GROM VLINE Alternatives
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: TX
GROM VLINE Alternatives
2007 LS460L RWD with OEM HDD/Navigation. I want to add CarPlay to the vehicle while preserving the original buttons, ***** and backup camera. GROM VLine seems to be a good fit but seems expensive. Is there any cheaper alternatives?
I researched quite a few non-brand name products on eBay, Amazon, Alibaba, AliExpress, etc. Here is what I got:
Anyone who has a HDD-based Gen4 LS460 had an experience on aftermarket CarPlay (while preserving the OEM backup camera)? Thank you!
I researched quite a few non-brand name products on eBay, Amazon, Alibaba, AliExpress, etc. Here is what I got:
- For the ones come with a screen, it is difficult (if not impossible) to hook up the OEM backup camera. Most of them require running the wire to the rear of the car and install an aftermarket camera.
- For the ones that don't come with a screen (like the GROM VLine), they don't support all models of Gen4 LS. After I sent the pictures of my OEM audio console, many sellers said their product does not support this vehicle because it has HDD.
Anyone who has a HDD-based Gen4 LS460 had an experience on aftermarket CarPlay (while preserving the OEM backup camera)? Thank you!
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 104
Likes: 39
From: NC
Read my posts in these threads:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...lay-today.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-motor-co.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...lay-today.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-motor-co.html
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 785
Likes: 225
From: NJ
This: https://www.hamiltonmotorcompany.com...87cdb167&_ss=c
I installed it in my 2011 a month ago, and it works perfectly. Backup camera is still there, I didn't have to cut any wires, and their customer support is excellent.
I'd rather pay for something that works than play around with stuff from China.
I installed it in my 2011 a month ago, and it works perfectly. Backup camera is still there, I didn't have to cut any wires, and their customer support is excellent.
I'd rather pay for something that works than play around with stuff from China.
Does the Hamilton have the full android OS like the vline2? or is just carplay and android auto?
edit* yeah, it looks like its just a rebranded VIKNAV unit you can get off aliexpress
edit* yeah, it looks like its just a rebranded VIKNAV unit you can get off aliexpress
Last edited by 93MSB; Feb 9, 2026 at 10:37 PM.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 104
Likes: 39
From: NC
Here's what I do know. I removed the Grom from my LS and repurposed it by installing it in the wife's Highlander. It's still buggy. Considering throwing it in the trash because it's so annoying how the screen will just change from oem radio to grom screen. The Hamilton unit I now have in my LS has been flawless. I'm sure it is a rebranded unit from somewhere in China but the support is in Raleigh NC. I've been to the shop after they installed it. I doubt Viknav will be of much help should a problem arise.
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: VA
I have one I will be selling soon. It was barely used because my transmission died shortly after installation. Its mounted in the glove box I just have to remove the wires the only hold up is the battery to the car is dead and I have to sign out the playstore before removing.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 19
Likes: 3
I have one I will be selling soon. It was barely used because my transmission died shortly after installation. Its mounted in the glove box I just have to remove the wires the only hold up is the battery to the car is dead and I have to sign out the playstore before removing.
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Vendor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 201
From: TX
We do support your stereo in plug-n-play way. No cutting or disassembling needed
https://gromaudio.com/store/all-lex5ls.html
https://gromaudio.com/store/all-lex5ls.html
Vendor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 201
From: TX
The VLine VL2 system for Lexus vehicles is available here: https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/index.html#lexus, and it retails for $679.95
The VLite VT2 system is the simpler option for users who only want CarPlay and Android Auto. It currently retails at $559.95
https://gromaudio.com/store/vlite/index.html#lexus
Both VLine VL2 and VLite VT2 systems support factory backup cameras. All cameras and other factory features continue to work after installing the VLine VL2 or VLite VT2 system in a vehicle. You can also add the aftermarket front-facing camera using the GROM VLine VL2 or VLite VT2 system.
Vendor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 201
From: TX
1. The microphone usage depends on the year of your LS:
Lexus LS 2007-2009 (https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/grom-vl2-lex5ls.html) - it is possible to retain the use of a factory microphone for CarPlay / Android Auto, using the factory microphone retention wire (https://gromaudio.com/store/vline_ac...-wlex5mic.html)
The microphone retention wire is the part of the standard VLine VL2 / VLite VT2 package for Lexus LS 2007-2009. Install guide:
https://gromaudio.com/docs/vline_man...manual_web.pdf
Lexus LS 2010 and newer does not need to use the factory microphone retention wire. The power interface cables supplied with GROM VLine VL2 / VLite VT2 have the microphone jack that allows for the factory microphone retention and use with CarPlay and Android Auto via VLine.
2. We periodically release the Android versions updates. Once released, the users can install the available upgrade. Currently it runs on Android 12 that is fully suffucient for the automotive use.
Lexus LS 2007-2009 (https://gromaudio.com/store/vline/grom-vl2-lex5ls.html) - it is possible to retain the use of a factory microphone for CarPlay / Android Auto, using the factory microphone retention wire (https://gromaudio.com/store/vline_ac...-wlex5mic.html)
The microphone retention wire is the part of the standard VLine VL2 / VLite VT2 package for Lexus LS 2007-2009. Install guide:
https://gromaudio.com/docs/vline_man...manual_web.pdf
Lexus LS 2010 and newer does not need to use the factory microphone retention wire. The power interface cables supplied with GROM VLine VL2 / VLite VT2 have the microphone jack that allows for the factory microphone retention and use with CarPlay and Android Auto via VLine.
2. We periodically release the Android versions updates. Once released, the users can install the available upgrade. Currently it runs on Android 12 that is fully suffucient for the automotive use.
Vendor
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 201
From: TX
As mentioned above, for LS 2007-2009 you can use the microphone retention wire if desired. For the 2010 and newer Lexus LS you can retain the factory microphone with the GROM VLine VL2 or VLite VT2 system.
Here is how you can integrate the factory microphone with the retention wire for Lexus LS 2007-2009:
Also, from our experience, sometimes the users prefer to use the aftermarket microphone for older stereos, as the factory does not perform that well. The aftermarket microphone option is always available with GROM VLine VL2 or VLite VT2 system.
Here is how you can integrate the factory microphone with the retention wire for Lexus LS 2007-2009:
Also, from our experience, sometimes the users prefer to use the aftermarket microphone for older stereos, as the factory does not perform that well. The aftermarket microphone option is always available with GROM VLine VL2 or VLite VT2 system.
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VLine VL2 - CarPlay® and Android Auto® System for your Lexus
USB, iPhone and Bluetooth Car Kits for your factory stereo
VLine VL2 - CarPlay® and Android Auto® System for your Lexus
USB, iPhone and Bluetooth Car Kits for your factory stereo
Last edited by gromaudio; Apr 10, 2026 at 08:51 AM.