I think new lexus models stack quite well against competition when it comes to options, but what you are doing is comparing option a from mb, option b from audi, option c from bmw, then of course its not up to all of them combined in some perfect car.

But for instance, in their class, I think GS has very nice options and pricing, I dont see anything missing and I dont see any competition doing better... Same goes for ES, i wish they sold it in my market as well.

As to the "only 8" Nav screen, I feel it is a complaint just to complain, as competiton has worse options. It is easy to nitpick everything, but for me, lets look at total package.

As I am European, NA Toyota's are too cheap looking/feeling to me, so I would probably never got any of them for myself, if I had a choice.

 

I wasn't a big fan of the GS early but I like it a lot now.The options work well too.I may start leasing again and a GS would be one of my 3 choices.
I'm not a fan of the ES at all.
I'm not complaining about the 12.3 screen set up.Just wish it had a split screen option which we may see in the future.
I feel the same about Toyota.although,the Avalon may be better.

 

back on topic.....I don't really care for the horn beep thing when the tire is filled...seems like it would be annoying as hell (especially for my neighbors---I check my tires every other week).

 

Did you watch the ad? While valid points, the elderly are not usually loading multiple or heavy items into a 2013 or new vechicle. Elderly are prone to falls so this would not be ideal feature for them. More so a "Help I have fallen and can't get up!" button.

 

there is some new multimedia thing coming in 2014 MY it seems... so who knows. But 12.3" was already impressive in real life.

Avalon is good for sure... problem with doing it European Toyota way (Yaris with leather seats, panoramic roof, smart entry for instance), is that it means cars are expensive and Toyota has 4x market share, so maybe it would work for us enthusiasts but def not for general public :-).

 

I did watch the ad, but I'm just sharing what has been noted in user opinions and testing.

I'd much rather see some infrared sensor, maybe built into the taillight, so that you're on the side of the car, don't have to move out of the way of the door opening. That you could activate with a hand/arm/elbow motion, swipe up or down, and additionally, could also work by just standing in front of it for long enough, in case the arms/hands are full with boxes, etc.