...How's the illumination??? What are likes/dislikes so far?

TIA

derf

Perfect! Very broad uniform beam, whitest headlamp beam I've seen. It's seamless, no edges, just a broad wash of white light. Very happy so far - no experience yet in rain or fog or snow (thank the gods). Nor any experience with reflections off wet road surface. So far, quite happy.

I'd have to cho doctorharrison's post. The thing that strikes me the most is how white the light is. But very good lateral visibility too even on low beams. (My night vision camera helps me see the rest though:)

Thanks Doc and Scothawk. Can't wait to hear how you grade the all-weather lights on wet roads when dark outside.

I just got my A8 base model delivered last night. All I have to say is that the LED package was one of the key reasons why I went with A8 instead of 750. When I drove it home, I can understand how this will set the new standard for other cars.

Not too technical, but I hope it helps...

I just got my A8 base model delivered last night. All I have to say is that the LED package was one of the key reasons why I went with A8 instead of 750. When I drove it home, I can understand how this will set the new standard for other cars.

Not too technical, but I hope it helps...

Sure does, thanks :^)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the lumens on the LEDs are really not that much greater than those from xenon HIDs on BMW or Mercedes, no? Maybe the spectrum color is higher/whiter, but I do not think they are significantly brighter, otherwise the could not pass gov regulations for low beams.

I think the primary difference is aesthetic and lower voltage (i.e., better efficiency).

Am I the only one that thinks the A8 LEDs give the car the 'droopy dog' look?

Compare to the new (2011) A6 LEDs, which have a dynamic, sporty look. Notice how the bumper cover on the A6 notches up to follow the contour of the headlights. It's the correct look for the A6 (and should have been for the A8), but instead it seems to underline that the A8 designers took a short cut on the design surrounding A8 LEDs, either not to alienate buyers, or to allow for plug n play of the non-full LED lights in less premium A8s. Given that the Audi designers are relatively saavy, my guess is that vanilla droopy dog look was a cost cutting decision for manufacturing process.

I think its the one design flaw on an otherwise beautiful car.

Big"G"---I get your point re: the LED headlight design. The A8's LED clusters might have been better integrated into the front design had they extended the angle of the top grill corners outward (similar to the C7) instead of inward. They could have then parallel angled the bumper facia between the grill and lamp cluster---thereby cutting an angle into the lower inside corner of the lamp cluster where the all-weather lights reside. That, however, might have made the A8 grill a bit too massive---perhaps. In any event, the A8's lights still look quite impressive in person---and the varying lighting effects are very cool, and IMO look very good, especially in the 3rd pic below.

As for the illumination difference between the Xenon and LED...the LEDs provide a whiter light that more closely resembles daylight, therefore reducing eye strain; they're designed to cast a wider beam; and yes, they are supposed to be much more energy efficient.

No complaints here about the lights :-)

It's been snowing here a bit (nothing like in North America I hasten to add) and I can't fault the lights.

In terms of brightness, when I compare it to the Xeonon's on our Q7, I miss the "follow-the-steering" aspect when I am driving on country roads. I do like the "whiter" light though.

Plus it turns heads, which isn't so bad.

Jet

No complaints here about the lights :-)

It's been snowing here a bit (nothing like in North America I hasten to add) and I can't fault the lights.

In terms of brightness, when I compare it to the Xeonon's on our Q7, I miss the "follow-the-steering" aspect when I am driving on country roads. I do like the "whiter" light though.

Plus it turns heads, which isn't so bad.

Jet

Look for "Adaptive LED headlights" and 5 more horsepower in the 2012 models.

Look for "Adaptive LED headlights" and 5 more horsepower in the 2012 models.

Mister Bally. Do you have any further information regarding changes to the 2012 models? What was your source for the 5 additional ponies and the adaptive headlights?

I read somewhere before that LED headlights may have a disadvantage but I'm not sure if its still accurate. I read that LED headlights barely get warm therefore driving in snowy winter weather can cause the snow to accumilate around the headlight. halogen and Xenon supposedly generate enough heat to keep the headlights clear.

How was your winter experience?

In that odd Winter night lighting as it reflects off snow, the LEDS are preferable - we had many harsh day and night conditions in P.C. and we are happy we got the option.

...How's the illumination??? What are likes/dislikes so far?

TIA

derf


How is the throw of the Full LED headlights? I am thinking of buying a 2011 A8L that has them. I'm in a 04 Lexus LS430 now and the headlights are amazing - 180 degree field of view. Consumer Reports said the A8's Full LED beam throw is short. :(

I too enjoy the full LED lighting and agree that they are very white.
They also have the adaptive ability to throw a nice amount of light to the side when turning.

The only down side is the cost to replace them. I hit a deer and one headlight was $2,500!!!

I too enjoy the full LED lighting and agree that they are very white.
They also have the adaptive ability to throw a nice amount of light to the side when turning.

The only down side is the cost to replace them. I hit a deer and one headlight was $2,500!!!

Wow omg. that's more than the original option cost. Your insurance covered it though right??

How far do the beams reach out in front? It is good/fair/poor?

Wow omg. that's more than the original option cost. Your insurance covered it though right??

How far do the beams reach out in front? It is good/fair/poor?

The reach and throw for the headlights are excellent. Very uniform spectrum and throw throughout the field of view. By far and above the best headlights I've ever had on a vehicle.

The reach and throw for the headlights are excellent. Very uniform spectrum and throw throughout the field of view. By far and above the best headlights I've ever had on a vehicle.

At 80 mph or above, the reach and throw of the LEDs are not good, which does not inspire confidence. I will try to have it adjusted when I come in for service. Otherwise, it is great

The LED lights are adaptive in that they illuminate the side area when making turns and they are supposed to brighten at high speed. I have had no issues at high speed with them and I do that a lot...

Yes, insurance paid the tab...8,000+ in all.
The lights are the best I have ever utilized.

At 80 mph or above, the reach and throw of the LEDs are not good, which does not inspire confidence. I will try to have it adjusted when I come in for service. Otherwise, it is great

I would have yours adjusted and looked at. At all speeds the LED's should be bright and uniform. At highway speeds of up to 90mph I haven't had any trouble at night. Plenty of distance, and enough light to cover my path as well as the lane next to me. I know xenon bulbs could be adjusted easily, not sure how to adjust LED's, but to me it sounds like something is wrong.

I was liking mine at 250km/hr in the dark. The highbeam is far reaching. Better than any of my past xenon sets overall.