► New Lexus Bladescan headlamps
► We explain the new technology
► LED mirror tech for accurate beam
Lexus will launch new Bladescan headlamp technology on the new RX SUV, building on its pioneering use of LED lights. It was the first car maker to deploy light-emitting diodes on the 2007 LS, don’t forget.
Rather than adding more and more LEDs to increase lighting, Bladescan uses a pair of blade-shaped mirrors that rotate at high speed to vary the shape and depth of the light beam. You can see it in action in the video below.
There are 10 LEDs in each headlamp, contained in a compact module in the corner of the fitting. Rather than cast their light forwards, the beam is sent diagonally through the computer-controlled mirrors to achieve much greater accuracy than with traditional systems, according to Lexus. It can now adjust the beam by just 0.7 degrees.
Individual bulbs can be switched on and off, and the mirrors rotated with millimetric precision, to achieve accurate shading to avoid blinding oncoming motorists. Lexus says pedestrian recognition at night rises from 32 metres with normal LED bulbs to 56 metres in front of the RX.
Lexus Bladescan sounds great. When can I buy it?
It’ll be launched on the new 2020 model year Lexus RX SUV, which goes on sale later in 2019.
Expect the technology to be standard-fit on higher-end RX models. No prices or specs have been confirmed yet; we’ll update this story once we know more.
CAR magazine is living with a Lexus RX L. Read our long-term test here