I've used the auto high-beams before but didn't realize there's also an Adaptive High Beam feature that selectively casts a shadow over oncoming cars while still illuminating the rest of the road and shoulder with the high beams. I don't know what triggers the mechanism for this because I only notice the auto high beams going on and off. Has anyone else noticed the Adaptive High Beam pattern in effect while the system keeps high beams on? It makes more sense once you watch it in the video at the 1-minute mark:

 

Hi Fto1, nice video and headlight feature. I am pretty sure the Adaptive High Beam feature is not present in US cars. Some headlight features are only available in cars sold in Europe (and perhaps Canada and elsewhere). My car's build sheet and my owner's manual describe an Adaptive Front Lighting system (AFS) where the beams change direction to light the road when the car turns.

The AHS feature reminds me of another headlight feature lacking in US models. The innermost projector in the 2013+ LED headlights (3 projectors) never lights up. That's because it houses the IR light for pedestrian detection in cars with APCS. In Euro-spec cars, this projector also has a high beam that can be mechanically controlled in a similar fashion to the AHS in the video. I could be wrong, but the inner projector in 2013+ cars with the two projector headlights also does not light up for the same reason. I vaguely recall the same issue with the pre-2013 cars also, but cannot be sure.

OK, I dug up the threads
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...on-lights.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ctors-for.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...3-of-them.html

 

^^ This is correct. Many luxury vehicles are now available with variable light patterns to effectively shine around oncoming traffic (all makes have a catchy name for it), however the US doesn't currently allow this type of illumination, therefore it isn't on US spec cars.

 

MBenz is testing a new headlight technology Digital Light, which is essentially LED projectors that can shine light in any pattern on the "screen", which is the road and objects ahead. This would allow the car to illuminate the road and avoid glaring for oncoming motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Pretty cool

 

This is all very interesting. I didn't realize headlight control is so advanced beyond just on and off.

 

The technology in even the current gen German cars is very advanced, and far outshines the 2013+ LS LEDs. In fact, I wonder if the LED headlights on the 5LS are any match for the Germans. Take a look.

 

Wow!! Now I see the benefits/versatility of LEDs over HIDs. Interesting that they introduced the "first high-definition digital lighting system" on the E-Class and not S-Class. Very impressive what MB and Audi has engineered into headlights. I especially like the reduce glare on street signs and wet surfaces during inclement weather. I thought it was neat how our headlights swivel, lol...pffft, that barely scratches the surface of what is possible now.

 

Can't wait to see what they come up with using lasers.