The Audi e-tron makes cameras for door mirrors a reality

For years, cameras that replace door mirrors have been a clichéd trope of the concept car. But now they’ve made mainstream production thanks to the Audi e-tron SUV.

And they have a price, too. Around £11,000, given that’s the premium you’ll pay for an e-tron Launch Edition over standard. Audi’s first fully electric car starts at £71,490, but that one comes with old fashioned mirrors. For the fully futuristic look, you need to spend £82,240 on the mirrorless Launch Edition.

The cameras feed displays inside the car, offering 1,280 x 1,080 pixel resolution. They also have heaters to stop them misting up or freezing, can zoom in and out, and automatically adjust their brightness depending on weather and light. They also knock 15cm off the e-tron’s width. If you’ve ever driven through the rat runs of London, you’ll know how useful that may be.

Top Gear drives the new Audi e-tron

Naturally, the Launch Edition doesn’t just gain the cameras. Your extra 11 grand also ups the wheels from 20 to 21 inches, the headlights from LEDs to Matrix LEDs and the roof from mere metal to panoramic glass. You also get a black detailing pack, nicer leather, Audi’s biggest Virtual Cockpit instruments and a full gamut of 360 degree parking cameras.

All e-trons get a 95kWh battery, and will electric motors providing four-wheel drive and 402bhp. And, if you’re careful, nearly 250 miles on a full charge.

Want one?