Maybe it's just me. I find the door exits not to be very intuitive. I know how the system works, but some passengers seem to be unfamiliar with it when leaving the vehicle.
Worst-case scenario: The vehicle is underwater. Electronics don't work. You have minutes to get out, possibly creating a panic situation. Door handles are fashionably tucked away in the armrest. And sometimes, the first attempt at pulling the handle does nothing.
(Just playing the devil's advocate here.)

 

Pull the handle twice for the manual release.

 

Regardless of the car, you can't expect a car to be designed wholly or largely around niche "what if" scenarios. Sometimes, you just live your life and if you happen to crash out of control and dive into a pond in a car you hadn't previously studied on how to exit or even couldn't manage to exit, then that's what was meant to be. That goes for me too.

The alternative is stay home or drive/ride in an older car

 

If the vehicle is in or under water, you are very unlikely to be able to open any door due to water pressure. The way out is through a window, which may not open. One should carry an escape device to break a window for that possibility, It's best to get out through a window before the vehicle is completely submerged.

 

Good point. Thanks. Praying we are never in that situation.

 

You want to do this on the rear windows or hatch as well since the front windows and wind shield are laminated glass. I think the 25s may have laminated in the rear seats as well leaving just the rear glass left.

 

Trying opening the sun roof and climb out. I don't think the car will be completely submerged under water (at least not for a couple of minutes) after you drove it into a pond.

 

Think it's really very minor concern when you think about just risk alone on getting on the road on what can happen. I say risk is much higher for something else to occur.

 

A good idea to try, but I fear the entire electrical system may be compromised as soon as you hit the water ... within seconds anyway. ("Life in the fast lane.")

 

Couldn't resist...

 

I agree that the door design is unnecessarily complicated. Anyone new getting out of my car needs directions on how to open the door. There was absolutely nothing wrong with door handles.

It almost seems like Lexus tried to copy somethings from the "T" company, but not necessarily the good ones.

 

The new door handle design for exiting actually includes other safety features. Sensors know if there's an oncoming car, cyclist, etc. and won't let you open the door and exit until "the coast is clear." Also, it won't let somebody try to open the car while it's still in motion.

It's true you need to tell passengers not familiar with the new Lexus system how to get out, but that just takes a few seconds.

No complaints here.

 

"Squeeze while you push"

 

That's what she said.