These clever active beam headlights are finally coming to America
Audi's Q9 SUV will introduce advanced adaptive beam headlights to the US market later this year. These headlights are designed to provide better illumination while minimizing glare for other drivers, a technology that has been available in Europe for years. The implementation follows extensive testing and new federal regulations from the NHTSA aimed at improving road safety.
- ▪The 2027 Audi Q9 will feature adaptive beam headlights that enhance visibility while reducing glare.
- ▪This technology has been legal in Europe and Japan for years but is just now being introduced in the US after regulatory changes.
- ▪The NHTSA required extensive testing to ensure the new headlights comply with safety standards before allowing their use on US roads.
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💡 These clever active beam headlights are finally coming to America The 2027 Audi Q9’s digital matrix lights satisfy new NHTSA rules on minimizing glare. Jonathan M. Gitlin – May 21, 2026 9:00 am | 4 Advanced headlights can now project a light carpet in front of your car. Credit: Audi Advanced headlights can now project a light carpet in front of your car. Credit: Audi Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Audi provided flights from Washington, DC, to Munich, Germany, and accommodation so Ars could test out its headlights, as well as some other things you can read about in the coming weeks. Ars does not accept paid editorial content.
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