Cameras instead of mirrors – are digital mirrors the future of car body design?.

Digital side mirrors are a technology that, just a few years ago, seemed like a futuristic addition straight out of prototypes and concept cars. Today, they are increasingly finding their way into series production, changing not only the classic look of the car body but also the way drivers perceive the vehicle’s surroundings. Do cameras, instead of traditional mirrors, have a chance to revolutionise the automotive industry, or will they remain an expensive gadget reserved for selected models? Let’s check out how this solution works, what benefits it brings, and what the chances are for widespread implementation of digital mirrors.

What are digital car mirrors?

Digital mirrors, also known as camera mirrors or Digital Side Mirrors, are a system that replaces classic side mirrors with high-resolution cameras. The image from the cameras is transmitted to displays mounted inside the vehicle – usually at the ends of the dashboard, on the central screen, or in the pillars. The cameras are compact in design. Compared to traditional mirrors, they protrude much less from the main body of the vehicle, which has a positive effect on vehicle aerodynamics.

Which cars already use digital mirrors?

Although this system is still new to the market, digital mirrors have already been fitted in the production models of several manufacturers:

• Lexus ES 300h – the first production model with digital mirrors, manufactured for the Japanese market.
• Audi e-tron / Q8 e-tron – optional ‘Virtual Side Mirrors’ system with OLED screens embedded in the doors.
• Honda e – an electric city car with digital mirrors as standard.
• Genesis GV60 and GV80 – luxury SUVs available in selected markets (mainly Asia and the Middle East).
• Mercedes-Benz Actros (tractor unit) – a pioneer among trucks (MirrorCam system).

There are not many examples, but the increasing appearance of camera-mirror systems in concept cars and prototypes may suggest further development of this technology.

Advantages of digital mirrors

The use of digital mirrors in vehicles is somewhat controversial, but the benefits they offer are hard to ignore. Here are the most important advantages of this technology:

• better aerodynamics and lower fuel consumption – the side surface of the camera is smaller than that of a conventional mirror, which reduces air resistance. This improves vehicle performance and can also reduce fuel or electricity consumption.
• excellent visibility in all conditions – the cameras use technologies such as HDR and night mode, which provide a much clearer image than a traditional mirror, even in difficult weather conditions or when driving at night.
• reduction of blind spots – thanks to intelligent image processing, digital mirrors can automatically work with modern safety systems and zoom in on the image when changing lanes, warn of vehicles in the blind spot, and track approaching objects.
• Modern vehicle appearance – from a design perspective, the elimination of classic mirrors gives designers greater freedom in shaping the car body. Cameras look modern, minimalist, and fit perfectly with the ‘cyber look’ trend.
• customisable view – some systems allow the driver to adjust the viewing angle or brightness of the image according to their individual needs. This is something that a classic mirror does not offer.
• reduced risk of mechanical damage – minimising protruding elements from the bodywork reduces the risk of accidental impact in car parks or tight spaces.

Disadvantages of digital mirrors – what you need to know

Although digital mirrors offer a number of advantages, they are not without their drawbacks. Here are the most important limitations of this technology that are worth considering:

• driver habits – for many drivers, looking at a screen instead of a traditional mirror requires adjustment and adaptation. The learned eye movement is different, which can initially lead to confusion and delay reactions.
• visibility problems in bad weather – rain, snow, water vapour and dirt can significantly impair the image quality from the camera. Although most systems have heating and water-repellent coatings, these are not always as effective as a traditional mirror wiped with a hand or cloth.
• image delay (lag) – even a minimal delay in transmitting the image from the camera to the screen can be problematic during fast manoeuvres. This is particularly important for drivers who are used to real-time reactions.
• potential failure and dependence on electronics – cameras and displays are electronic devices which, unlike mirrors, can fail, freeze or experience power supply problems, resulting in a complete loss of visibility to the side of the vehicle.
• different perception of depth and distance – the image from the camera may distort proportions or render distance differently than a traditional mirror. This takes some getting used to and may cause errors for new users of this technology.
• higher repair and maintenance costs – digital mirrors are advanced devices that are more expensive to manufacture and replace than their traditional counterparts. Replacing a damaged system can be significantly more expensive than replacing a conventional mirror.

Legal and approval aspects of digital side mirrors

One of the main obstacles to the widespread adoption of digital mirrors is the varying approval regulations in different countries. Although the technology is available and functional, its use must comply with local laws, which in many regions still require physical, optical side mirrors.

Digital side mirrors are already approved for use in the European Union, Japan, South Korea and several other countries. Changes in vehicle approvals and regulatory updates (e.g. UN ECE R46) have paved the way for their implementation, but more conservative regulations remain in place in some countries.

Examples:

• European Union: since 2016, digital mirrors have been permitted as an alternative provided that certain standards are met (e.g. image resolution, field of view, system response time).
• Japan: one of the first countries to allow digital mirrors on the road (which is why the Lexus ES 300h was first launched there).
• USA: despite pressure from manufacturers, the US NHTSA still requires physical mirrors, which effectively limits the use of cameras as the sole source of visibility.

Such different regulations force manufacturers to offer the same vehicle in different versions, depending on the target market. Ultimately, this increases production costs and lengthens the approval process.

Are digital mirrors the future of car bodies?

An increasing number of manufacturers are implementing digital mirrors in electric vehicles, software-defined and luxury models. This is part of a broader trend – the digitisation of bodywork components that once had a purely mechanical function and are now becoming components of driver assistance systems (ADAS).

In combination with technologies such as:

• lane assist,
• traffic sign recognition,
• pedestrian detection systems,

cameras can not only replace traditional mirrors, but also contribute to expanding the driver’s perception.

Functionality meets design

Digital mirrors in cars are a perfect example of how technology and design can work together to truly change the way we perceive and drive vehicles. On the one hand, they influence the aesthetics of the bodywork, while on the other, they support safety, improve aerodynamics and open up new possibilities for integration with driver assistance systems.

Although their implementation involves challenges ranging from legal restrictions and high costs to usability barriers, digital mirrors are increasingly appearing in modern vehicles. This is a clear signal that the automotive industry is taking this development direction seriously.

In the age of digitalisation, electromobility and personalisation of the driver experience, camera-monitor systems may eventually replace traditional mirrors – not only as a futuristic design element, but as a real answer to the needs of modern mobility.