Does the GS have voice recognition?

 

Yes it should. The new GS has Lexus' latest Navigation software. You can even add the Toyota Japan module to the IS300's Navigation unit to accept voice commands i.e. POI and even Audio Controls! The average IS owner w/navi wouldn't know this.

 

the voice commands are really for show, and don't work that well.

 

The best voice control I've found currently is the Infiniti. Unlike the GS, you can change to any radio station by saying "Tune" and then the station. In addition you can change the temp in the car via direct voice, and you can change your navigation destination completely with voice prompts, not just certain presets and even when you are driving.

I found the voice recognition to be very accurate, however as always with this technology not perfect.


However for me, the GS drives much better. I've had it out in dry weather and in the snow/ice and let's face it, we don't buy cars based only on the gadgets. If we did, we'd be ticked off every day except when using the voice commands.....

If you love the infiniti, then this is good, I could not buy the car because my test drives on both the M35x and 45 not only were unimpressive, I left feeling that the cars belonged in the shop for some serious maintenance.

How the car drives and your perception of it, is the first priority. Looks then factor in, along with safety, and then the gadgets....

Now as price goes, we'll have to really see how the car sells at MSRP over the next couple months before we see Lexus dealing. For a 3rd time customer like myself, I just can't buy at MSRP. While Lexus has earned my loyalty with its cars, service and well trained people. I need to feel the desire for loyalty, especially to a specific dealer, in my mind and wallet as well. If you don't feel good about it. Then you will always feel like you were taken, even if its not really true.

 

The RL has pretty sophisticated voice recognition as well. CD, XM stations, air conditioning, nav, and if you're really lazy you can ask it "What time is it?" and it will tell you. In all fairness to Lexus, you don't need it as much in the GS because it has touch screen vs. a **** controller.