Sometimes, car companies create solutions to problems that don’t exist, and the resulting changes aren’t always considered improvements. On the other hand, recreating the wheel has its benefits in certain situations, and Lexus thinks it found such a scenario with its e-Latch door system.
Rather than rely on a set of mechanical components to open, close, and lock the door, the Lexus e-Latch system, also known as Lexus Digital Latch, only requires the passenger to touch a button, and the door pops open on its own. Beyond the ease and convenience of an electronic door latch, Lexus uses the system to help prevent occupant injuries from oncoming traffic. That said, there may be downsides to the change, so let’s take a closer look at the Lexus e-Latch system.
On the outside, Lexus replaced the traditional door handles with a design that uses a discreet button inside the hand grab. Rather than pull the handle, the passenger presses the button, and the door opens. Inside the vehicle, a small button-like handle requires a light press to open the door. The action feels seamless, and while it doesn’t automatically open doors like the rear doors of some ultra-luxury vehicles, there is a noticeable difference between the e-Latch and a standard door latch.
The system makes opening doors easier, requiring less effort, and Lexus incorporates the vehicle’s blind-spot warning system to provide advanced safe-exit assist technology. When the car senses oncoming traffic, it prevents occupants from opening the door into a dangerous situation.
If the car or key fob battery dies, the digital latch system will not work. When this happens, there are a few steps the owner must take to access the vehicle. Lexus recommends using a credit card to pry off a small panel on the side of the door handle. Inside the key fob, there’s a physical key that you can insert into the door behind that panel to unlock the door manually. All four doors have a manual release handle, and if the vehicle senses a collision, it automatically enables manual access for all doors.
The NX is currently the only Lexus model with the e-Latch feature, but that changes with the release of the 2023 Lexus RX. Other automakers offer similar technologies under different names or no name at all. The Ford Mustang Mach-E features a pushbutton entry system with a unique finger-pull grip. Mercedes-Benz has long offered soft-close doors, and the new EQS EV offers electric-open doors that you can open with voice controls. Tesla is another well-known automaker that offers electronic doors, and some of its models feature impressive auto-unlock and open systems.
The Lexus e-Latch system is impressive, but it’s just one of several automakers offering doors worth geeking out over. If electronic door latches are on your shopping list and Lexus isn’t your thing, head to our Shopping Guides section for information on the latest models and features.
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