and enable the driver to take proactive steps regarding service needs. Here are the main features of Service Connect:

• Vehicle Health Reports—Allows access to the vehicle's recall notices, service campaign information, and requests to receive vehicle health reports
• Warning Lights—If a warning light appears in the instrument panel, this feature will automatically send a notification to the Lexus App, the vehicle's touchscreen display, and a vehicle health report
• Service Connect Communication—Allows the option to provide the preferred servicing dealer with vehicle health and maintenance alerts, allowing the dealer to communicate directly with the owner should a service need for the vehicle arise

Cloud Navigation with Destination Assist

Cloud navigation is a more innovative, integrated way to get the driver where they need to go. As the name implies, cloud navigation uses the vehicle's data communications module to stay connected and up-to-date. The system checks for new infrastructure data twice monthly, allowing for real-time traffic results, accurate ETA information, enhanced map and point-of-interest (POI) content, and Intelligent Assistant integration.

Even if the system is offline, onboard navigation functionality remains available, although it may limit POI information. However, if the system detects an upcoming loss of connectivity along the route, it can download map information in advance.

Owners can access navigation at any point by selecting the location icon in the menu bar. On the map screen, several icons are available to customize the view, including switching between 2D and 3D, zooming in and out, recentering the map to the vehicle, and reorienting the map with north at the top. A "More Options" icon will allow drivers to enable or disable live traffic and call Destination Assist, which provides 24/7 access to a live agent when the driver needs a restaurant reservation, local points of interest, or a business address. This feature connects with a live response center agent who will find the requested information and send the location to the navigation system.

Another way to search for a destination is by using the wake-up phrase, "Hey, Lexus," or selecting the microphone icon on the screen to activate the Intelligent Assistant voice-recognition feature. Now, using natural language, tell Intelligent Assistant where you'd like to go, and it will return a list of results. You can further refine and organize the list by tapping the filter icon. Then say, "Go now." 

At this point, the route will begin, with the screen displaying turn-by-turn directions and an ETA.

The driver can also ask Intelligent Assistant for a list of destinations or select one from the listening pop-up. This will show a list of destinations, including saved addresses, recent searches, and "choose POI" categories. If you prefer, you can still search for a destination manually with the onscreen keyboard. To do this, tap the keyboard function on the listening screen.

Summary

Lexus Drive Connect integrates many features and systems to make the driving experience more immersive and connected in an organic and intuitive way. The result enhances safety, convenience, and enjoyment on the road for the driver and passengers alike.

Jessica Shea Choksey is an experienced writer in the automotive field. In addition to JDPower.com, she was a correspondent for PBS's MotorWeek. Her work has also appeared in AutoTrader.

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