BMW has effectively abandoned its long-range high-beam technology, also known as laser lighting, which was first introduced on the i8 in 2014. The German automaker admitted to quietly “disappearing” the technology, citing a lack of future product plans.
The long-range lighting system, which delivered twice the high-beam range of contemporary LED systems while using 30 percent less energy, is currently available on the BMW X7 and 4 Series GranCoupe. However, Andreas Suhrer, BMW’s large-car product manager, revealed that there are no future product plans for laser lighting.
The reason behind this decision lies in the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard rule 108, which limits headlight power to 150,000 candela. This regulation has effectively diluted the effectiveness of laser lighting, reducing its range from over 600 meters to just 250 meters in the US market.
Suhrer explained that BMW will instead focus on improving its LED Matrix lights, which offer better distribution and performance. The company’s decision comes as no surprise, given the lack of future plans for laser lighting.
Audi, a rival automaker, also showed interest in laser lighting but has not ruled out its use on future production models. The technology is currently available on various Audi models, including the Q8, A7, and Q7.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltaylor/2024/08/14/laser-headlamps-are-disappearing-heres-why/