New NX300H Sport - Useless infotainment system

Runwaypimp · February 26, 2017

Hey guys, I'm new to Lexus. We have ordered a new Sonic Titanium Lexus 300H Sport (the rare one with the black wheels, Not F-Sport). Looks Great!

We pick it up in a few days once they fit the parking sensors.

Unfortunately I'm regretting my choice to the point I don't want the car. I'm obsessed with good tech & lexus didn't really make it clear how poor the infotainment system is. I was aware there is a Premium Navigation system out there but the Lexus website gives the impression this only adds online services or a BMW style concierge which I don't care for. I had no idea the Standard Nav system cuts the feature list & hardware down to something more worthy on the side of a fridge freezer.

Researching the Standard NAV isn't easy. It took days to find out what it can & can't do. Sadly, Its far worse than I could have ever imagined. I had too much faith in Lexus's reputation for quality to not rip me off.

In case you are wondering. Standard Nav is the one shown in the link below. Its very rare to see one in the wild as most videos focus on the Fsport & US Models.

https://youtu.be/FA4QMYfmSCo?t=1m41s

2017 Lexus Navigation System:

Worst UI design in the entire car industry - Its like a 1998 video game with a Cadbury's Dairy Milk backdrop. Was it designed in MS Paint?
Loud ugly mapping colours & horrid Fonts.
Slow frame rate & low DPI
Small Screen, no touch
Can't Browse Bluetooth Music Libraries. You'd have to switch albums using your phone interface. Unsafe while driving. USB works fine.
No 3D Map view. It has a fake 2.5d view which I believe is because of the low performance CPU/GPU.
No split screen views
No SMS/EMAIL read outs
No voice commands other than Phone calling
No Android or apple Car Play (Seriously, its 2017)
No NAV guidance on MFD.
No Compass on MFD
Only one USB Port.
No on/off button to turn the display off quickly without fumbling through menus. (good for night time)

My car model, The NX300H Sport, doesn't even have the premium nav as an option anyway. Anyone know why?

Powerful hardware good enough to power a basic 3D display is cheap these days. No excuse for 2d map views & poor graphics on a 34k car.

My 3.5 year old Hyundai I30 I traded in for this luxury car could manage most of the above with a bigger screen & faster visuals. Its heartbreaking to find out Lexus have found the cheapest old system, rotting in some warehouse in Japan, to install in my new car. I always knew I was compromising over an AUDI virtual cockpit or BMWs Idrive but I feel Lexus's marketing was crafty hiding all these missing features on the Standard Nav.

Is it possible to get out of the contract this early? I've paid a hefty deposit, signed the dotted line, PCP. I've not picked up the car yet.

Sorry to rant. I should note Lexus were great to deal with. Friendly guys. Great service. Its a shame they ruined such a increasingly important component in the car.

If they want to attract younger customers with the NX300H they need to address this Standard Nav. As it stands now, it's a great way to convince them to buy a AUDI or BMW.

Cheers George.

rayaans · February 26, 2017

9 hours ago, Runwaypimp said:

Hey guys, I'm new to Lexus. We have ordered a new Sonic Titanium Lexus 300H Sport (the rare one with the black wheels, Not F-Sport). Looks Great!

We pick it up in a few days once they fit the parking sensors.

Unfortunately I'm regretting my choice to the point I don't want the car. I'm obsessed with good tech & lexus didn't really make it clear how poor the infotainment system is. I was aware there is a Premium Navigation system out there but the Lexus website gives the impression this only adds online services or a BMW style concierge which I don't care for. I had no idea the Standard Nav system cuts the feature list & hardware down to something more worthy on the side of a fridge freezer.

Researching the Standard NAV isn't easy. It took days to find out what it can & can't do. Sadly, Its far worse than I could have ever imagined. I had too much faith in Lexus's reputation for quality to not rip me off.

In case you are wondering. Standard Nav is the one shown in the link below. Its very rare to see one in the wild as most videos focus on the Fsport & US Models.

https://youtu.be/FA4QMYfmSCo?t=1m41s

2017 Lexus Navigation System:

Worst UI design in the entire car industry - Its like a 1998 video game with a Cadbury's Dairy Milk backdrop. Was it designed in MS Paint?

Loud ugly mapping colours & horrid Fonts.

Slow frame rate & low DPI

Small Screen, no touch

Can't Browse Bluetooth Music Libraries. You'd have to switch albums using your phone interface. Unsafe while driving. USB works fine.

No 3D Map view. It has a fake 2.5d view which I believe is because of the low performance CPU/GPU.

No split screen views

No SMS/EMAIL read outs

No voice commands other than Phone calling

No Android or Apple Car Play (Seriously, its 2017)

No NAV guidance on MFD.

No Compass on MFD

Only one USB Port.

No on/off button to turn the display off quickly without fumbling through menus. (good for night time)

My car model, The NX300H Sport, doesn't even have the premium nav as an option anyway. Anyone know why?

Powerful hardware good enough to power a basic 3D display is cheap these days. No excuse for 2d map views & poor graphics on a 34k car.

My 3.5 year old Hyundai I30 I traded in for this luxury car could manage most of the above with a bigger screen & faster visuals. Its heartbreaking to find out Lexus have found the cheapest old system, rotting in some warehouse in Japan, to install in my new car. I always knew I was compromising over an AUDI virtual cockpit or BMWs Idrive but I feel Lexus's marketing was crafty hiding all these missing features on the Standard Nav.

Is it possible to get out of the contract this early? I've paid a hefty deposit, signed the dotted line, PCP. I've not picked up the car yet.

Sorry to rant. I should note Lexus were great to deal with. Friendly guys. Great service. Its a shame they ruined such a increasingly important component in the car.

If they want to attract younger customers with the NX300H they need to address this Standard Nav. As it stands now, it's a great way to convince them to buy a AUDI or BMW.

Cheers George.

I would say you have a strong sense of buyers remorse.

Firstly did you visit the showroom and test drive the car? Standard and Premium nav are available across the different trim levels and models and you could easily have hopped into any CT200h/IS300h/NX300h to test the different nav setups - therefore if this is the case, you only have yourself to blame

"2017 Lexus Navigation System:

Worst UI design in the entire car industry - Its like a 1998 video game with a Cadbury's Dairy Milk backdrop. Was it designed in MS Paint? Matter of opinion, its functional and was designed back in 2012. Something you should have checked beforehand
Loud ugly mapping colours & horrid Fonts. Another opinion
Slow frame rate & low DPI. Possibly true - but does it really matter? its still smooth
Small Screen, no touch. Another thing which could have been checked before buying the car - no touchscreen is the norm these days and you wouldn't find this in an Audi or BMW. Remember this car has been around since 2014. Therefore its due a refresh later on this year/early next year which will include a bigger 10 inch screen. Again, also remember that BMW standard Idrive and Audi standard MMI use a small screen as well.
Can't Browse Bluetooth Music Libraries. You'd have to switch albums using your phone interface. Unsafe while driving. USB works fine. Surely you've just solved your own problem here - use a USB?!
No 3D Map view. It has a fake 2.5d view which I believe is because of the low performance CPU/GPU. Google Street view is available on premium nav - i suspect this would sort out the 3D map.
No split screen views Split screen available on premium nav
No SMS/EMAIL read outs Again, I believe its available on premium nav
No voice commands other than Phone calling Again, on premium nav
No Android or apple Car Play (Seriously, its 2017) Lexus won't use android auto or apple carplay due to conflicting terms (easily brought up by a quick google search)
No NAV guidance on MFD. Premium nav has this
No Compass on MFD On premium nav
Only one USB Port. Easily sorted by a USB hub
No on/off button to turn the display off quickly without fumbling through menus. (good for night time)" Easily turned off by holding the on/off button for a few seconds. Regardless, the display will dim in night-time anyway so no glare.

I think there are a few fundamental points you have to grasp here -

1) This is no run of the mill ordinary car - its a Luxury SUV and therefore the money has been spent on legendary reliability, noise, vibration and harshness suppression and the quality of the materials in the cabin. The hyundai I30 may have managed better infotainment, but I assure you its not a luxury car which is evident through its use of cheap materials and poor driving experience.

2) In the grand scheme of Luxury SUV's, the NX is quite cheap spec for spec compared to the Audi Q5/Jag F-Pace etc

NemesisUK · February 26, 2017

Just to add to rayaans excellent post above, all the information you could want regarding the functionality of both versions of 'Infotainment' is available to download from the Lexus customer portal.

rayaans · February 26, 2017

Just to add about the PCP -

There will be termination clauses, I strongly suggest you read these.

However, if you do decide to end early, financially, you will be taking a large hit as you'd need to settle the PCP contract

An option may be to pay for the car in full and then sell it back to the dealer but either way, its going to be a couple of £K

Runwaypimp · February 26, 2017

4 hours ago, rayaans said:

I would say you have a strong sense of buyers remorse.

Firstly did you visit the showroom and test drive the car? Standard and Premium nav are available across the different trim levels and models and you could easily have hopped into any CT200h/IS300h/NX300h to test the different nav setups - therefore if this is the case, you only have yourself to blame

"2017 Lexus Navigation System:

Worst UI design in the entire car industry - Its like a 1998 video game with a Cadbury's Dairy Milk backdrop. Was it designed in MS Paint? Matter of opinion, its functional and was designed back in 2012. Something you should have checked beforehand

Loud ugly mapping colours & horrid Fonts. Another opinion

Slow frame rate & low DPI. Possibly true - but does it really matter? its still smooth

Small Screen, no touch. Another thing which could have been checked before buying the car - no touchscreen is the norm these days and you wouldn't find this in an Audi or BMW. Remember this car has been around since 2014. Therefore its due a refresh later on this year/early next year which will include a bigger 10 inch screen. Again, also remember that BMW standard Idrive and Audi standard MMI use a small screen as well.

Can't Browse Bluetooth Music Libraries. You'd have to switch albums using your phone interface. Unsafe while driving. USB works fine. Surely you've just solved your own problem here - use a USB?!

No 3D Map view. It has a fake 2.5d view which I believe is because of the low performance CPU/GPU. Google Street view is available on premium nav - i suspect this would sort out the 3D map.

No split screen views Split screen available on premium nav

No SMS/EMAIL read outs Again, I believe its available on premium nav

No voice commands other than Phone calling Again, on premium nav

No Android or Apple Car Play (Seriously, its 2017) Lexus won't use android auto or apple carplay due to conflicting terms (easily brought up by a quick google search)

No NAV guidance on MFD. Premium nav has this

No Compass on MFD On premium nav

Only one USB Port. Easily sorted by a USB hub

No on/off button to turn the display off quickly without fumbling through menus. (good for night time)" Easily turned off by holding the on/off button for a few seconds. Regardless, the display will dim in night-time anyway so no glare.

I think there are a few fundamental points you have to grasp here -

1) This is no run of the mill ordinary car - its a Luxury SUV and therefore the money has been spent on legendary reliability, noise, vibration and harshness suppression and the quality of the materials in the cabin. The hyundai I30 may have managed better infotainment, but I assure you its not a luxury car which is evident through its use of cheap materials and poor driving experience.

2) In the grand scheme of Luxury SUV's, the NX is quite cheap spec for spec compared to the Audi Q5/Jag F-Pace etc

I'm aware of the premium nav system now. However its irrelevant because the Premium Nav isn't an option on my car. The NX300H Sport. Try building one yourself, its impossible to avoid the obsolete Lexus Standard Nav system. Its included as standard & there's no Premium Nav packs or options. Theres no Premium Nav option on the S, SE or Luxury version either. Why? Listed below is what the F-Sport options page says about the Premium Nav upgrade. It doesn't list all the essential stuff customers are slowly going to realise are missing from their cheaper cars.

Looks like somthing I can safely skip & save 2k? Obviously not.

LEXUS PREMIUM NAVIGATION

£1,995.00

Lexus Premium Navigation consists of - 10 speakers - Full European map - 8" display screen - Connected services - 1-DVD - Street view - Remote touch controller - 2 USB ports

Using USB isn't an option because my wife already uses it for her collection. This car only has ONE USB port & I don't fancy hot swapping thumb drives in that awkward storage compartment. USB hubs don't work either. Lexus used a cheap 1.2a USB socket so it can't power two data devices. SUre I can use the smokers lighter to power more USB ports, but I need them for data not just charging. The position of the USB is awful too.

I forgot to rant about the biggest abomination of all. That CD Player. First off, no one uses CDs anymore. How big is it. What a waste of space. That thing should be covered in cobwebs in my Grandfather basement at best. It has no place in a 2017 so called luxury car. Luckly, its useless so we can ignore it.

I test drove a premium 300h I believe. It had the same sat nav as my own car will be cursed with. I spent the entire test drive (while my wife had a go driving), trying to figure out how to get it in 3D Mapping mode. I never figured it out because we now know it's not possible. Sigh. The salesman had no idea regarding the satnav.

I doubt its possible to find a free sat nav app on the apple or Android store that doesn't have a 3D view. There's no excuse for what Lexus have done.

Look at the AUDI Virtual cockpit or BMWs Idrive. Lexus are at least 5 years behind. Its just depressing.

I know I've made a terrible mistake & I'm stuck with it.

Thanks for the help guys.

rayaans · February 26, 2017

36 minutes ago, Runwaypimp said:

I'm aware of the premium nav system now. However its irrelevant because the Premium Nav isn't an option on my car. The NX300H Sport. Try building one yourself, its impossible to avoid the obsolete Lexus Standard Nav system. Its included as standard & there no Premium Nav packs or options. Theres no Premium Nav option on the S, SE or Luxury version either. Why?

Using USB isn't an option because my wife already uses it for her collection. This car only has ONE USB port & I don't fancy hot swapping thumb drives in that awkward storage compartment. USB hubs don't work either. Lexus used a cheap 1.2a USB socket so it can't power two data devices. SUre I can use the smokers lighter to power more USB ports, but I need them for data not just charging. The position of the USB is awful too.

I forgot to rant about the biggest abomination of all. That CD Player. First off, no one uses CDs anymore. How big is it. What a waste of space. That thing should be covered in cobwebs in my Grandfather basement. It has no place in a 2017 so called luxury car. Luckly, its useless so we can ignore it.

I test drove a premium 300h I believe. It had the same sat nav as my own car will be cursed with. I spent the entire test drive (while my wife had a go driving), trying to figure out how to get it in 3D Mapping mode. I never figured it out because we now know it's not possible. Sigh. The salesman had no idea regarding the satnav.

I doubt its possible to find a free sat nav app on the Apple or Android store that doesn't have a 3D view. There's no excuse for what Lexus have done.

Look at the AUDI Virtual cockpit or BMWs Idrive. Lexus are at least 5 years behind. Its just depressing.

I know I've made a terrible mistake & I'm stuck with it.

Thanks for the help guys.

Premium Nav is available for the S, SE, Luxury and F-Sport grades. The Online configurator hasn't been updated properly. The Brochure shows this clearly and cars with premium nav have the touchpad, not the rotary dial.

The NX300h Sport is just an SE with black wheels and navigation. The Sport is a runout standalone model added this year (its essentially a limited edition) - it signifies the end of the current model NX and therefore a facelift will be out at some point in the not too distant future.

The USB issue is easily fixed - just add your music onto your wife's USB in a different folder.

I still use CD's and so do many others. Ive got plenty of old music not found on itunes etc. Its like vinyl records (plenty of people still have them)

Firstly can you clarify what you mean by 3D mapping mode? Do you mean you want to see buildings or change the view? In other words, not have it in birds eye view?

Again, I urge you to grasp the fact that you paid nothing on options bar metallic paint - Pro Nav in a BMW and Virtual cockpit in Audi's cost considerably more than the standard business nav on the NX and the cars themselves cost a lot more - for this, there have to be compromises.

DJP · February 26, 2017

Have you spoken to the dealer to see if you can switch to the F Sport, even if it hasn't got the wheels you want? I think I'd pay the £2k rather than have a car that you are so clearly unhappy with. If you haven't taken delivery I don't think the PCP will have started so you could withdraw without penalty in that respect.

Given your stated obsession for 'good tech' I'm staggered you got as far as buying it given how much is, for you, wrong.

Hope you get a resolution that works for you.

rayaans · February 26, 2017

2 minutes ago, DJP said:

Have you spoken to the dealer to see if you can switch to the F Sport, even if it hasn't got the wheels you want? I think I'd pay the £2k rather than have a car that you are so clearly unhappy with. If you haven't taken delivery I don't think the PCP will have started so you could withdraw without penalty in that respect.

Given your stated obsession for 'good tech' I'm staggered you got as far as buying it given how much is, for you, wrong.

Hope you get a resolution that works for you.

Hasn't even read the brochure by the sounds of things - explains it all fairly well.

Runwaypimp · February 26, 2017

I was never given a brochure & there isn't one available for download without requesting it. Lexus.co.uk should be more up to date anyway. Its a shame if the website is indeed incorrect which I doubt. All this could have been avoided if I knew there was such a large difference between the two systems. I presumed because it was a 2017 car, I would be getting the latest infotainment software. Not something designed in 2012. Browsing Youtube, 98% of Lexus Nav videos feature the Premium system. How is someone suppose to know.

I don't agree about the competitors cars costing more. We nearly got the BMW X1 which is cheaper than the Lexus, has a far Superior infotainment system, better engine performance, bigger boot & better fuel economy,

By 3d View I mean a camera angle lowered behind the car so you can see the horizon. The mapping data would be mapped on a 3d Plane & the camera is free to rotate around it. The Lexus system fakes it in 2d but it lacks scale, perspective & any real feeling of motion. They call it 2.5d. I call it *******.

NemesisUK · February 26, 2017

2 minutes ago, Runwaypimp said:

don't agree about the competitors cars costing more. We nearly got the BMW X1 which is cheaper than the Lexus, has a far Superior infotainment system, better engine performance & better fuel economy,

So why didn't you buy the BMW? Seems to be a better car all round in your opinion..

Runwaypimp · February 26, 2017

Quote

So why didn't you buy the BMW? Seems to be a better car all round in your opinion..

The wife. She love the lexus's looks. :)

NemesisUK · February 26, 2017

10 minutes ago, Runwaypimp said:

The wife. She love the lexus's looks. :)

Slam-dunk!!

You'll just have to suck it up and smile sweetly..

Eire Lexus · February 26, 2017

Sounds like you didn't do your homework and assumed the car had what you wanted. Why don't you tell the dealer to hold off on the parking sensors and registering the vehicle as it will be easier to change without this done? Everyone says BMW idrive and Audi mmi is great... having had and used both they are not... I can't say Lexus is better but it's no worse. Basic BMW idrive or mmi didn't even stream music until recently. In my opinion all built in sat navs are poor compared to goole maps which is by far better. The standard sound quality in all Lexus systems is comparable to all other manufacturers premium systems.

rayaans · February 26, 2017

4 hours ago, Runwaypimp said:

I was never given a brochure & there isn't one available for download without requesting it. Lexus.co.uk should be more up to date anyway. Its a shame if the website is indeed incorrect which I doubt. All this could have been avoided if I knew there was such a large difference between the two systems. I presumed because it was a 2017 car, I would be getting the latest infotainment software. Not something designed in 2012. Browsing Youtube, 98% of Lexus Nav videos feature the Premium system. How is someone suppose to know.

I don't agree about the competitors cars costing more. We nearly got the BMW X1 which is cheaper than the Lexus, has a far Superior infotainment system, better engine performance, bigger boot & better fuel economy,

By 3d View I mean a camera angle lowered behind the car so you can see the horizon. The mapping data would be mapped on a 3d Plane & the camera is free to rotate around it. The Lexus system fakes it in 2d but it lacks scale, perspective & any real feeling of motion. They call it 2.5d. I call it *******.

The brochures are available from every Lexus centre. You can even get a copy from Lexus.co.uk by clicking on the "Request a Brochure" and sticking your name and email address in. It comes within minutes. I presume being a tech guy you knew this already though?!

The X1 doesn't cost less. Maybe if you're going for the poverty pack car but spec for spec its more expensive. Even the X1 xDrive18d Sport Auto is £32450. Then you have to add metallic paint (same as the NX) but also a rear view camera, heated front seats and "driving assistant plus" which has the active cruise control included as standard on the NX. The standard nav on the X1 is hardly any good - you need to go for the nav pack to get the real deal.

Also, I don't know where you found the X1 with a bigger boot - (NX - 550L, X1 - 505L). Thats taking into account the space saver spare wheel that the NX has. Without it, it'd be even bigger at 580L (other markets)

The X1 is designed to take on the Audi Q3 - these are all much smaller than the NX yet still cost about the same. The NX is a rival for the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 based on its dimensions and space.

From what I can tell, you want your map to do this (where you can see the horizon?):

I think you can literally just zoom out for that (if its in the wrong plane, hit the compass in the corner)

Runwaypimp · February 27, 2017

5 hours ago, rayaans said:

The brochures are available from every Lexus centre. You can even get a copy from Lexus.co.uk by clicking on the "Request a Brochure" and sticking your name and email address in. It comes within minutes. I presume being a tech guy you knew this already though?!

The X1 doesn't cost less. Maybe if you're going for the poverty pack car but spec for spec its more expensive. Even the X1 xDrive18d Sport Auto is £32450. Then you have to add metallic paint (same as the NX) but also a rear view camera, heated front seats and "driving assistant plus" which has the active cruise control included as standard on the NX. The standard nav on the X1 is hardly any good - you need to go for the nav pack to get the real deal.

Also, I don't know where you found the X1 with a bigger boot - (NX - 550L, X1 - 505L). Thats taking into account the space saver spare wheel that the NX has. Without it, it'd be even bigger at 580L (other markets)

The X1 is designed to take on the Audi Q3 - these are all much smaller than the NX yet still cost about the same. The NX is a rival for the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 based on its dimensions and space.

From what I can tell, you want your map to do this (where you can see the horizon?):

I think you can literally just zoom out for that (if its in the wrong plane, hit the compass in the corner)

The Brochures take days to come through. I only have a PDF from the US version.

You are right about the smaller X1 boot. My apologies. We were after a 2 wheel drive manual X1. So it was around a grand cheaper after a few upgrades. Plus a 3k off Carwow deal.

Sure it can see the horizon but its not true 3d. Its 2.5d.

From Lexus website : fluid animations fast response with 2 and 2.5 D effects

I think they just distort the 2D image by tapering it to fake a 3d look. Like something from a 1990s videogame.

The lexus system has no scaling, perspective or smooth motion. Zooming in or out its hard to tell which way you are going without looking at the scale. The fonts & roads don't scale at all. Just compare it to Waze or Google Maps. Both are free.

Maybe it at least functions well? Good routing etc?

Do Lexus ever update the software? Maybe it could be given a facelift. But I suspect the hardware is too slow since these units are from 2012.

I would be nice to re-skin the bad artwork however.

Alan Partridges Left Glove · February 27, 2017

I, like you love my tech especially sat navs (I'd be lost without it[emoji15]).

The first thing I looked for when changing my car was: (in this order)

Looks

Price

Gadgets

Fun factor

Economy

If the first two weren't there (in place) I wouldn't bother and move on to another make/model.

If I had any doubt that my new car wouldn't tick the above boxes I'd never sign my name on the order form.

I was given the IS300h sport for 24 hours to test it fully which is where I found the sat nav to be poor (Had Tom tom's all my driving life) so it wasn't s deal breaker for me to swap the sport model to an FSport as this doesn't come with any nav.

As previously mentioned in this thread, for someone who loves their tech, I'd of thought this would of been the first thing you'd of made sure was right before signing the order.

In the end, you've a great looking car which turns heads not only on looks but the shear quietness PLUS they're certainly not in the "clitoris" category I'd put the other cars mentioned in this thread.

rayaans · February 27, 2017

11 hours ago, Runwaypimp said:

The Brochures take days to come through. I only have a PDF from the US version.

You are right about the smaller X1 boot. My apologies. We were after a 2 wheel drive manual X1. So it was around a grand cheaper after a few upgrades. Plus a 3k off Carwow deal.

Sure it can see the horizon but its not true 3d. Its 2.5d.

From Lexus website : fluid animations fast response with 2 and 2.5 D effects

I think they just distort the 2D image by tapering it to fake a 3d look. Like something from a 1990s videogame.

The lexus system has no scaling, perspective or smooth motion. Zooming in or out its hard to tell which way you are going without looking at the scale. The fonts & roads don't scale at all. Just compare it to Waze or Google Maps. Both are free.

Maybe it at least functions well? Good routing etc?

Do Lexus ever update the software? Maybe it could be given a facelift. But I suspect the hardware is too slow since these units are from 2012.

I would be nice to re-skin the bad artwork however.

The postal brochures take days yes. The PDF UK brochure takes minutes - maybe 6 hours at most to come to your inbox.

I dont know about smooth motion - the nav in both my cars is smooth - its not laggy nor jerky.

It functions as a sat nav - I.e it will get you to where you want to be and its never missed a destination for me anyway.

Software updates do come out so often and generally make things smoother after each cycle. Nav also has updates available at cost

The £3k discount from carwow is irrelevant because you should be able to get that off the NX as well. Also the NX Sport has been introduced in 2017 so may not have as much of a discount early on compared to an X1 which came out last year.

DanD · February 27, 2017

George... you also miss an important point: there are two versions of the SATNAV to meet different sets of requirements. A lot of people are perfectly happy with the more basic set up and are not interested in paying for a system with extras they are unlikely to use. Same with the CD player... plenty of people still use CDs and it is nice to still have the option to use them.

Incidentally, you will find that the German brands also offer different infotainment systems, including some versions labelled "professional" with larger screen and more comprehensive functionality. And they cost a lot more.

Sorry to say, your excuses don't stack up... you should have done your homework!

On the other hand, I do hope it is still time for you to swap the car for one that better meets your requirements. Good luck and let us know how you get on...

forbes · February 27, 2017

Buy a LADA and fit a Tomtom

dutchie01 · March 2, 2017

Hi George,

Seems you are a tad disappointed that you could not talk your wife out of the Lexus ?

Give it time, the NX will grow on you, i am convinced that one day behind the wheel you will think "this is not bad at all" but of course will not mention it to anybody..

In urban traffic the NX just glides through traffic and the CVT box comes to its right here, In the highstreet it's got the looks to match, on the highway it is an easy cruiser and overall it is just a very fine motor. Your wife has taste!

A BMW X1? really? not very attractive is it? and the interior is so conservative not a lot has changed since the eighties..

To be fair i do think the satnav/infotainment system is one of the few weak points of all modern Lexus. Have not seen the latest bigger screen updated versions yet but as written in many posts above that can be found out in a simple 10 minute testdrive. It still is a fine car though.

Oh, and did i already mention buildquality? Ever driven a car with zero rattles creacks, thumps? My last BM ( 2014 320i) had an interesting extra in the winter, when the car got warm on the inside cracking sounds came out of the apparently expanding dash. And 4 recalls in 2 yrs, and thesame car parked on every streetcorner.

Do drop us a line after 1 month of ownership, let us know how you like the car then.

Dutchie

Martin J · March 2, 2017

An interesting thread. While it may not be the equal of the latest infotainment fits, the basic Lexus nav package (in a Luxury model) has served me well. It has - to me - one key advantage over the Premium fit (which I road tested) - the rotary knob/joystick is actually easier/safer to use on the move than the touchpad on the Premium kit. And I definitely still use CDs (and vinyl at home, but that's another story). In terms of modernity, the tech under the bonnet matters to me rather more than the infotainment. The German/JLR competition is just *so* last century, with amusingly obsolete and heavy kit such as starter motors, gearboxes, and, in most cases, engines that burn heavy oil and pump out far more NOx and particulates than the 300h. If it's modernity you're after, the NX leaves the current crop of competitors fumbling in its wake.

ISJason · March 3, 2017

Yes, your so right. Even the new jaguars look old. Lexus look fresh and modern.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Runwaypimp · March 4, 2017

On 26/02/2017 at 11:35 PM, rayaans said:

The brochures are available from every Lexus centre. You can even get a copy from Lexus.co.uk by clicking on the "Request a Brochure" and sticking your name and email address in. It comes within minutes. I presume being a tech guy you knew this already though?!

The X1 doesn't cost less. Maybe if you're going for the poverty pack car but spec for spec its more expensive. Even the X1 xDrive18d Sport Auto is £32450. Then you have to add metallic paint (same as the NX) but also a rear view camera, heated front seats and "driving assistant plus" which has the active cruise control included as standard on the NX. The standard nav on the X1 is hardly any good - you need to go for the nav pack to get the real deal.

Also, I don't know where you found the X1 with a bigger boot - (NX - 550L, X1 - 505L). Thats taking into account the space saver spare wheel that the NX has. Without it, it'd be even bigger at 580L (other markets)

The X1 is designed to take on the Audi Q3 - these are all much smaller than the NX yet still cost about the same. The NX is a rival for the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 based on its dimensions and space.

From what I can tell, you want your map to do this (where you can see the horizon?):

I think you can literally just zoom out for that (if its in the wrong plane, hit the compass in the corner)

The Brochures take days to come through. I only have a PDF from the US version.

You are right about the smaller X1 boot. My apologies. We were after a 2 wheel drive manual X1. So it was around a grand cheaper after a few upgrades.

Sure it can see the horizon but its not true 3d. Its 2.5d.

From Lexus website : fluid animations fast response with 2 and 2.5 D effects

I think they just distort the 2D image by tapering it to fake a 3d look. Like something from a 1990s videogame.

The lexus system has no scaling, perspective or smooth motion. Zooming in or out its hard to tell which way you are going without looking at the scale. The fonts & roads don't scale at all. Just compare it to Waze or Google Maps. Both are free.

Maybe it at least functions well? Good routing etc?

Do Lexus ever update the software? Maybe it could be given a facelift. But I suspect the hardware is too slow since these units are from 2012.

I would be nice to re-skin the bad artwork however.

Runwaypimp · March 4, 2017

I picked up the car a few days ago & I absolutely love it. The way it looks & drives. It's been a joy.

However, the infotainment system is as I expect. A piece of junk with no place in a 2017 luxury car.

The Navigation routing is probably the worst out there. It takes you off the efficient motorway route for a nice tour of busy town centre traffic lights. Its on a par with a 15 year old TomTom. Its as laggy too, despite only being a low resolution 2d display.

Waze or Google Maps annihilated it. Even my old Hyundai SatNav never made me question it.

We had to mount a phone cradle as an alternative now that the Lexus system has messed up two routes. At least I discovered some new places :)

One positive is that Bluetooth audio browsing does work well despite the lexus compatibility sheet claiming it only works on the Premium system.

One remaining hope is MirrorLink. In the Info screen there is an entry for Mirrorlink but it is always greyed out. I've tried to get it to work on my Samsung S7 for hours now. No luck.

Anyone got Mirrorlink to work? Does it even work or is it disabled?

rayaans · March 4, 2017

1 hour ago, Runwaypimp said:

I picked up the car a few days ago & I absolutely love it. The way it looks & drives. It's been a joy.

However, the infotainment system is as I expect. A piece of junk with no place in a 2017 luxury car.

The Navigation routing is probably the worst out there. It takes you off the efficient motorway route for a nice tour of busy town centre traffic lights. Its on a par with a 15 year old TomTom. Its as laggy too, despite only being a low resolution 2d display.

Waze or Google Maps annihilated it. Even my old Hyundai SatNav never made me question it.

We had to mount a phone cradle as an alternative now that the Lexus system has messed up two routes. At least I discovered some new places :)

One positive is that Bluetooth audio browsing does work well despite the lexus compatibility sheet claiming it only works on the Premium system.

One remaining hope is MirrorLink. In the Info screen there is an entry for Mirrorlink but it is always greyed out. I've tried to get it to work on my Samsung S7 for hours now. No luck.

Anyone got Mirrorlink to work? Does it even work or is it disabled?

Remember that you're driving a hybrid, hence - efficient route means town and not motorway! Go for the quick route, seems to work best IMO.

I got mirrorlink to work on my IS and it started playing google maps but that has premium nav.

I think you have to turn mirrorlink on on the phone first and then the menu becomes selectable.

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