of course the whole point of it - creates clear HD FM sound quality for a station you'd normally have crummy AM reception.

 

If listening to AM talk radio on HD FM is your criteria, then any car stereo with that capability will do fine. Your $2,000 ML audio system is of no benefit for that.

 

Gosh it's just one simple example of the benefits of HD radio.

 

I'll pass, thanks.

 

jeez we were merely responding to a question about how to access the HD stations. Are you the grim reaper??

 

You having a bad day or what? Let it go, dude.

 

Every day for me is a good day.

 

I was thinking my next ES should have 17in wheels to give me the smooth ride that my 2007 ES350 has. Does it mean that I can't order it with semi aniline leather? Looks like factory 17in wheels come with base models, also only UL ES350 has extra sound deadening?

 

if you are buying brand new, you may make that a prerequisite that wheels have to be swapped with 17". after all 17" package is a cheaper deal so they should be happy to swap them for you. I asked for a brand new 17" set at the dealer and it was $4100. !!!!! I found the original 17 rim for $250 each at an OEM website. with the tires it should not be more than $2,000 installed. you can sell the 18s yourself too..

 

Looking at a 7th gen ES as a winter beater, but I read this thread and I cringed.

I've been doing sound comparison on cars for a while (especially when I chose the 2019 A8L over the LS500, S class, G90 and BMW 7). It doesn't matter what the dB rating is, it matters where it is versus other cars you're trying to compare it to.

For example, I used an ANSI approved sound meter (weighted A, IIRC), and tested the cars above on the same road, on the same day, at the same speed while adjusting for variables that I needed to control (like HVAC off, music off). Then, you try and measure at the same place within the car, so say, 1 foot above the center armrest while making sure the mic can pick up everything (e.g. not blocked).

It doesn't matter what the noise level is reading at, but where it is versus the other cars you're looking to compare against. Now, I recognize that some of you are using Sound Meter on a phone, which again can accomplish the same thing. It's not the noise level that matters, but the relative noise of test car A vs test car B.

AlexOnAutos does this on Youtube, but he changed the sound meter he used in 2019 so reviews < 2019 are no longer relevant if you're comparing two cars using his channel.

Again, focus on relative noise, not a numerical number.

 

Also, keep in mind the ultra premium model in the US has double glazing, versus non ultra premium models in the US don't have this.

In Canada, there are 0 options for acoustic glass/double glazing irrespective of trim levels.

So be careful when you're comparing cars/models/cross countries.

 

Huh you're right. I swear I saw something on the Lexus Canada website about the acoustic glass, I just looked and couldn't find anything. The 2020 ES300h UL loaner I had definitely had the double glazed front side glass. I have a '22 ES300h UL on order, now I'm not sure what side glass will be installed. If it's not double thick I will be disappointed.

UPDATE: I dug through the Lexus Canada media website and found 2020 ES hybrid spec sheet and it does not mention the acoustic side glass. I guess I will roll the dice unless a Canadian 2022 ES owner can confirm or deny the glass findings

 

No rear double glass on 2020 UL?

 

nope, stupid right?

 

Hi guys, related to the noise, i want to bring up another question;
I want to know if anyone scaled town to 16" rims for noise and comfort? I would consider it if inside of the rim clears the caliper and disc. Based on my measurements 17 inch rims have 15 inch inside gap and disc/caliper width is around 14 inches so 215/55/17s are factory spec too with no problem. If i am able to fit 215/60/16s, circumference will be 0.6% smaller and odometer will read 60 mph when actual is 59.61 mph. With the original 17"s actual would be 59.96 mph as factory spec. most importantly, 16"s with 60 aspect ratio would result in 23.25 mm or 22% increase on sidewall thickness. Has anyone heard about such tire modification and the results from it? I wonder if the electronics would error or some other problem occurs? I am really trying to get the softest and quietest ride possible.
If this does not work, the alternative is to put on 225/55/17 instead of standart 215/55/17 Lexus recommended tires. this would result in 17% side wall thickness or 18mm. in this case actual speed would be 60.95 mph when odometer is 60 mph. They would look a bit more meaty on the sides and protect the rims better too. Anyone wants to elaborate?
Thanks