No. its packaged.

 

Not on the RX350. My mom has a fully loaded one and the only option they didn't get was ML, it was its own option.

On my 95 Lexus LS400 the Nakamichi was its own option, not packaged. Perhaps some of their cars now have it packaged.

 

It is on the IS350, the 's direct competitor

 

So it's bundled in with the Nav package. MSRP of Nav+ML = $3,990.
source = http://www.cars.com/go/crp/research....=&aff=national

The G35s nav system is $2,150 MSRP. There are differences in the nav system, but long story short, most navs in cars are around $2k as standalone options. Thus, the ML system in the IS350 is close to a $2k perceived value. Whereas in the Infiniti you get:

- BOSE
- Sunroof (typically a $1k feature)
- Heated Seats (typically around $400)
- Memory Seats & Power telescoping wheel
- Homelink mirror (usually $250)

That and more inside a $2,500 premium package.

Hence, the Bose's perceived value is definitely less than $1,000 based on the value of other features.

I know it's not Apples to Apples, but historically, the ML system in the Lexus products has been on the pricey side as far as premium audio systems go.

There's no doubt the ML is a better system but my point is that the BOSE SOW system in the 07+ G35 is pretty darn good and I can't think of any system that's as good for as cheap ($2,500 for a pretty comprehensive premium package w/ the BOSE).

 

Glad you agree its better, that was my point. The BOSE is OK, nothing earth shuttering.

You should use the Lex website though, its very difficult to price the ML option alone since it comes with so many other features. BUt I will now leave this topic since we are discussing the G

 

I am not sure of the way it works in the US, but here in Canada if I wanted to purchase the IS350 with the ML sound system, I would be REQUIRED to purchase a $12,100 Luxury/Navigation package. Yes, $12k just if I wanted to get the ML sound system. Granted, the package comes with a lot more than the ML sound system, but $12k for a single package??

I agree the the Premium package including the SOW is a helluva deal in comparison.

 

Everybody seems to be missing the point, on the 07s you could get the ML with the 1st option, which was 6k. Ultimately the G is great value compared to the IS350, including the BOSE vs ML value. Now that we agree on this, if you compare the ML to the BOSE, there is no comparison, the ML is MUCH MUCH better. Granted SOW has BOSE, remember the materials came from Clarion not BOSE. Also, there is a thread here of people complaining about the SOW saying its not great (some have even said it sounds like mud). I am not one of them but I understand where there are coming from. Its unlikely you will find that many people complaining about the ML or comments as it sounds like mud.

I hope this clarifies this, value yes the SOW offers value (albeit at the price of quality. i.e. use of Clarion vs the real deal, BOSE) however the ML does not compromise on quality (the speakers are ML not Clarion). Whether its worth 6-12k worth of options is a different argument.

 

I bought an '08 G35x Premium w/nav about a month ago. I am coming out of an '04 Cadillac CTS that had the Bose stereo (which was one of my favorite things about that car). The stereo in the G is one of the (very few) things that I thought were just ok in comparison to my last vehicle. The low end feels a little week. I do like the driver ESP setting. The sound stage takes a little getting used to since the G has a front to rear bias, versus the rear to front that most people are used to.

 

like i said guys, spend 1500-2000 install it yourself and own a real sound system. maybe not the sound quality as the ML system you guys speak of...but definitely the SPF will be there. I can't wait to get this project under way

My friend is selling me his JL 1000/1 (used) for 300 dollars, what a steal

 

This is one of the things I don't like about Toyota/Lexus. Each region has a distributor that picks and chooses option packages. I was shopping for a Rav4 and I learned that Gulf States Toyota just does not bring in ANY vehicles in the config I wanted. Basically you cannot get a Rav4 with leather down here, you have to go aftermarket (which means you don't get heated seats either).

When I briefly looked at the IS350, their option packs did not match lexus.com, they basically had three levels, I think they referred to them as Package A, B, and C.

It's annoying if you ask me.

 

take advice from someone who has experience in the aftermarket sound system realm and isn't just going on the feeling of (since i own it, it's the best value)