BMW i8 laser headlights
The introduction of BMW i8 hybrid sports car in 2014 was an important step for the Bavarian automaker. The futuristic-looking car was launched with quite a few industry-first features, including laser headlights. Available as an optional extra in select markets, worth roughly about INR 6 lakh, it has several crucial benefits over the modern LED lamps that justify its price. Not only is it much smaller in size and lighter than LED headlight clusters, but it also ensures a high beam range of up to 600 meters, which is double the illumination range of the powerful LED high beam in cars.
Jaguar F-Type J-Blade lamps
Headlights are one of the most crucial design features of a car and often car companies use them as an element that sets the brand’s easily recognizable design DNA. One such example is the J-Blade daytime running lights found in Jaguar cars, which was first introduced on the F-Type sports car in 2014. The thin LED light bar that borders the lower edge of the headlight cluster has become an important feature in distinguishing modern Jaguars. What’s interesting is that it was inspired by the Tie Fighter from Star Wars movies.
Volvo XC90 Thor’s Hammer
All the Volvo cars that have been launched since 2015 were introduced with the Swedish brand’s signature headlight design. The 2016 XC90 became the first production Volvo to arrive with the striking pair of headlights. The designers working on the project nicknamed it Thor’s Hammer because of the appearance of the T-shaped daytime running lamps.
Audi A8 Matrix headlights
In 2013, Audi introduced an updated version of its flagship executive saloon A8 and one of the most innovative features added to the full-size luxury limo was the company’s latest Matrix LED headlight technology. Audi claimed it was the first electronically-controlled glare-free high-beam system in the world. The system is capable of seeing vehicles in front, and adjusts 25 individually controlled segments in each headlight to make it safer for oncoming traffic.
Mercedes S-Class Coupe headlights with Swarovski crystals
Mercedes replaced its full-size CL-Class in 2015 with a stylish-looking S-Class Coupe. The two-door sports coupe’s most eye-catching feature was its headlight cluster that was encrusted with 47 Swarovski crystals per unit. The crystals built into the headlights were purely meant to add glamour and uniqueness to the luxury car rather than any technical benefit. Out of 47, 17 angular crystals formed the flare-shaped daytime running lamps and 30 round-shaped crystals made up the turn indicator lamps. Even after three years, the S-Class Coupe’s headlight design is considered as one of the prettiest.
