World-first digital mirrors for new Lexus ES

Lexus has announced its 2018 Lexus ES will be the first production car to come equipped with rear-facing cameras in place of conventional door mirrors.

Because they're available to order on the new ES when sales begin this October, Lexus beats fellow premium car-maker Audi, which planned to offer its mirror-less tech on the e-tron SUV when it goes on sale in early 2019.

Unfortunately, there's a catch. Currently the new rear-facing cameras will only be offered in ES sedans sold in Japan and not on the cars that are set to arrive in Australia next month.

That's a shame, because Lexus claims the cameras that replace mirrors on each front door provide significant benefits over traditional mirrors.

Transmitting images onto 5.0-inch monitors mounted on the base of the A-pillars at each end of the dashboard, Lexus claims they not only provide a clearer image of the road behind, the lenses will be unaffected by both rain and snow.

Better still, when using the indicators, the system enhances the view behind depending on whether you are turning left or right.

Reverse and the twin-screens show the complete peripheral view.

Further benefits include the reduced size of the digital cameras, providing better front quarter vision in urban environments, while Lexus claim the more aerodynamically efficient design has led to less wind noise permeating into the cabin.

It's thought future legislation changes could allow Lexus to offer the new tech in other markets.

When it arrives Down Under in October, the new Lexus ES large sedan has been confirmed to be offered exclusively as a hybrid vehicle, and the majority cars are expected to be sold to fleet buyers.

To be available in two grades in Australia -- Luxury and Sports Luxury -- the 2018 Lexus ES 300h will pump out a combined 153kW of power from its fourth-generation hybrid system comprising a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and lighter, more compact electric motor. As before, drive is sent to the front wheels.

It’s not a plug-in hybrid system and instead self-charges its nickel-metal hydride battery, which is now smaller – allowing more boot space.

Lexus reckons the new ES will uses less than 6.0L/100km.

Based on the same TNGA platform as the Toyota Camry, the new Lexus ES is set to be a sharper drive than the car it replaces thanks to its new rear multi-link suspension, rack-mounted electric power steering and a V-brace mounted behind the rear seat.

Emergency autonomous braking and a daytime cyclist detection system will be standard, as well as a new front lighting system that incorporates 24 individual LEDs.

Pricing is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.