Video reveals hidden door handle on Lexus cars

A YouTube video has revealed a hidden manual door latch on certain Lexus models that allows owners to bypass the manufacturer's clever e-Latch system when in a bind.

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The video, shared by a mechanic in the United States, shows a 2023 Lexus RX500h with a smashed window.

The service sheet states, "Vehicle would not start, and the passenger thought that she was stuck in the vehicle – Fire Department was called, and they cut the driver's door glass out".

Little to the owner's knowledge, the RX500h has an emergency manual latch on the inside, and little to the fire department's knowledge, there's one on the outside too.

This may not be common knowledge for Lexus owners who have cars that feature Lexus's e-Latch system – namely the NX and RX SUVs.

The Lexus e-Latch replaces the traditional internal and external door handle with a push-button electric switch that runs off the car's power. It doesn't swing the door open for you, but it does pop the latch for a seamless opening rather than requiring users to yank on a handle.

The backup exterior latch is located on the outside as a small plastic lever hidden under the superficial handles.

Meanwhile, the interior lever is relatively obvious as a metal flap on the door card.

"On one hand, it really shows how dimwitted people are when they don't take notice of some features on their car, like the manual door release in the first clip," said one YouTube commenter.

"On the other hand, carmakers have managed to make a solution to a problem NOBODY had by fitting electronic door handles to cars. Someone please explain to me what was wrong with a regular, manual door handle."

However, the feature might not be as useless as it seems.

According to Lexus, the e-Latch's operation, "is linked to the car's Blind Spot Monitor to provide Safe Exit Assist, which automatically cancels the door opening if vehicles or cyclists are detected approaching from the rear. Developed as a world-first, it is expected to help prevent 95 per cent of accidents caused by the door opening."

In fact, Lexus actually won a 'Secure Car Honour' award for its e-Latch system at France's 2021 Automobile Awards.

Drive has contacted Lexus Australia for comment and will update this story with a response.