Radio Upgrade? 2015 LX

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W

Wads

Joined
Dec 12, 2025
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Location
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Hi All,
Thanks for all the threads here, they are amazing and super helpful. I am not sure if this has been addressed. I could not find any threads on replacing the Mark Levinson Head unit in my 2015 LX. It's dated. I was wondering if there are any ideas or recommendations for upgrades to make the head unit a little more modern. I have no concerns about the sound, as I think it is amazing, so no speaker recommendations needed, just thoughts on replacing or not replacing the head unit. Thanks for your time. Any suggestions or thoughts?

Curt
 
Here's one popular option...there are a few of these "Tesla" style options, probably all from the same Chinese factory. Reviews are mixed, but there seems to be some success.


ras0ne

Thread 'My 2015 LX570 Hamilton Install'

Pulled the trigger on the Hamilton Apple Car Play And Android Auto Kit.

Links:
Hamilton Apple Car Play And Android Auto For 2012-215 LX570
Hamilton Overview Video
Hamilton Install Video

It finally arrived and I'm starting this thread to post my install and experiences with it.

First off is an unboxing video!



I plan on posting mostly videos and maybe some pics if people request specific things.

Once the unit is installed I'll give it some thorough testing and post my findings.

Feel free to ask questions and I'll try to post some replies.
  • Like
 
The Hamilton is great, I have one in my LX but OP is asking for head unit upgrades/replacement.
The head unit is not a standard DIN size and the ML system is all proprietary so I doubt there is anything remotely plug and play.
 
Thanks, guys...So, after looking at the Hamilton product, am I correct in saying it uses the OEM head unit? More or less a software update? Do you still have the non-radio functions? like climate? Thanks again!
 
I'm in the LX570/LC200 FB group and someone posted this yesterday. Looks really nice but the first I've ever seen this unit. They said everything works.

1766339898743.webp


LX570/LC200 North America | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1KAKkxe3pE/

EBAY LINK
 
I wasn't crazy about the full replacement units that were available so I just dropped the Hamilton CarPlay system. It's a little glitchy, but overall fine - I'd give it a solid 4/5 stars. It will occasionally disconnect for no reason and then reconnect a few seconds later. Happens maybe 1 out of every 10+ starts or so - not enough to really bother me. The other issue is that the hands free isn't great - people tell me they can't hear me very well. But this was an issue before CarPlay, so more likely a combination of an old mic and road noise.

The one AZLX570 posted looks pretty sweet though. I wonder if they make an LC version....
 
Other than the lack of brightness of my Tesla style full HU replacement, it's been a solid working unit. No hickups or caveats and has been working smooth after the initial install. Install did take some effort so I recommend a vendor that offers support.

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There's a surprising variety of form factors available for the early gen LX570s. At least 6 by my count including the unit @AZLX570 posted and mine

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you are trying to do something which is already proven to be a bad idea in may ways. The automobile industry itself is going back to button based system from touchscreen. All the after market headunit are known to be glitchy, buggy and outright broken in 1-3 years based on anecdotal information both in the forum and on internet.
The longevity and build quality of these units are not that great, the price we are paying for it speaks for itself.
I have grom vline2 and even that is ok, but has its own issues when I upgrade the software. (better to stick with what is already working ver of software).

If you factory head unit is functioning well and screen is good, I suggest you find addon such as grom or hamilton or others like HUD units which dont replace your existing system. if your unit is bad or screen is dull, its better to get them replaced/fixed or repaired.
My 2 cents.
 
pvchaitanya said:
you are trying to do something which is already proven to be a bad idea in may ways. The automobile industry itself is going back to button based system from touchscreen. All the after market headunit are known to be glitchy, buggy and outright broken in 1-3 years based on anecdotal information both in the forum and on internet.
The longevity and build quality of these units are not that great, the price we are paying for it speaks for itself.
I have grom vline2 and even that is ok, but has its own issues when I upgrade the software. (better to stick with what is already working ver of software).

If you factory head unit is functioning well and screen is good, I suggest you find addon such as grom or hamilton or others like HUD units which dont replace your existing system. if your unit is bad or screen is dull, its better to get them replaced/fixed or repaired.
My 2 cents.
Click to expand...

I hear you and everything is a trade. Having taken the plunge almost 3 years back, I'm not sure I'd take a hard stance on this, because I would do it again.

Depends on use case. I off-road and overland a lot. Having a full size screen with full size map, fast modern apps tied to the cloud, is an awesome thing. There are car brands out there that do this so well, it's in my trade space to buy a new modern car for overlanding that has a large screen UI at my fingertips because it makes for a better navigation experience.

I don't agree the industry is going back to hardware based systems. It's a crutch while we transition, and to makeup for poor GUI designs. Just as there's no going back to BlackBerry.

That said, if someone just needs cloud audio and apps, that can really be done just on the cell phone if mounted in the right place. I often run multiple apps and between the cell phone and large built in screen, makes the experience better.

1768669397650.webp
 
I’m loosely eyeing another 200 series. My last one I installed the Grom unit… never again. Sure, it worked, mostly… but was very slow and pretty buggy even on its best days. After having an android setup in my Tundra, I’d probably take the risk on one of the Tesla screens.
 
pvchaitanya said:
you are trying to do something which is already proven to be a bad idea in may ways. The automobile industry itself is going back to button based system from touchscreen. All the after market headunit are known to be glitchy, buggy and outright broken in 1-3 years based on anecdotal information both in the forum and on internet.
The longevity and build quality of these units are not that great, the price we are paying for it speaks for itself.
I have grom vline2 and even that is ok, but has its own issues when I upgrade the software. (better to stick with what is already working ver of software).

If you factory head unit is functioning well and screen is good, I suggest you find addon such as grom or hamilton or others like HUD units which dont replace your existing system. if your unit is bad or screen is dull, its better to get them replaced/fixed or repaired.
My 2 cents.
Click to expand...
"you are trying to do something which is already proven to be a bad idea in may ways. The automobile industry itself is going back to button based system from touchscreen."

What evidence do you have of this? Who is doing this? Certainly not Toyota/Lexus or GM or any German auto makers.

What new car can I buy that doesn't have a touchscreen?
 
a simple internet search will show you data and decisions by automobile industry regulators :
cleantechnica.com

Cars With Touchscreen Controls May Not Qualify For Top Euro NCAP Safety Ratings - CleanTechnica

The use of a touchscreen in many cars is a concern to some safety advocates who claim they can lead to distracted driving.
cleantechnica.com cleantechnica.com

etsc.eu

Cars will need buttons not just touchscreens to get a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating

The consumer vehicle safety rating organisation Euro NCAP has announced changes to its protocols from next year to require physical controls for key functions. Matthew Avery…
etsc.eu etsc.eu

wjla.com

Vehicle touchscreen frustration & safety concerns

If you’re driving a new car on the road today, it’s likely you have a touchscreen in your vehicle. Research shows 97% of new cars since 2023 have at least one t
wjla.com wjla.com

"
Center for Auto Safety Executive Director Michael Brooks says touchscreen issues are increasingly a major safety concern, especially when a glitch blacks out the whole dash.

“It's so dangerous that it's automatically a violation of federal motor vehicle safety standards. It's a non-compliance and it should be an immediate recall,” Brooks explained. “We’ve seen a lot of recalls where people are driving and they lose their speedometer.”

Spotlight on America discovered several automakers have issued recalls for touchscreen malfunctions, including Toyota, Lexus, Ford, Hyundai, and Tesla, for things like blackouts, frozen screens and software glitches. Some have even faced class action lawsuits.
"
 
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Ok, none of that show auto makers going away from touchscreens. I don't disagree that touchscreens are menace and are now a substitute for "luxury" but I also don't see any indication from any OEMs that they are heading away from touchscreens. Look at any new Toyota/Lexus interior.
 
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