Digital radios now part of Lexus luxury

The new Lexus GS will be the first luxury car model to feature digital radio reception as standard. “The announcement by Lexus to include Digital Radio DAB+ as standard in the GS is an exciting start to 2012 for digital radio,” said Commercial Radio Australia CEO Joan Warner.

 

Every model in the new GS range, from the entry-level GS250 through to the regular GS350 and top-of-the-range hybrid GS450h, will feature digital radio connectivity.

The introduction of DAB+ radio will be in addition to the AM and FM bands, as digital radio services are still not available in all parts of Australia.

 

Taking advantage of the new Digital Radio system, live traffic and road condition updates can also be received from compatible radio stations and displayed on the vehicle’s in-dash multimedia screen.

Live traffic alerts will provide GS owners with updated traffic conditions, including road closures, road works, congestion and accidents via the display.

 

Also standard across the board are the now de rigueur features: Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming, and a USB port with iPod compatibility. Voice control will also be present and can be used to control music selection on an iPod/iPhone.

“The adoption of digital radio in the new GS will give Lexus owners, and their occupants, access to a greater variety of radio stations and an unparalleled listening experience,” said Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb. “This is just part of the new GS package, which has been designed and engineered to engage all the senses.”

 

A number of sound systems will be offered to GS buyers, including a 299W Pioneer 12-speaker unit and a range-topping 835W Mark Levinson 17-speaker system. These will be controlled via an updated remote touch controller paired with either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch screen.

 

According to Nielsen data from 2011, 34% of radio listening takes place in the car.

 

The new Lexus GS goes on sale in the second quarter of 2012.