Is the Technology Package really worth it?

[spugger]

So happy I found this forum before I buy. I've searched, but haven't quite found a good thread for this question (please redirect me if I've missed it and I'll delete this thread, thanks).

Planning to buy a '12 3.8 V6.

Trying to decide if it is worth it to pay the extra for the Technology Package, or if the Premium Package is OK. I'm overseas, so I can't go for a test drive or play around with the options myself, and I'm going to buy before I even see it. What have you guys gone for and why? Major advantages of the Tech package? Worth it?

Here's what I've been thinking about specific differences for the Technology Package (TP) vs. the Premium Package (PP) alone:

-Nav: 1 extra inch bigger screen with TP - anything else?

-Interior: Cooled driver's seat (awesome!). "Ultra Premium Leather Seating Surfaces." Huh? The PP still has leather, right? Is there something really different about the TP leather that makes it "ultra premium"?

-"Smart cruise control." Does this mean that the PP doesn't have cruise control, or that the TP's cruise control is just "smarter" (assuming that would mean some kind of sensors that alert you when you're getting close to car in front, or actually eases up on accelerator?)

-Lane Departure Warning System - does anyone actually use this?

-LCD Cluster Display - gimmicky or functionally better?

-Driver Information System with multimedia controller? What the heck is this, and again - is it actually worth it?

Sorry such a long post with so many questions, but it is really hard to buy when you can't actually get in the vehicle. Thanks for the help!!

 

[tonygxp]

So happy I found this forum before I buy. I've searched, but haven't quite found a good thread for this question (please redirect me if I've missed it and I'll delete this thread, thanks).

Planning to buy a '12 3.8 V6.

Trying to decide if it is worth it to pay the extra for the Technology Package, or if the Premium Package is OK. I'm overseas, so I can't go for a test drive or play around with the options myself, and I'm going to buy before I even see it. What have you guys gone for and why? Major advantages of the Tech package? Worth it?

Here's what I've been thinking about specific differences for the Technology Package (TP) vs. the Premium Package (PP) alone:

-Nav: 1 extra inch bigger screen with TP - anything else?

-Interior: Cooled driver's seat (awesome!). "Ultra Premium Leather Seating Surfaces." Huh? The PP still has leather, right? Is there something really different about the TP leather that makes it "ultra premium"?

-"Smart cruise control." Does this mean that the PP doesn't have cruise control, or that the TP's cruise control is just "smarter" (assuming that would mean some kind of sensors that alert you when you're getting close to car in front, or actually eases up on accelerator?)

-Lane Departure Warning System - does anyone actually use this?

-LCD Cluster Display - gimmicky or functionally better?

-Driver Information System with multimedia controller? What the heck is this, and again - is it actually worth it?

Sorry such a long post with so many questions, but it is really hard to buy when you can't actually get in the vehicle. Thanks for the help!!

we wlaked in thinking base genesis V6 was fine. within 20 minutes we were already in the tech package equipped one. if you're asking that question you already have your answer.. you know about the tech features, you want them, get them. good luck

 

[BBQ Bandit]

You forgot about the 17 speaker Lexicon [7.1 surround 6 dvd] stereo - worth it by itself.
Everything else you mentioned is just icing on the cake.

 

[CanukV6]

Go for the Tech Package if you can.
It's those seemingly minor advantages that really enhance the ownership experience IMHO.
Examples:
- Back-up camera. I use this far more than I ever thought I would.
- Rear Window Blind. Ditto to above.
- That Cooled Drivers seat has been a godsend this summer particularly.
- Lexicon Sound System is awesome.

 

[newman]

"-"Smart cruise control." Does this mean that the PP doesn't have cruise control, or that the TP's cruise control is just "smarter" (assuming that would mean some kind of sensors that alert you when you're getting close to car in front, or actually eases up on accelerator?)"


Specifically to the cruise control question - All Genesis' have cruise control. The 'smart' CC actually slows your vehicle when its radar detects that you are too close to the car in front of you. Which is very sweet.

Cheers,
Newman

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

"-"Smart cruise control." Does this mean that the PP doesn't have cruise control, or that the TP's cruise control is just "smarter" (assuming that would mean some kind of sensors that alert you when you're getting close to car in front, or actually eases up on accelerator?)"


Specifically to the cruise control question - All Genesis' have cruise control. The 'smart' CC actually slows your vehicle when its radar detects that you are too close to the car in front of you. Which is very sweet.

Cheers,
Newman

Specifically, applies brakes if needed! Best feature outside the Lexicon.

To the OP:
Only answering for myself, but YES it is worth it. And no, I don't use LDW. Find it irritating.

 

[Stoofpilot]

The 17 speaker Lexicon sound system is heads above the standard sound system. I test drove both and the minute I heard the tech pkg sound system it was a no brained. I also love the adaptive cruise control.

 

[Cut-Throat]

Yes.

 

[trotti]

IMO, with the exception of LDWS (which gets freaked out and is useless on concrete roads), every feature in the Tech Package is perfect for the car and combine to make it a true "luxury vehicle." Definitely worth the cost if you can swing it.

 

[tonygxp]

Specifically, applies brakes if needed! Best feature outside the Lexicon.

To the OP:
Only answering for myself, but YES it is worth it. And no, I don't use LDW. Find it irritating.

have you used it while tired (ie trip to far away destination that you left early?) i drive to florida from nj 2 times a year and that is a feature i think i would use in the early morning hours. or is it to the point of it goes off if you toe the line?

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[BBQ Bandit]

Let's put it this way...

Do not know anyone here that mentioned "Its too much" or "Wish I didn't order it".

 

[homeofstone]

Without a dought it is worth it.

 

[wadebbi]

I have the 2012 V6. I traded my loaded Lexus GS430 and feel as though I upgraded. I purchased the premium package, but not the technology. I felt that most of the cost for the technology package went into the auto cruise, lane change alert, and auto brake systems (not sure of the actual names for the systems); none of which I feel I'd use. The premium package gave me what I wanted; a good set of features that I'd use every day. By the way, the seat are heated, but not cooled. The leather in mine is fine, but not as supple as the Lexus. I didn't feel the leather in the premium package. I'm not real happy with the Lexicon sound system. It sounds a bit tinny to me, but it is fine, just not awesome.

good luck with your purchase...you won't be disappointed no matter the package you select.

 

[tonygxp]

I have the 2012 V6. I traded my loaded Lexus GS430 and feel as though I upgraded. I purchased the premium package, but not the technology. I felt that most of the cost for the technology package went into the auto cruise, lane change alert, and auto brake systems (not sure of the actual names for the systems); none of which I feel I'd use. The premium package gave me what I wanted; a good set of features that I'd use every day. By the way, the seat are heated, but not cooled. The leather in mine is fine, but not as supple as the Lexus. I didn't feel the leather in the premium package. I'm not real happy with the Lexicon sound system. It sounds a bit tinny to me, but it is fine, just not awesome.

good luck with your purchase...you won't be disappointed no matter the package you select.

imo the factory default is light on bass. i have mine
up to about 3/4 (bass) and it adds the bottom end that was missing and does not get distorted when raised.. try it.

 

[blasterguam]

Without a doubt, "Yes"

 

[nextcar]

1 thing i like which hasn't been mentioned:
park distance indicator. when parking in tight situations, i listen to the beeping noise to know when to stop. these sensors are in the front and back bumpers. 4 sensors in front and 4 in back, so you know exactly where the object is. you see a graphical image showing which sensor is activated. when you come to 1 foot of an object, the beeping becomes continuous.

again, all these features are somewhat useful, but only you can answer if they are worth $5000.

 

[mikec]

When I bought my 2009 V8 sedan, I didn't want the Tech package - I'm one of those folks that believes expensive electronics in cars is a repair nightmare just waiting to happen. For the 2009 models the V8 sedans were available in either Premium Plus equivalent or Tech package. One thing I didn't like about the car I test drove was the headlights; I thought they were pretty weak. So the sales kid had me try a V6 tech (no V8 Techs on the lot that night) and the headlight difference was dramatic. I bought the Tech package specifically for the better (brighter) headlights... I didn't think I needed the rest of the Tech stuff.

I'm glad now that I did get the Tech - the in-dash nav screen is so much easier to see/use than a typical Garmin/TomTom unit; the 17 speaker Lexicon is amazing, and I love the cooled seat. Though I think my XM/amp module is about to join the ranks of other early 2009 modules needing a swap-out. 2012 Tech cars have even more gizmos/toys than my 2009.

mike c.

 

[LandYacht]

I didn't think the tech package was worth it, but all those features seemed worthwhile and got a good price on the car. Bottom line is I'm very glad I bought the tech.

 

[Ernie3647]

So happy I found this forum before I buy. I've searched, but haven't quite found a good thread for this question (please redirect me if I've missed it and I'll delete this thread, thanks).

Planning to buy a '12 3.8 V6.

Trying to decide if it is worth it to pay the extra for the Technology Package, or if the Premium Package is OK. I'm overseas, so I can't go for a test drive or play around with the options myself, and I'm going to buy before I even see it. What have you guys gone for and why? Major advantages of the Tech package? Worth it?

Here's what I've been thinking about specific differences for the Technology Package (TP) vs. the Premium Package (PP) alone:

-Nav: 1 extra inch bigger screen with TP - anything else?

-Interior: Cooled driver's seat (awesome!). "Ultra Premium Leather Seating Surfaces." Huh? The PP still has leather, right? Is there something really different about the TP leather that makes it "ultra premium"?

-"Smart cruise control." Does this mean that the PP doesn't have cruise control, or that the TP's cruise control is just "smarter" (assuming that would mean some kind of sensors that alert you when you're getting close to car in front, or actually eases up on accelerator?)

-Lane Departure Warning System - does anyone actually use this?

-LCD Cluster Display - gimmicky or functionally better?

-Driver Information System with multimedia controller? What the heck is this, and again - is it actually worth it?

Sorry such a long post with so many questions, but it is really hard to buy when you can't actually get in the vehicle. Thanks for the help!!

If you’ve never had or tried it you won’t miss it until you might see the difference at some time. If you have it then you probably wouldn’t want to be without it. Don’t get me wrong the car is a worthy contender without it but it just completes the experience for me. Ultimately it’s boils down to “Is it worth it”. That is a question only you can answer.

 

[hhgenny]

Absolutely get it, no question about it.