The 2019 Lexus ES will feature digital cameras as substitutes for traditional exterior mirrors in its Japanese market versions. This innovative feature is exclusive to Japan, a country that legalized camera systems in 2016, due to existing regulatory challenges in other nations.
Lexus introduces its “Digital Outer Mirror” system, which it claims is a world first for mass-produced vehicles. This system displays images from two external cameras on 5.0-inch screens located at the bottom of the front pillars. When the driver initiates a turn signal or shifts into reverse, the cameras automatically adjust their focus to the relevant area. Lexus has also designed the camera units to minimize raindrop accumulation.
Lexus asserts that the smaller size of the camera units compared to traditional mirrors enhances visibility while also reducing wind noise. Other manufacturers have suggested that camera units can lower aerodynamic drag when compared to conventional mirrors; however, Lexus did not explicitly mention this in their announcement.
Audi is set to introduce a similar system in its e-tron electric SUV, which is scheduled for reveal on September 17. In Audi’s design, display screens will be integrated into the door panels. While this feature will likely be accessible in Europe at launch, current U.S. regulations prohibit the replacement of mirrors with cameras. Audi is in discussions with U.S. regulators but has not provided a specific timeline for the feature’s introduction in the United States.
Audi is not alone in facing regulatory hurdles in this technology area. The initial concept of the Tesla Model X included cameras instead of external mirrors, but this option was ultimately removed for production due to similar regulatory obstacles. Ongoing efforts by automotive manufacturers to advocate for these changes may eventually lead to legalization, though the timeframe remains uncertain.
In the meantime, the 2019 Lexus ES will be available for sale in the U.S. this month without the camera mirrors. The sedan will be offered in the gasoline ES 350 and hybrid ES 300h variations, with starting prices set at $39,500 and $41,310, respectively.
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