2019 Lexus ES gets camera sideview mirrors

For now, though, the digital tech is only available in Toyota's home market of Japan.

Chris Paukert

Following stints in TV news production and as a record company publicist, Chris spent most of his career in automotive publishing. Mentored by Automobile Magazine founder David E. Davis Jr., Paukert succeeded Davis as editor-in-chief of Winding Road, a pioneering e-mag, before serving as Autoblog's executive editor from 2008 to 2015. Chris is a Webby and Telly award-winning video producer and has served on the jury of the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. He joined the CNET team in 2015, bringing a small cache of odd, underappreciated cars with him.

See full bio

Chris Paukert

Sept. 12, 2018 9:45 a.m. PT

2019 Lexus ES with Digital Outer Mirror tech

1 of 12 Lexus

A pair of 5-inch screens near the base of the Lexus ES' A-pillars replace traditional exterior-mounted glass mirrors.

2 of 12 Lexus

Sleek stanchion camera housings are said to cut drag on the 2019 ES versus conventional mirrors, but Lexus isn't saying by how much.

3 of 12 Lexus

Side-view camera mirrors have been a concept car fixture for decades, but now are starting to appear in production in overseas markets.

4 of 12 Lexus

Lexus is claiming its tech is a "world first" in a production car, but Audi confirmed its upcoming E-Tron electric SUV will have similar tech earlier this year.

Who will make it to market first?

5 of 12 Lexus

5-inch screens should provide a crisp, backlit view, day or night.

6 of 12 Lexus

The substitution of a side camera allows for slightly better forward outward visibility, too.

7 of 12 Lexus

The camera's field of view changes when the driver flicks the turn signal, or if he or she puts the car in reverse.

8 of 12 Lexus

The 2019 Lexus ES hits US dealers this month, but Digital Outer Mirrors will not be available here any time soon -- for now, the tech will be limited to Japan.