Lexus smartphone mirroring upgrade will cost you

Lexus Australia has rolled out smartphone mirroring to some of its models, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay coming as standard to future NX, ES, RC, LC, LS, RX and UX vehicles and a retrofit available to existing cars.

Starting from October, all ES sedans and RX large SUVs will have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring fitted as standard.

For all NX crossovers, LS limousines, RC coupes and LC sports cars vehicles, the technology was standardised in November, while the UX small SUV won’t receive standard smartphone mirroring until December.

As such, pricing will go up for the NX (+$300), LS (+$250), RC (+$150) and LC (+$150).

The UX will also increase in price after the upgrade, though the exact figure is yet to be announced.

The UX, NX, RC and LS output the smartphone display onto a 10.3-inch widescreen display, while the ES, RX and LS feature a larger 12.3-inch unit.

However, customers who bought the aforementioned models from as early as September, 2017 are eligible for a dealer upgrade that will retrofit the technology into existing vehicles at a charge of $249.

There is a limit on how far back it goes though, as only the NX bought from September 1, 2017 is eligible, whereas the RC coupe bought on or after November 27, 2017 is compatible.

Similarly, only ES sedans as old as July 4, 2018 and any LS from January 8, 2018 qualify.

With the current LC and UX launching in June, 2017 and January, 2019 respectively, all versions qualify for the $249 retrofit upgrade.

The dealer upgrade takes around 60 minutes according to Lexus Australia, and can be done during a scheduled service.

Models that miss out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility include the ageing CT200h hybrid hatchback, the GS large sedan, the IS mid-sizer and the Toyota Land Cruiser-based LX large SUV.

Lexus Australia boss Scott Thompson said: “From detailed audio systems to rich widescreen displays, the latest smartphone integration further adds to a complete technology suite that Lexus customers love.”