CES 2012: Garmin launches new flagship GPS navigator, the Nuvi 3590 LMT

With more features, a larger screen, and the same $400 retail price as the Nuvi 3490 LMT that currently slots in as Garmin's top-of-the-line model, the new 3590 LMT is aimed at power users wanting all the bells and whistles they can get crammed into one device.

Part of the new Prestige line for 2012, the 3590 LMT includes a five-inch glass touch screen, voice-activation, Bluetooth compatibility, lifetime live traffic information and map updates, and Garmin's new "Smartphone Link" app. This latter feature enables the device to communicate and share data with compatible Android phones, and consequently, the 3590 LMT can display weather information, fuel prices, and traffic camera images on its navigation screen. (The Garmin Nuvi 3550 LM is shown.)

Prestige models also get Garmin's latest Guidance 3.0 navigation engine, which the company says provides a faster and more intuitive interface. Further, it promises enhanced lane assistance with junction view, now offering lifelike images of some 60,000 interchanges—25 times more than previous models.

For buyers who can do without voice activation, Bluetooth, and smart phone link, the Prestige series also includes the 3550 LM for $370. We'll be bringing both models into our test labs for a complete evaluation as soon as they go on sale in February.

—Jim Travers