These clever active beam headlights are finally coming to America

MUNICH—The US is finally catching up with Europe and Japan in automotive lighting technology, as Audi's Q9 SUV prepares to hit the market later this year with the automaker's latest adaptive beam headlights. These cutting-edge lights offer better, brighter illumination while minimizing glare for both the driver and other road users. This technology has been available in Europe for years, but its rollout in the US has been delayed due to outdated federal regulations.

For decades, the US has lagged behind in automotive lighting technology, stuck with 1960s-era regulations that only allowed low- and high-beam headlights. Automakers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Volvo have been lobbying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to permit more modern technology, but it wasn't until recently that progress was made. The introduction of laser high beams was a step in the right direction, as they can project their beams much farther down the road than conventional halogen or xenon lights.

However, adaptive driving beam technology takes it a step further. Each headlight is a multipixel LED, allowing the beam to be shaped and selectively dimmed to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. Audi's adaptive beam headlights are a game-changer, and after experiencing them firsthand during a recent trip to Europe, it's clear that they're a significant improvement over traditional headlights.

The ability to mask the light and dim oncoming vehicles without switching to low beams makes for a much safer and more comfortable driving experience. The rollout of adaptive beam headlights in the US is a welcome development, and it's about time that American drivers get to experience the benefits of this technology. With Audi's Q9 SUV leading the way, it will be interesting to see how other automakers follow suit and bring similar technology to the market.