Greater Freedom in Design and Function

Audi's newly announced "Matrix LED Headlights" manage LEDs in multiple groups, controlling their illumination, dimming, and brightness.

These lights will be adopted first in Audi's next "A8." In this model, 25 high-beam LEDs per side are grouped into five sets of five LEDs each, with each set individually adjusting its brightness.

An onboard camera determines the necessary adjustments. When it detects oncoming or preceding vehicles, it automatically dims or extinguishes the lights only in the areas illuminating those vehicles. The brightness is continuously adjusted based on the vehicle's position relative to others, returning to full intensity once there are no vehicles that could be dazzled.

This function operates when the light switch is in the AUTO position and high beam is selected, at speeds above 30 km/h on highways or 60 km/h on regular roads. Audi states that even during the day, these lights, along with the daytime running lights, create a distinctive look.

While similar functions have been adopted by several brands using existing technology, Audi claims the Matrix LED Headlights are brighter, provide more uniform illumination, and are more effective.

Furthermore, this technology allows for greater freedom in the number, arrangement, and size of LEDs within the headlight unit than ever before, expanding design possibilities.

In terms of safety, when combined with the optional Night Vision system, these headlights can illuminate a person in the dark, making them stand out from the scenery three times over.

The high degree of control over illumination also allows them to function as cornering lights. When paired with the navigation system, they can illuminate the intended path before the driver turns the steering wheel.