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 remote start fee for a Lexus?
You must sign up for the Enform service in order to use the sophisticated remote starting features available on Lexus vehicles. New Lexus car buyers get a complimentary three-year Enform subscription. You must pay for various levels of Enform after this point or if you bought a secondhand Lexus without service. Depending on the Lexus you drive, an Enform Remote membership will run you $80-$160 annually.
Remember that an active Enform remote subscription is necessary even for the keyfob remote. If you desire remote start beyond the trial subscription term, you are obligated to pay Lexus.
The best approach to purchase a car is through the CoPilot app. We’ll show you all you need to know about each listing, including how long it’s been on the lot and whether or not there are comparable cars in the area for less money. We’re built using the same technologies that dealerships use.
Does the Lexus remote start require a membership?
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.
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 a remote subscription for a Lexus?
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.
Is enform being discontinued by Lexus?
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.
Has the Lexus Enform remote starting?
Remote vehicle starting is useful in a variety of circumstances. You can remote start your car via its key fob if you have an active Lexus Enform membership.
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.
What is the price of Lexus Safety Connect?
For a limited number of Toyota and Lexus automobiles from the 2010 model year, Toyota has revealed prices and information on its new proprietary telematics and GPS-based safety and convenience services. All 2010 Toyota Prius cars produced after August 1, 2009, come with the “Safety Connect” service as an option. Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance are just a few of the services offered. Drivers of Safety Connect Prius vehicles may rest easy knowing that the Safety Connect response center is open around-the-clock, every day of the year.
With the purchase of a Prius or Lexus equipped vehicle, the first year of Safety Connect and Lexus Enform with Safety Connect services is free. You will have to pay $139.95 for Safety Connect renewal memberships for one year. Renewals for Lexus Enform with Safety Connect for one year will cost $264.90, and the Enform service is only available for vehicles with navigation.
Finally, Lexus provides the comfort and security features that high-end competitors like BMW’s Assist and Mercedes-Tele Benz’s Aid offer. The Prius now incorporates Safety Connect technology, giving Toyota the means to compete with GM’s OnStar should it decide to expand Safety Connect throughout the rest of the lineup.
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.