Lexus Models With Blind Spot Monitor: Year-By-Year Guide

Lexus has been offering blind spot monitoring in its vehicles for several years now. The feature, known as the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in a driver's blind spots and alerts the driver through visual and audible cues. The system is designed to increase the driver's agility and help them make informed decisions when changing lanes or backing up. While it is not standard on all Lexus models, the BSM is available on many newer Lexus vehicles, including the Lexus GS, RX, ES, GX, LX, NX, RC, and LC.

Lexus models with blind spot monitoring

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) is a standard feature on most new Lexus models, with the exception of some base models. This system is designed to detect and warn the driver of any vehicles or objects approaching or positioned in the vehicle's blind spots.

The Lexus Safety System+ includes a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as a standard feature. The monitor uses quasi-millimetre wave radar to detect vehicles in a driver's blind spots, with a sensing range that extends up to 60 metres rearward in the adjacent lane. The system also alerts drivers to objects approaching from the rear at speed. When a driver indicates to change lanes, an area is illuminated in the outer mirror where an obstacle is present, directly in the driver's line of sight.

The following Lexus models are equipped with Blind Spot Monitoring:

• Lexus GS
• Lexus RX
• Lexus ES
• Lexus GX
• Lexus LX
• Lexus NX
• Lexus RC
• Lexus LC
• Lexus IS (Premier grade models)
• Lexus RX 450h
• Lexus NX luxury crossover

The Blind Spot Monitor can be turned on and off using the steering wheel controls and multi-information display on most models. On the Lexus ES, the monitor can be turned on by pushing the BSM button located under the outside mirror controls or to the left of the driver's knee.

How to turn on the Lexus blind spot monitor

The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) is available on several Lexus models, including the Lexus GS, RX, ES, GX, LX, NX, RC, LC, and IS. This system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in a driver's blind spots, enhancing safety and driving perception. Here's a detailed guide on how to turn on the Lexus Blind Spot Monitor:

Lexus GS, LX, RX, and GX:

Use your steering wheel controls to access the settings menu in the Multi-Information Display (MID). The MID button often looks like a gear icon. Navigate using the left, right, up, and down arrows on your meter control switch. Select "BSM" and then toggle it on by selecting "." Look out for the green BSM indicator light on your dashboard to confirm that the feature is active.

Lexus ES:

The Lexus ES simplifies the process. Locate the BSM button, which is usually positioned under the outside mirror controls or near your left knee when seated inside the car. Simply press this button to activate the Blind Spot Monitor.

Lexus IS:

Turning on the Blind Spot Monitor in the Lexus IS is equally straightforward. Find the BSM button, often located inside the driver's door. Press it, and when you see the green indicator light, you'll know the feature is active.

Lexus LS:

The Lexus LS also positions the BSM button conveniently inside the driver's door, typically to the left of the steering wheel. Press this button, and the green indicator light will confirm that the Blind Spot Monitor is active.

Lexus NX:

For the Lexus NX, you can activate the Blind Spot Monitor by pressing the BSM button, which is usually found inside the driver's door. Again, the green indicator light will signify that the feature is turned on.

Lexus RC:

To turn on the Blind Spot Monitor in the Lexus RC, follow a similar process as the NX, IS, and ES models. Locate the BSM button inside the driver's door and press it to activate the feature.

Remember, the Blind Spot Monitor enhances your driving experience by providing valuable information about vehicles in adjacent lanes. However, always remain alert and refer to the Lexus owner's manual for detailed instructions specific to your vehicle model.

Radar sensors in the rear quarters

The Lexus Blind Spot Monitor uses radar sensors in the rear quarters of the vehicle to detect vehicles approaching from adjacent lanes. These sensors are designed to alert the driver of any vehicles entering their blind spot, increasing the driver's awareness and enhancing their driving perception.

The radar sensors in the rear quarters work in conjunction with the quasi-millimetre wave radar technology to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots. This technology has a sensing range of up to 60 metres rearward in the adjacent lane, providing an accurate impression of other vehicles' positioning. When the system detects a vehicle in the blind spot, a solid light appears in the side-view mirror, warning the driver. This visual warning is designed to catch the driver's attention and prevent potential collisions.

The radar sensors are also capable of adjusting their detection range based on signals from the steering angle sensor. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the system remains effective even when driving on curving roads. The ability to adapt to different driving conditions enhances the overall safety and reliability of the Blind Spot Monitor system.

In addition to detecting vehicles in adjacent lanes, the radar sensors in the rear quarters also enable the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert feature. This feature assists the driver when backing out of a parking spot or a driveway by detecting oncoming vehicles. If cross-traffic is detected, the system provides both visual and audible warnings, helping the driver to manoeuvre safely.

The integration of radar sensors in the rear quarters of Lexus vehicles is a crucial component of the Blind Spot Monitor system. By utilising these sensors, Lexus provides drivers with an extra level of visibility and confidence when changing lanes or navigating busy roads. This technology not only improves driving agility but also contributes to a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

The Lexus Safety System+

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

The Pre-Collision System is a key component of the Lexus Safety System+. It utilizes a combination of millimetre-wave radar and a stereo camera to detect potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and other obstacles. If the system senses an imminent collision, it provides a visible warning in the Head-Up Display, allowing the driver to take evasive action. If the driver fails to respond, the system can automatically increase brake pressure to help prevent or mitigate the impact. This system is especially useful in urban areas and situations with high pedestrian traffic.

Lane Assistance Systems

Intelligent High Beams

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control maintains a safe distance between the Lexus vehicle and the car ahead. Using radar and camera technology, this system automatically adjusts the speed to keep a preset distance from the preceding vehicle. If the traffic ahead slows down or comes to a halt, the system will respond accordingly by reducing the throttle or applying brakes. When the traffic clears, the Lexus vehicle will return to the set speed. This feature is especially useful during busy motorway driving or when commuting in stop-and-go traffic.

Additional Features

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

When the Blind Spot Monitor detects a vehicle in the driver's blind spot, a solid light appears in the side-view mirror. If the driver signals to change lanes while a vehicle is in the blind spot, the light flashes as a warning. The system also uses the steering angle sensor to alter its detection range, allowing it to detect vehicles even on curving roads.

The Rear Cross-Traffic Alert function assists the driver when backing up from a parking spot or pulling out of a driveway. It uses the same sensors as the Blind Spot Monitor to detect oncoming vehicles and provides both visual and audible warnings if cross-traffic is detected.

The Lexus GX 460, for example, offers a convenient way to turn on the Blind Spot Monitor. You can press the button on the GX steering wheel and then toggle up or down until you see BSM on the multi-information display (MID). Press "Enter" to activate the feature.

The Lexus ES provides another easy way to activate the Blind Spot Monitor. Simply push the BSM button located under the outside mirror controls or to the left of the driver's seat. A green BSM indicator light will appear on the dashboard when the feature is turned on.

The Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert can be easily customised to suit the driver's preferences. It can also be turned off with the push of a button, which is beneficial for certain driving conditions or when towing a trailer.

Frequently asked questions