The 2019 ES Has Side-Cameras, But Do We Need Them?

Redefining Safety...Again

Lexus has always been at the forefront of vehicle technology, especially in regards to safety. And while every vehicle sold in America is now required to come with some sort of backup camera, they have decided to take that idea a step further. And what better way to showcase this exciting new technology than in the all-new ES sedan?

Next Level Tech

It might seem obvious, but using cameras in lieu of side mirror glass is the next step. After all, plenty of vehicles already have cameras positioned all over the place, so why not here? It's a big step forward from the typical blind spot monitoring, which should greatly improve safety on our roads.

>>Join the conversation about the side cameras in the new ES right here in Club Lexus.

World First

Surprisingly, however, no one has ever attempted to sell a vehicle with digital side-view cameras, until now. The new ES touts this world-first option, which consists of high definition cameras mounted on stalks that look something like traditional side-view mirrors.

>>Join the conversation about the side cameras in the new ES right here in Club Lexus.

Better View

The driver (and passengers) are then able to view what's going on behind them via two 5-inch LCD screens mounted inside on the A-pillars. The system automatically enhances the corresponding area―left, right or behind―when the turn signals are activated, or when the transmission is put into reverse.

>>Join the conversation about the side cameras in the new ES right here in Club Lexus.

Loads of Benefits

The driver is also able to manually adjust the view of the cameras if so desired. This way, it's possible to obtain complete peripheral awareness of the area around the vehicle. Lexus even claims that since they're smaller than traditional mirrors, visibility is enhanced as well.

>>Join the conversation about the side cameras in the new ES right here in Club Lexus.

Red Tape

The smaller size and sleeker design are also said to reduce wind noise, which results in a quieter cabin. So why, you ask, has nobody ever attempted this before? Well, even though camera equipped rear-view mirrors have been around in concept cars since the '80s, cost and regulatory issues have prevented it from making it to production.

>>Join the conversation about the side cameras in the new ES right here in Club Lexus.

Only in Japan

Unfortunately, that hasn't completely changed. Japan recently passed a law allowing the use of digital camera technology in lieu of door mirrors. But the rest of the world is still lagging behind a bit. Thus, the ES is only available with this cool feature in Japan, at least for now.

>>Join the conversation about the side cameras in the new ES right here in Club Lexus.

Worth It?

And many will undoubtedly ask if such a technology is even necessary. Regardless, Lexus and Audi (who employ similar technology on the e-tron electric crossover) are convinced the benefits are worth it. 

>>Join the conversation about the side cameras in the new ES right here in Club Lexus.

Many Benefits

The improvement in aerodynamics is actually quite significant, which Lexus claims helps improve efficiency. And since these cameras are reportedly able to prevent rain and snow from gathering and reducing visibility, they help improve vision in inclement weather as well.

>>Join the conversation about the side cameras in the new ES right here in Club Lexus.

One Issue

Camera-equipped side mirrors also nearly eliminate the presence of blind spots, the difference of which is mitigated by blind spot detection systems. The only real downside here is the possibility that a system can stop working or malfunction. But now that they're finally hitting the streets, we're betting development will be swift. 

>>Join the conversation about the side cameras in the new ES right here in Club Lexus.

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