Toyota’s new autonomous driving technology will become standard on the 2022 Lexus LS 500h all wheel drive version

According to foreign media reports, three days ago, Toyota showcased its Advanced Drive autonomous driving technology for the first time in Japan. The first cars to receive this technology were the 2022 Lexus LS and Toyota Mirai FCEV. It is reported that Advanced Drive will soon be implemented on all Lexus LS models bound for the United States, especially the LS 500h hybrid. However, it is estimated that many people did not expect it to be implemented so quickly.

In a press release, the 2022 Lexus LS 500h hybrid AWD will adopt the new Lexus Teammate ADAS technology. However, the Lexus Teammate will also be equipped with Toyota's Advanced Drive and Advanced Park, making the LS hybrid the first Lexus car in the United States to be equipped with features similar to Tesla's autonomous driving and Cadillac's super cruise control.

"We are very proud of our Lexus Teammate, which is the result of five years of close collaboration between our technology centers in Japan and the United States. We have conducted development and rigorous testing in both markets, with the goal of achieving industry-leading advanced driving assistance features," said Derek Caveney, Executive Engineer of Toyota's North American Integrated Automotive Systems Team

Earlier reports on the 2021 Lexus LS model already mentioned Lexus Teammate and Park Assistant. Among them, the Park Assistant system is responsible for steering, braking, and acceleration when parking. But with the introduction of Toyota Advanced Park, the system utilizes 360 degree sensors and ultrasonic sensors to provide a bird's-eye view of the car's surrounding environment.

At the same time, Advanced Drive is Toyota's Level 2 auto drive system. It supports partial hands-free and eye on road operation by controlling acceleration, braking, and steering. Advanced Drive can also achieve lane changing, lane following, overtaking, and slow traffic operations with minimal driver intervention.

The Lexus Teammate, equipped with Advanced Drive and Advanced Park, is standard on the 2022 Lexus LS 500H hybrid all wheel drive version. Unfortunately, it is currently unknown whether the rear wheel drive version will receive Lexus Teammate. Lexus announced that the all wheel drive version will arrive at dealerships this autumn. As for the price and other details, they are still to be announced.

It is reported that the 2022 Lexus LS 500h all wheel drive version will continue to be equipped with a 3.5L V6 gasoline engine and two electric motors, with an output power of up to 354 horsepower. In addition, it is equipped with a four speed automatic transmission and a continuously variable transmission, which may be one of the vehicles in the industry that has this type of transmission. According to Lexus, the LS 500h rear wheel drive version only has a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.1 seconds, which is not a shame for a full-size luxury sedan.

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