BMW pioneered laser light technology with the BMW i8 in 2014, ahead of the Audi R8. However, the company is now shifting its focus to LED technology. BMW Laserlight technology offers greater light throw, smaller headlight units, and reduced heat generation. It is currently available on the BMW X7 and 4 Series Gran Coupe. Yet, BMW representative Andreas Suhrer mentioned to CarSales that future models are unlikely to feature laser lighting:
"At the moment, we still have laser lighting on the G26 [4 Series Gran Coupe] and the [G07] X7, but we don't have future plans. The G60 and G61 [5 Series and 5 Series Touring] do not have it and the new 7 Series does not have it. I don't think it's completely done, but for the next models we are making, the LED Matrix lights will be our focus. The laser lights are pretty good with absolute range, but the latest generation of Matrix LED lights does a better distribution." - Andreas Suhrer, BMW Product Manager.
Suhrer explained: "Matrix LEDs and lasers [were fitted] together on the predecessor cars, but the LEDs are getting better in performance with distribution, and they are getting closer to the range of lasers." With mainstream LED technology improving, it makes financial sense to focus on it. However, cost isn't the only reason.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lifted its ban on adaptive headlight systems in 2022, but the regulations are so strict that automakers typically avoid offering them in the United States. For example, the Audi Q8 e-tron has adaptive lighting in Europe but not in the U.S. Similar regulations have limited BMW's use of advanced lighting systems. "There are some markets - like the US - where we could not use the most performance from the lasers," said Suhrer.
Audi continues to sell laser high beam technology in models like the Q8 e-tron, and with no indication of discontinuing this tech, it appears Audi may have won the laser lighting competition, even if BMW was first.
Source: CarBuzz