One year ago, I was impressed by the LED Headlights on the CLS and Audi A7, and I wrote in my editorial that LED headlights could be better that Xenon. Since this time, I drove the BMW 7 Series and now the new E-Class. The entry-level E-Class headlamps are better than a halogen low beam—though in my opinion inferior to Xenon 25W—and the optional LED headlight system is today the best light I have ever seen. The low beam is without defect and exactly on line with what the driver can expect concerning colour, homogeneity, spread, and range. It is really a comfortable and a safe light. The high beam is also best in class compared with other high beams: the maximum value is high but we do not see the hot spot, all in a perfect homogeneity. In glare free high beam, the transition is gradual, giving a pleasant feeling.
I am surprised by the speedy progress made with LED headlight technology.
One year ago, when I drove the CLS or the A7, never I could imagine having a better light than HID. Before this E-Class night drive, never I could imagine to discover such good a light. Now the target is not any more the HID but much higher. While with HID there was a limit defined by the light source not able to produce more than 3,300Lm, in LED there is no limit to light sources output. Very soon, halogen will be the past and drivers, learning more and more about the performances of the LED headlights, will demand LED headlights in their cars.
Sincerely yours
DVN Editor in Chief