Can someone explain to me... why is this a feature for the driver/car (other than needing computer hook up to retract the brake caliper piston)? Are these cars actually known to roll while parked? or is there parking lock on the transmission weak or something?

 

its not weak and not known to roll. However no one has tested parking daily on a very steep incline without using the parking brake. It probably has a "breaking" point. If it does snap and the car rolls into someone's living room lexus will have to settle a big claim/class action etc. Better to cover your *** strategy like any car maker..

 

My understanding of automatic parking brake is simply that you don't need to remember to put it on and disengage it off every time. I just set it to Automatic (actually the delivery person at the dealer pre-set it for me, as recommended). So when I park and turn off ignition, the NX is in Auto Parking Brake. When I start the engine and shift the lever out of Park, it automatically releases the Parking brake.

The benefit: no need to remember using the Parking brake, and this in turn will keep the Parking brake system being used, preventing it from seized over time due to unused.

No need to overthink about any reasons why this feature is added, but of course, it is up to your imagination to overthink !

 

On steeper inclines most people don't remember to turn their tires towards the curb a precaution. So the automatic parking brake makes it so there is one less thing to think about.