Just recently purchased an ES300h. How often does Lexus have software updates for the Enform System?

 

I've had my ES for almost a year, and I can recall one software update during that time. I don't even recall what was supposed to have been improved with the update.

 

This afternoon I chatted online with one of the Lexus customer service reps. I asked if any apps will be added and the answer is NO!

That is really a disappointment to see that such an incredible car would not have technology that would get updated. I would love to see Spotify added.

 

I guess Lexus philosophy isn't like Tesla when it comes to on-board technology. Too bad.

 

They've updated the SW for bugs/stability twice since July'13. You can run spotify thru BT and your phone if you really want. Truth is Spotify just isn't that big a thing anymore. Pandora has the the largest base and they do support that quite well. I doubt any car manufacturer is going to devote the SW support resources to develop, maintain, and support every application that every driver may wish were on the app screen. Does BMW, Mercedes, other luxury brands update their SW more frequently/support all those apps?

 

Take a look at the app list for the Ford Sync system and there is Spotify and a number of other apps.

 

Can't you just launch any audio app on your phone and stream it via bluetooth?
..and if you say I don't want to touch my phone you still have to launch the enform app to do the rest.


...and having driven the latest Ford products I'm happier with my ES even with this limitation.

 

@bootman I drove the ford product and purchased a Lexus.

 

Perhaps the demographic for Ford is more inclined to use Spotify.

 

If you want to be on the cutting edge with regard to technology, gadgets, gimmicks, and vehicle features, Toyota and Lexus vehicles are probably not the vehicles that you should be buying. Toyota and Lexus vehicles have never been prominent in these areas.

I can think of my first Toyota vehicle, a 1998 Toyota 4 Runner. Even on the fully loaded 4 Runner Limited that I bought, the 4-wheel drive technology was far from cutting edge, and features like heated seats and automatic climate control were not even available as options. SUVs like the Chevy Blazer and Ford Explorer were far ahead of the 4 Runner in terms of features, but that 4 Runner, along with my Lexus GX, was still one of the two best built and most dependable 4-wheel drive vehicles that I've ever owned or driven. Similarly, the GX lacked features common in much less expensive Chevy, Ford, and other manufacturer offerings at the time I bought it. Features like HID headlights and auto dimming outside mirrors were not even available as options, and the nav and entertainment systems were noticeably behind those in less expensive vehicles from other manufacturers.

If maximizing features is your top priority, you would find better-suited and less expensive vehicle choices from Ford, Chevy, Kia, or a good number of other manufacturers. I choose to buy Lexus products because they come with smooth, refined drive trains, because they provide an extremely quiet and comfortable ride that is free of squeaks and rattles and that isolates the passenger cabin from road, wind, and engine noise, and because they are consistently industry leaders in terms of vehicle reliability. And, at the same time, they provide me with just enough technology and features, even if not at an industry-leading level, to make the vehicles an overall good fit with what I want in a vehicle.

 

Spotify does work when using Apple Car Play. Not sure about Android Auto.