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Lexus GS First Prestige Car With Digital Radio As Standard For Australia

Lexus has confirmed that its upcoming new GS sedan will be the latest car to offer digital radio in Australia. However, unlike its prestige rivals, it will be the first to offer the technology as standard.

While Audi and BMW have both added DAB+ di

Mike Stevens

08:0931 January 2012

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Lexus GS First Prestige Car With Digital Radio As Standard For Australia

While Audi and BMW have both added DAB+ digital radio systems to the options list for a handful of models, Lexus says the technology will be fitted to every GS variant: entry-level 250, mid-range 350 and the top-shelf 450h.

There are now more than 20 new digital stations available nationally, but Australia's car industry has been slow to adopt the technology in its new models.

The system also allows live traffic conditions and weather details to be displayed on the car's in-dash screen - if the station is broadcasting the data.

"The adoption of digital radio in the new GS will give Lexus owners and their occupants access to a greater variety of radio stations and an unparalleled listening experience," Lexus Australia CEO Tony Cramb said.

Uptake outside of the prestige market in Australia has been virtually non-existent, except for two standout cases: the all-new Toyota Camry Atara SL features the technology as standard (but can't be had with the lower-spec models), and the company's Hino truck range offers it across the range.