Lighting Tech: Play of Lights

Automotive lighting tech has come a long way. Gone are the days of headlamps that only provided illumination. Today, they double up as high-tech projectors with animated start-up graphics. Cabin lighting, too, has evolved from simple lamps to ambient lighting adjustable to all shades of the rainbow.

So on this occasion of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, here’s a look at some of the coolest lighting tech that you can find in your car today.

A SKY FULL OF STARS

Who needs a sunroof to see the stars? Arguably one of the most beautifully executed forms of cabin lighting, Rolls-Royce’s starlight headliner features up to 1,600 fibre optic lights inset into the headlining to replicate the night sky replete with animations of an occasional shooting star. Extravagance at its absolute best.

LIGHT SHOW

Headlight tech has evolved. Audi’s Digital Matrix LED headlamps and Merc’s Digital Headlamps both don’t just offer active adjustments, but go the distance by projecting welcome graphics, showing light guides while driving and even flashing warnings if the car’s sensors identify obstacles or pedestrians.           

STEP INTO THE LIMELIGHT

Puddle lamps are becoming all the more common today with lamps built into the wing mirrors or under the doors and in nearly every segment of cars. For BMW, its vehicles don’t just throw puddles of light, but bathe the entire floor with a very impressive carpet of light.

STAR LIGHT STAR BRIGHT

A regular panoramic sunroof is just not enough these days. BMW, therefore, has it’s Skylounge roof – a panoramic sunroof embedded with 15,000 light elements that really shine in the dark.

BLING BLING

While it does add to the car’s exterior dazzle, opinion is sure to be divided on whether these illuminated grilles by BMW look good or not.

SHED SOME LIGHT

Small little feature but immensely safe and convenient. The S-Class’ illuminated buckles don’t just help you locate them in the dark but also pulsate if you haven’t buckled up.

CITY LIGHTS

It’s not just the city that’s all lit up. If you are lucky enough to sit inside the new S-class, you’ll experience a light show like no other. Merc’s active ambient lighting doesn’t just adjust for 64 colours, but pulses warnings, changes colour to corresponding climate control inputs and even adjusts to selected massage programmes.

SWIPE RIGHT

With regular turn indicators you definitely do know which way a car is going, but sequential turn signal indicators are so much more fun as they pulse in the direction of the turn.

LIGHT SERENADE

Another take on cabin lighting, Kia’s sound mood lighting dances (read flashes) with the music you play. Cool or distraction, it definitely stands out in the segment.

BRING TO LIGHT

Tail-lamps, too, have cool welcome light-up patterns. Option the A8 with the OLED tail-lamps and you’ll witness the full-length lightbar light up in sequence. Newer Audis allow customisation to the graphics as well.