In most modern Lexus models (like the ES, NX, RX, and LX from 2020 onwards), the primary AC switch is integrated into the climate control menu on the infotainment touchscreen. However, for some models and older year models, it is a dedicated physical button or controlled via voice command. The location varies significantly by model and model year, not just by brand.
For example, in a 2023 Lexus LX, you operate the AC through the large central screen. In contrast, a 2018 Lexus LX 570 has physical buttons and knobs for the AC on the center console. This shift towards screen-based controls is part of a global trend noted by the UAE's Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) in its reports on automotive digitization. However, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA Dubai) consistently emphasizes in its driver safety guides that minimizing eyes-off-the-road time is critical, especially on high-speed routes like the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway. This makes physical controls or reliable voice commands for frequent functions like AC a practical safety consideration in local conditions.
Here is a comparison for common Lexus models in UAE showrooms:
| Model | Model Year | AC Switch Location | Additional Note |
|---|
| Lexus LX 570 | 2015-2021 | Physical buttons & knobs on center console | GCC-spec vehicles. |
| Lexus ES 300h | 2020-2023 | Within touchscreen climate menu | Look for the "AC" button on the screen interface. |
| Lexus NX 350 | 2022-2024 | Within touchscreen climate menu | Also accessible via "Hey Lexus" voice command. |
| Lexus GX 550 | 2024 (New Model) | Physical button below touchscreen | Dedicated button retained for quick access. |
Key practical points from a local owner's perspective:
- Touchscreen Location: For newer models, tap the climate icon on the home screen, then look for the "AC" button within the digital interface.
- Physical Button Alternative: In many SUVs like the older LX and GX, it's a clear button labeled "A/C" among the other climate knobs.
- Voice Control Availability: Using the "Hey Lexus" command to turn the AC on/off is the safest method while driving on Sheikh Zayed Road during rush hour.
The choice impacts daily use. With summer temperatures consistently above 40°C, needing to navigate through a touchscreen menu to find the AC button while driving can be a distraction. RTA Dubai's safety literature suggests that taking your eyes off the road for more than 2 seconds significantly increases risk. Therefore, for a frequently used function like air conditioning, a physical control or a well-practiced voice command aligns better with the driving safety needs in the UAE context.
