Though still novel, digital side mirrors are becoming common in premium vehicles, with brands like Audi, Lexus, Honda, BYD, and BMW also offering the technology depending on the model and market.

The recently launched 2024 Kia EV9, 2024 Audi SQ8 and recon Honda E BEVs are some examples of cars you can already buy in Malaysia with digital side mirrors. These feature cameras, housed in angular extensions, feed real-time video to screens positioned near the A-pillars, offering drivers a view of what’s happening to the sides and rear of the car.

Though not without merits, we wonder if digital side mirrors work, or are just a complex and expensive bit of technology that solves a problem that was never there in the first place. But before we dive in, let's understand why manufacturers say they're great.

The key advantages of side mirror cameras

Efficiency Benefits: Primarily, side mirror cameras enhance aerodynamics, leading to better efficiency and an increase in vehicle range which is important in a BEV. Without blocky traditional side mirrors, those sleek camera assemblies can reduce a vehicle's overall aerodynamic drag, Honda also previously reported a 3.8 percent improvement in efficiency due to side mirror cameras fitted in the Honda E.

Enhanced Visibility: These cameras effectively reduce blind spots with their wide-angle lenses, they can also adjust their light sensitivity to enhance visibility in low-light conditions, such as at night or in tunnels. The screens can even provide other driving information, such as from the blind spot monitor or RCTA systems.

Aesthetic Appeal: Digital side mirror assemblies contribute to a cool and futuristic design that enhances a car’s overall aesthetics. Designers also favour them over traditional, regulation-sized side mirrors, which can disrupt a car's smooth lines

Is it progress or just too much for so little?

There's no denying that the digital side mirrors are a striking feature—they’re one of the first things you’ll notice, and they’re sure to impress your passengers too.

The resolution of these cameras is generally excellent, providing a crystal-clear view of the sides and rear of the vehicle. While I haven't tested them at night, my colleague Shaun, who used them in the Kia EV9 after dark, assures they perform well in low-light conditions too.

In addition to the clarity, the digital side mirror provide a wider field of vision compared to traditional side mirrors. The camera feed visibly covers nearly two lanes of traffic, eliminating all typical blind spots, as most traditional mirrors would only cover a bit more than the adjacent lane.

Objects in the mirror may appear more flat than they are

However, the digital side mirrors aren’t without their downsides, and these are the general downsides across the few systems we have tested in recent times.

Wide view but not tall: My main concern is that while the camera provides a wide-angle view of what's behind, it doesn't offer enough visibility of what's above or below. This becomes particularly problematic when parking, as it’s almost impossible to see the parking lines and accurately gauge the rear end of the vehicle is in relation. The 360-degree surround view camera helps to some extent, but this isn’t usually an issue with traditional side mirrors.

For instance, if you need to check the position of the rear wheels, like when parking next to a drain or culvert, a traditional side mirror allows you to simply tip your head forward for a better view—simple and effective.

Though some side mirror camera systems let you adjust the camera angle via control buttons, you may find yourself doing this every time you park, unlike the occasional adjustment needed with traditional side mirrors.

Gauging depth of field: Despite the camera feed's clarity, it simply isn't as easy to gauge distance. The digital side mirror compresses everything behind you into a ‘somewhat’ 2D image, which requires more concentration, especially when you need to switch lanes or when parking.

Traditional mirrors, allow us to judge depth, distance and position by how large or small (and where) objects appear on the flat-ish mirror surface—this isn't as easy with the mirror cameras.

Perhaps there is a more scientific explanation for this, but when you're looking downwards and at an angle, this becomes very weird and challenging. We could argue it may just require some getting used to, but it doesn't seem very easy even after having tested it in a few cars over time.

Cost and Complexity: It’s natural to wonder whether the costs are justified for the small gains in aesthetics, wow factor, and aerodynamic efficiency. If something goes wrong after a few years, replacing the digital side mirrors and screen could be expensive, and electrical or software issues might render it useless.

In Malaysia, it’s also common for motorcyclists to bump into side mirrors while weaving through traffic. With traditional mirrors, this isn’t usually a big issue, but with digital side mirrors, there’s a greater risk of damaging the expensive camera.

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Screen placement: Lastly, while the screens are tucked away in the corners of the dashboard, they can feel like a distraction when driving. Placing another two screens within our immediate field of vision feels like you are constantly bamboozled with information, making it harder to concentrate on what’s up ahead.

Unlike traditional mirrors that require us to look to the right and up ahead, here you are looking downwards and away from what’s in front. Also, while the digital side mirrors pretty much remove blind spots around the back, they add one upfront. Due to the size and position of the screen, there is an A-pillar blind spot, especially when turning to the right. That said, it isn’t as much of an issue on the passenger side, in my experience.

Conclusion

While the digital side mirrors are undoubtedly cool and contribute to the car's futuristic design, their real-world application is a mixed bag.

They offer certain advantages in terms of aerodynamics and visibility, but they also come with significant drawbacks, such as the challenges in gauging depth, potential reliability issues, and the distraction of additional screens. Given how competitive the car market is, it’s also understandable that manufacturers want to deliver unique features to wow buyers. However, in some cases, traditional side mirrors still have the edge.

Also read: The untold story behind the Kia EV9's lower than expected, sub-RM 400k price

Of course, perhaps digital side mirrors will just be a fad, or they may become so popular, that they trickle down to more affordable models and become the norm, but for now, the old adage rings true: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.