I really want to get a LS500 F Sport and am debating if I need to get Safety System +A

I'm coming from a Model S and would ideally want to find something that has something similar to auto pilot...From my research it looks like Safety System 2.0 has Lane Trace, but SS+A also has lane trace.

is it worth the additional costs in options to get the +A system? I'm not quite sure how much additional gain it offers over the standard 2.0 safety system

 

I have the LS500 with the +A system, from what I have read about the Model S, the Lexus system isn't comparable. The +A gets you steering assist with lane change. If you take your hands off the wheel for more than about 15 seconds it will disengage the assist. I mean it's kinda cool for long drives, not very practical in traffic. Good luck with your decision.

 

AFAIK, the closest thing to Auto Pilot is Cadillac's Super Cruise

Here's a comparison of LSS+ and +A
https://drivers.lexus.com/lexus-driv...ide%20Link.pdf

 

 

I think the Lane Trace is only in the Safety System A+ If you don't have that system you have LKA - Lane Keep Assist. That will vibrate the steering wheel when you are going out of your lane and will try and correct it. Even with the Safety System A+ Lane Trace kicks in only when you are in cruise control mode. This pamphlet from Lexus explains how the systems work. See the table towards the end of the pamphlet.

https://drivers.lexus.com/lexus-driv...ide%20Link.pdf

 

I'm assuming I have the Safety System Plus+ A. The document I have for the features list cuts off the full name. It works surprisingly well, Lexus really downplays it, yes you have to touch the wheel every 15 seconds, but it's very sensitive, even a light touch with your knee will work, unlike the Tesla. I have a close friend with a Model S, which I've borrowed extensively and cross shopped with the LS, it's almost as good. Really. In real life with all the issues of construction and lane markings it performs almost as well as the Tesla, it just wonders in the lane a little more.

The Lexus is better in slow traffic and city streets because it will follow the car in front. It is also easier to engage (not that the Tesla is difficult) because the Lexus defaults to 'ON' when you set the cruise. So in the city, you just hit the cruse button, it defaults to 45 km/h and follows the car in front. Once you get used to it, it's really nice.

PS. I live in Canada, and just got the car, so all of this is in the winter with snow on the road and it still works.

 

Is it possible to get the safety system +A by itself? Doesn't seem possible on the configurator but wonder if I can order a LS500 F Sport with just the safety system and no performance package