After stating that a subscription would be necessary to keep access to Apple CarPlay, BMW received a lot of backlash. However, BMW is not the only company offering subscription services for car functioning. As part of the practice of charging extra for servicesin this example, remote startingLexus has also joined the fray.
One client stated on Reddit last year that “Lexus Customer Service confirmed that they will now disable your built-in key fob remote start if you do not pay the $359 for their… Enform Remote Start app.” The consumer was initially informed that there was absolutely no connection between the Enform app and the actual key fob. But after waiting for 30 minutes, apparently to do some research, the same customer support agent altered his response.
In an effort to disprove it, we contacted Lexus to learn the actual facts about this. However, to our amazement, it is unquestionably accurate. Toyota’s East Coast Communications Manager, Corey Profitt, “Lexus Enform Remote, which works with your smartphone, smartwatch (iWatch or Android Wear), and key fob, is offered for one-year free trial to Lexus owners. The guest has the choice to either continue the trial when the year is up or cancel it. All three alternatives for [remotely] starting the car are disabled by the service if the guest doesn’t extend. The fact that a Lexus Enform Remote subscription must be active causes the key fob to stop functioning as a remote auto starter. The service on the vehicle is automatically disabled whenever the subscription expires.”
Even though Apple CarPlay is increasingly widespread in new cars, it is still something of a novelty and an extra that wealthy owners might be willing to spend money on. A remote start, however, is another matter. Even one of the most basic automobiles on the market 15 years ago, my 2003 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, had remote start. Lexus now offers a subscription-based version of it. Even worse, what if the included feature in your automobile automatically stops working if you don’t pay for the subscription? Just plain low, that.
We should point out that the Redditor wasn’t totally accurate, especially with regards to price. The Remote App alone may be purchased via the Lexus Enform website for $8 per month or $80 per year for some models, or $16 per month or $160 per year for other models, not $359 as the Reddit thread implies. It’s possible that customer complaints caused the price to decrease from the previous year.
However, is it really worth even $80 a year for your car to maintain a feature that it arrived with, is completely capable of performing, but is purposefully disabled if you don’t subscribe? The choice will be up to Lexus owners.
In This Article...
What is the price of a Lexus subscription?
What is the price? There is only one payment option available right now, and it costs $995 a month + tax. Additionally, you must pay a $495 sign-up fee to Lexus before receiving your first vehicle.
Does the Lexus Enform app need a fee?
Except for Wi-Fi and Dynamic Navigation, all Lexus Enform trials are free of charge and start on the day the new car was first bought or leased. Each trial period has an expiration date after which a paid subscription must be purchased in order to continue using the service.
Is the Lexus Enform being phased out?
You can sign up for or extend your available Lexus Enform subscription services through September 30, 2022, via the Lexus app. As of October 31, 2022, at 11:59 PM CST, all active Lexus Enform subscription services will be discontinued.
Can I start my Lexus remotely without a key?
Any technology can be used to remotely start a Lexus, but there are some requirements set forth by the manufacturer.
As previously stated, a current Enform Remote membership is required.
Vehicle settings: The Lexus can only be started remotely if the following circumstances exist.
- All doors are shut and secured.
- There are no key fobs in the vehicle or nearby.
- The security alarm is not in the mute position.
- Vehicle in park
- At least 25% of the fuel tank is full.
- The hood, trunk, and moonroof are all shut.
Let’s take a quick look at the Lexus lineup while we’re on the subject. This information relates to both current and recently discontinued automobiles.
Lexus Enform is free for how long?
Through the Lexus app on your smartphone, wristwatch, or devices with Hey Google* or Amazon Alexa* support, you can lock and unlock doors, start the engine and temperature control, check the fuel level, and more using the Lexus Enform Remote* service. Furthermore, it is free for the first three years of ownership.
Depending on the most recent temperature control settings, remote engine start/stop enables you to remotely start your car’s engine to warm or cool the cabin. Until any door is opened, the brakes are applied, or the engine is remotely turned off, the engine or hybrid system will continue to run for up to 10 minutes.
Finding your car on the street or in an open parking lot is now much simpler thanks to the Vehicle Finder*. It can direct you to where your car was last parked using the map on your smartphone.
If the vehicle is started or goes over predetermined speed, curfew, mileage, engine run time, total elapsed time, or distance from a predetermined location, Lexus Enform Remote* can send an immediate alert.
Your doors can now be remotely locked and unlocked, and you will get a confirmation if the operation was successful. Additionally, if you remotely open your Lexus, the doors will automatically lock again after 30 seconds if nothing else is done.
You may remotely check the condition of your car’s doors, windows, moonroof, trunk, and hood as well as its fuel level, odometer, and trip kilometers with the touch of a button. You may also receive customisable alerts from the system.
In addition to using the Lexus app to access Lexus Enform Remote*, you can use Hey Google or Amazon Alexa-enabled devices in your house. Use the link below to download the Lexus app and set up your devices.
LEXUS IS CONCERNED WITH YOUR PRIVACY. READ MORE ABOUT OUR PRIVACY PRACTICES FOR PERSONAL AND VEHICLE DATA.
What makes the Lexus app and the Lexus Enform app different from one another?
The Lexus App allows you access to Lexus Enform, which provides you with a wide range of services. To give buyers a taste of how Lexus Enform might improve their daily automobile journeys with linked technology and concierge-level service, some new Lexus vehicles come with a significant trial period.
How do I make a payment on my Lexus Enform?
Downloading and using the Lexus Enform App Suite and Lexus Enform App Suite 2.0, which are tailored to your particular Lexus car, are totally free*. Select the SOS button on your Lexus to talk with a Lexus Enform Representative or dial (800) 817-8742 to renew your Lexus Enform Services.
What is the monthly cost of the Lexus navigation?
The MSRP for the Version 18.1 update is $169, not including installation or related taxes (with the exception of the SD card based version for GEN8 and GEN9 vehicles). By dealer, prices could differ.
The MSRP for the Version 18.1 SD card-based updates for GEN8 and GEN9 vehicles is $210; installation and any applicable taxes are not included in this price. By dealer, prices could differ.
In addition to map data, navigation updates also include POI (points of interest) and other information that Lexus must pay for from a variety of sources. In order to ensure the most up-to-date information is accessible, the information on map DVDs is also validated by driving the routes. Free navigation updates are not available from Lexus.
Using Lexus navigation does not need a monthly subscription charge, although using Lexus Enform services or apps on suitably equipped vehicles may incur additional costs.
What advantages does Lexus Enform offer?
Utilizing the Lexus app on your smartphone, wristwatch, or devices equipped with Google Assistant* or Amazon Alexa*, you can lock and unlock doors, start the engine and temperature control, check the fuel level, and more with the Lexus Enform Remote* service. Furthermore, it is free for the first three years of ownership.
Can I use my phone to start my Lexus?
You may remotely start your vehicle, arrange a service appointment, and take advantage of Profiles, which let you sync your customized settings from a single Interface, with just a few quick touches.
Where did the Lexus Enform app go?
The Lexus app now includes capabilities from the EnformTM App Suite. The Lexus app now has access to the same features that previously offered by EnformTM App Suite. We advise removing EnformTM App Suite from your device as it will no longer get updates or bug patches.
Which automobiles will be impacted by the 3G outage?
The following vehicles are affected: the Atlas and Arteon from 2018 and 2019, the Beetle, Jetta, Golf, Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, eGolf, Golf, GTI, Passat, and Tiguan from 2014 to 2018, the CC from 2014 to 2018, and the Eos from 2014 to 2017.
The fix: When AT&T’s network fell down in February 2022, the Car-Net service in these cars ceased to function. VW, however, now claims to have some answers. Owners of vehicles from 2014 to 2016 can purchase an aftermarket system very similar to what Audi is selling for $295. Owners of 20172019 models may be qualified for a hardware upgrade, albeit Volkswagen warns that it can take longer than expected due to a lack of parts. For further information and to determine whether their vehicle qualifies for an upgrade, drivers should visit the VW Car-Net website.
How does Lexus address the 3G shutdown?
The big carriers intend to discontinue their 3G networks in 2022 because so few users are still using them. To enable 5G and even 6G devices, they’ll continue to utilise the same spectrum regions. However, 3G devices will become unusable.
Is a membership required for remote starting on a Lexus?
Remote start and security features can only be added to Lexus vehicles manufactured in 2020 or earlier (newer models also covered). Remote starting with the OEM remote fob or Compustar remote does not require a subscription. It is compatible with the majority of Lexus model years, including the ES, GS, IS, LC, LX, NX, RX, and UX.
Without an app, how can I remotely start my Lexus?
- Within two seconds, press and release the key fob’s LOCK button twice. Between each press release, the hazard lights will flash.
- Three seconds should be spent holding down the LOCK button. (The hazard lights will flash once, then multiple times throughout the course of the next three seconds.)
- About 10 seconds later, the engine will start (The hazard lights will flash for 10 seconds)
HVAC controls will automatically switch on when the engine is started, defaulting to the state they were in when the car was turned off. For better vehicle temperature preconditioning, it is advised to keep your car in the auto mode setting.