See, I would want each and every one of those features, so for me, it would be a no-brainer.

 

360 camera in a urban environment is a must, you`ll swear by it. However in keeping with the quality of cameras (majority of the industry has cameras that were maybe found in the original iphone), if you frequent non urban, dimly lit parking lots etc, the rear view camera is sufficient.

Glad that you got it anyways enjoy!

 

I think its one of those things that once you have it, you wont want to not have it.

My wife has had it on two vehicles now and she insists she will not drive another vehicle without it. I drive her van regularly, but not as much as I drive my LS which does not have it, for me I would like to have it but I wouldn't not buy a car because it doesn't have one.

 

100% agree with Steve on this one.
My wife's LX has one and in such a big car, it is super useful especially urban settings (grocery stores, school parking lots). Note not all 360 cameras are created equal on quality and when it is activated.
For my next car, I'd certainly want one with the 360 function - for a vehicle like the Highlander, I'd think it is a no brainer.

 

I had it on two Mercedes, an E and a GLK. I used it all the time. I'm back with Lexus after trying Mercedes. This is an option that is hard to get with Lexus. Either the model doesn't offer it or it requires other packages that run the price up through the roof. Lexus is missing the boat with this attitude. I think that it's fine to make it an option but make it simple and affordable to get. Surround camera, folding side mirrors and hands free parallel parking. All items I'd expect on a luxury car as they are safety items. Maybe not life saving but safety to prevent expensive fender benders. A large majority of new Lexus buyers are older people who need this assistance. Mercedes understands this.

 

Whats interesting is Lexus pioneered hands free parallel parking in the LS, and then abandoned it.

 

I remember that system, so convoluted, had to select and position the "parking spot" on the screen before it could activate.

Of note, at least within the Toyota lineup, seeing a lot of their new vehicles bring the Digital inside rearview mirrors. They aren't the first to offer it, but they seem to be taking it faster than they've deployed the surround view parking camera.

 

new genesis G80 and GV80 both have it.

 

Hands free parking isn't cutting edge anymore. Jeep's offered it back in 2014 on even the Cherokee, lots of Fords have also offered it. VW's have one of the only systems I know that can pull into a perpendicular spot, most need to back into a perpendicular spot.

Not sure if you're referring to the remote smart park assist from the FOB a la Hyundai Sonata, and other random BMW's before it.

 

So does my Pacifica

 

Wow. I hope they revisit this. Vehicles that have it use software that makes it easy to use. Lexus has a different way of approaching luxury. Lot's of hidden amazing technology (cabin air quality). I avoid parallel parking without the system and find myself doing a lot of silent prayer when pulling in an out of tight spots without panorama camera.

 

Yeah the first car that ever had the feature was the 2007 LS460. The feature disappeared at some point thereafter.

I haven't become totally accustomed to the panoramic camera, so I can parallel park my LS no problem. Once you get used to it though doing it without it would be tough.

 

My '10 600h L has it. Had always heard it was difficult to use. I have to agree after reading some 30 pages of instructions in the owner's manual!

 

when you spend 90k and buy a brand new car 'GSF' and no front or side cameras and the next guy with an 30 k accord has them, it sort of makes me feel cheated. the front camera is almost necessary not to hit the curbs and such while parking. The LX570 came with front and side camera and I loved it, I think it was better then the 360 camera that my current new LX has. (better in a sense that I found it easier to use and see) the 360 gives a lot of detail but its sometimes confusing. Still better than nothing.
Its 2020 and this should be part of package with any luxury car and not as an option.

 

Yes, it's worth it. It keeps my wife from scuffing the rims and she feels safer being able to see everything around her. In fact, we are looking at a newer vehicle and she won't buy any vehicle that doesn't have the birdseye 360 view.