WE TESTED LEXUS TEAMMATE ADVANCED DRIVE: THE GOOD AND BAD

EV Channels Review

The 2024 Lexus LS 500h is put to the test with its advanced "Teammate" hands-off driving assist system over a 300-mile journey. While the system offers a glimpse into the future of autonomous driving, it proves to be a mixed bag. The reviewer highlights Teammate's ability to handle curves and its smooth operation in certain conditions, noting its advanced sensor suite including LiDAR. However, significant drawbacks emerge, particularly in its cautious and sometimes hesitant lane-changing capabilities, which often require manual intervention or are slower to react compared to competitors like GM's Super Cruise. The system also experienced frequent disengagements due to "road data unavailable" or sensor obstructions, sometimes abruptly ending the hands-off experience. The reviewer found the system's prompts and required actions for lane changes to be overly cautious and sometimes confusing, diminishing the "hands-off" benefit. Despite these issues, the reviewer acknowledges the potential of the technology and Lexus's approach to safety monitoring, but ultimately questions the value proposition at its high price point, especially given the system's inconsistent performance on this extensive real-world test.