2019 Lexus ES is first mass-produced car to replace side mirrors with cameras
#46
This is going to come to every luxury vehicle in 2 years, no doubt about it.
#47
I prefer the way Audi has designed their mirrors inside. They are built into the car door instead of a mini tablet tacked on like these on the Lexus.
I'm still not sure if they are something I would want or pay extra for. Will need to see them in person.
This is a concept design so it will probably change,
I'm still not sure if they are something I would want or pay extra for. Will need to see them in person.
This is a concept design so it will probably change,
#48
Lexus Test Driver
I prefer the way Audi has designed their mirrors inside. They are built into the car door instead of a mini tablet tacked on like these on the Lexus.
I'm still not sure if they are something I would want or pay extra for. Will need to see them in person.
This is a concept design so it will probably change,
I'm still not sure if they are something I would want or pay extra for. Will need to see them in person.
This is a concept design so it will probably change,
I think the biggest point that people have against this is - its a feature that doesn't really return as much as it will cost. Strictly speaking - the value isn't there. Chances are you are going to have to pay premium for this option, its going to be expensive to fix/repair, questionable during extreme weather conditions, and the reliability is definitely not as good as a mirror. And you get minor benefits at best.
#49
Lexus Test Driver
Firstly - we have to see if this will even gain steam or popularity. The thing is - it'll only reach market if consumers really love it. And right now - based on this forum alone - it seems the majority are uneasy about it.
Secondly - we have to consider the laws and change the laws surrounding this tech. For the US specifically, we don't even allow front sequential turn signals yet. And our rear sequential turn signals has to have to be a specific size. If we are slow with car light laws, how slow would we be for this camera-based side mirror tech? We won't be able to change the law in 2 years.
Thirdly - 2 years is just too short of a time for majority of the luxury car market to have this feature. If you were to say sometime in the next decade, then I would believe you. I'll assume you might see this in maybe 2025 and later. 2 years from now - the higher-end luxury cars won't even be getting a redesign. Its likely this feature will show up on the more expensive luxury cars before the cheaper ones. And this will take them for it to phase into. 2 years is just too short.
#50
Super Moderator
Agree completely. There's absolutely zero chance that we go from "illegal in all 50 states" to "standard equipment across multiple entire brands" in 2 years. I don't think we could get that done if it was an autonomous intervention system that eliminated 100% of collisions. A replacement for the side mirror that adds marginal additional utility? No way.
#51
Lexus Test Driver
Speaking of prices - I hope when this thing does get into market - it'll be more as an "optional extra" rather than part of a "Driver's package." This allow better customization of the car. Truthfully - cars nowadays come with packages where 50% of the package content is junk but you want the other 50%. Individual options is the best way to go.
I'm curious about one thing though - how will the camera based side mirrors function under heavy rain, heavy sunshine, or snow? Given the camera lens is relatively small - would rain or snow cover it? Would there be a glare from sun?
#52
Lexus Fanatic
Those are good questions. I agree. I find that rain and/or snow can cloud up part of the view from my back-up camera.
#53
Lexus Test Driver
This is why its questionable for camera side mirrors. I guess we will see when this tech gets on the road long term and we see some trial/errors. Or reviews.
#54
Lexus Champion
I don't believe the side cameras would get nearly as dirty as a rearview/backup camera. In the rain, the rear of my car is by far the part that gets the dirtiest. Road grime gets caked all over the back - bumper, tail lights, license plate, camera, etc. My side mirrors don't get even close to that dirty.
#56
Lexus Test Driver
I don't believe the side cameras would get nearly as dirty as a rearview/backup camera. In the rain, the rear of my car is by far the part that gets the dirtiest. Road grime gets caked all over the back - bumper, tail lights, license plate, camera, etc. My side mirrors don't get even close to that dirty.
But you are right about the dirt in the rear camera, it gets dirtier in the back.
#57
Racer
Thread Starter
#58
Lexus Fanatic
Those cameras just look odd and ugly, like broken mirror stalks. I think we are so used to mirrors on cars that designs will look odd without them but if it is losing the mirrors I would just like to see a system/design where you don't have anything sticking out.
#60
Lexus Test Driver
Good post but there are some errors in it though for the Infiniti Q50.
1) The Infiniti Q50 does have paddle shifters. Pre-refresh - they had the insanely nice GT-R like paddles made from expensive material with a leather tip. Refresh model has the Q60 steering wheel with paddles.
2) The Infiniti Q50 does come with a spare tire. Its an optional extra.
Errors for the Lexus ES:
1) The Lexus ES pedestrian detection is not standard. Its an optional extra that is only available for purchase on ES350 Luxury and up.
Other points:
I agree that the new Lexus ES is a good car that comes with a lot of standard equipment (more than any of the cars you listed) but it quite of bit of stuff isn't standard as well. Its a first model year. They are going to milk it for 1-2 years then add more stuff to standard after.
But - few things to keep in mind are:
1) Amazon Alexa is only on the ES because Amazon did business with Lexus first to put this software into the infotainment system.
2) 4 USB Ports is only good if you are consistently driving people in the rear seat and they need USB jacks. I think its a non-feature, to be honest.
3) Regular fuel because it uses a Camry engine. I think quite a bit of people find this is as a negative, ironically. Negative as in - people rather it be premium because then it'll feel like a "Lexus Engine."
Last edited by BippuLexus; 09-15-18 at 10:54 PM.