When did the Lexus LS get adaptive cruise control?
The Lexus LS first offered adaptive cruise control with the 2005 LS430, and the feature was refined as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control on the 2007 LS460.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) uses radar and sensors to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing the need for constant speed adjustments. On the LS lineup, ACC appeared in the mid-2000s and evolved into a more capable Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with the arrival of a new generation in 2007, eventually becoming a standard part of Lexus safety systems in many markets.
Timeline of ACC in the Lexus LS
Below is a concise timeline of when adaptive cruise control first appeared on the LS and how the system evolved in the lineup.
- 2005 LS430: Adaptive Cruise Control introduced in the United States as part of an optional Driver Assist Package.
- 2007 LS460: New-generation LS brings Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), a refined and more capable form of ACC, expanding availability across trims.
These early implementations laid the groundwork for later integration of DRCC with other safety technologies across subsequent LS generations.
Evolution of ACC into today’s Lexus LS safety package
From ACC to Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
In 2007, Lexus shifted ACC terminology to Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, combining radar sensing with camera input to adapt speed more smoothly and to maintain a safer following distance, including improvements for stop-and-go traffic in some markets.
Market availability and packaging
Over time, DRCC and related driver-assistance features became more widely available across LS trims and model years, often bundled with other safety systems as part of factory packages or as optional add-ons, varying by country and market regulations.
What this means for today’s LS models
In modern LS models, DRCC is typically integrated with other safety and driver-assistance technologies as part of Lexus Safety System+ or its updated equivalents. The system uses radar and cameras to maintain distance from the car ahead, and many markets offer it with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering features in newer iterations.
Current status of ACC/DRCC in the LS family
Today’s LS lineup continues to build on the DRCC foundation, with ongoing refinements and additional safety features that enhance adaptive cruising, pedestrian detection, and overall highway safety performance across markets.
Summary
The Lexus LS’s journey with adaptive cruise control began with the 2005 LS430 and was significantly expanded with the 2007 LS460 through Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Since then, ACC/DRCC has become a core component of Lexus’s driver-assistance suite, evolving alongside other safety technologies and becoming more widely available across LS generations and markets.
What year is the most reliable Lexus LS?
Lexus LS 430 / LS 460 – Flagship Reliability
The LS Series, especially the LS 430 (2001–2006) and LS 460 (2007–2017), have long been praised for bulletproof reliability wrapped in pure luxury.
Does Lexus have adaptive cruise control?
Yes, Lexus has adaptive cruise control, which is known as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). It has been a standard feature on all Lexus vehicles since the 2020 model year as part of the Lexus Safety System+ suite. DRCC uses radar and camera sensors to automatically adjust your vehicle's speed and maintain a set following distance from the vehicle ahead.
You can watch this video to learn how to use Lexus Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: 59sDietrich's Car ChannelYouTube · Mar 20, 2023
How it works
- Detects and adjusts: The system uses a grille-mounted radar and an in-vehicle camera to detect the vehicle in front of you. It then automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a set following distance.
- Maintains speed: It can maintain a constant speed, but it will slow down and speed up to match the flow of traffic.
- Adjustable following distance: You can adjust the following distance to be short, medium, or long, depending on your preference.
- Full-speed range: Some newer systems, like Full-Speed Range DRCC, can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then resume when the vehicle ahead starts to move again.
Important considerations
- Not a substitute for driver attention: The system is a driver-assist feature, not a self-driving system. You should always pay attention to the road and keep your hands on the steering wheel.
- Doesn't read all signs: The system does not read traffic lights or stop signs, so you must be prepared to take control when approaching them.
- Environmental limitations: It is not recommended to use the system in heavy rain or icy conditions, as it may not perform as expected.
- Other vehicle shapes: The system may not work as expected when following unusually shaped vehicles, such as motorcycles or large trucks.
Does the 2017 Lexus RX 350 have adaptive cruise control?
The big news for 2017 is that the Lexus Safety System+ is now standard equipment and includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-keeping assist.
What year did the Lexus LS get adaptive cruise control?
The third-generation Lexus LS 430 (UCF30) debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January 2000 as a 2001 model, introducing a new body design with a host of new interior and technological features. It was the first US market Lexus with adaptive cruise control (called Dynamic Laser Cruise Control).
