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Julian Rendell October 25, 2007 2:16 PM

I know what Rory means - they make a huge statement about the car they're attached too. There is a techy/green point, though. LED running lights usse a lot less power than conventional bulbs. If the EU makes running lights a regulatory requirement, which I suggest is very likely, LEDs will likely be the technology chosen. So we'd better get used to them.....

Vicky Parrott October 25, 2007 5:43 PM

I'm of completely the opposite opinion. Call me vain (you wouldn't be the first) but I think the LED running lights look great, and make you more visible day or night.

I hate it when people drive with their fog lights on because it can blind drivers on the opposite side of the road, and it shows that the driver is either ignorant of their own car's controls, or that they're generally trying to draw attention to themselves.

The LED lights are one of the best design features of the A5 and R8, both of which are cars you buy because you want to look good. And hey, we all want that.

nh October 30, 2007 10:21 AM

Well, I seriously agree with Rory.

But it's not limited to Audi I'm afraid. I believe BMW has started this fashion with it's current 7 and 5-series: nowadays a car's design is apparently not good if it's not "bold" or "sexy" (whatever that may be for any healthy man or woman).

Personally I find the new and heavily criticised Laguna far better looking then the actually dreadfully ugly Mondeo. To me discretion and subtility are positive qualities; not faults.

And a Mondeo or those LED-lights are everything but discrete. I therefore largely prefer a Passat, Accord or Laguna or even a Sonata or Magentis to that ugly, very fuzzy, clamorous and also oversized Mondeo, or to a 3-series (although the latter has a good size).

Classy people have the typical quality of being disrete instead of clamorous.

Nowadays we see many people who apparently earn enough money to spend it on expensive cars. Many of them seem to lack both the class and good taste, to appreciate clean and sober styling.

To me it's not a problem, altough I don't like how all these ugly 3-series spoil my view on the road. But judging from the first idea's we get from the fortcoming new 7-series, BMW will return to more classy styling. Let's hope so. Then those people who love to have their neighbours and so called friends admire them for their car's badge can again start driving a nice looking car (like the former 5-series for instance was).

Joff November 12, 2007 1:35 PM

I prefer to think of the lights as being "distinctive" rather than vulgar and maybe it's their roll out onto lesser models in the Audi range that has diluted their impact and changed opinion.

On the flagship R8 and RS models, the LED side lights give a fantastic imposing look to the front of the car.

team hethel November 13, 2007 2:33 PM

Just got a 3 series and it has daylight running lights front and rear, the dipped and mains are xenons, the "angel eyes" dont seem to be LEDs on this but will check further.  As an aside it seems that the default seems to be off for the fogs, so I assume that all the BMW's I see on clear days and nights with sides and fogs are making a concious decision to use these lights illegally.

minwow November 17, 2007 8:24 PM

If you look back in the Frankfurt motor show, the LED lights are one of the car design trends! Cars such as the Cactus, Kee, A4, and the Reventon etc.. has running LED lights.

Also i would like to highlight Audi are putting theses lights to give a distinctive  identity to the models. I believe this is a first for car design and could be a move for many other car manufactures.

SuperXepa November 29, 2007 5:06 PM

No tienes ni puñetera idea chaval!

Joff December 8, 2007 4:29 PM

Further to this, someone's already modified their Corsa with a set of the LED driving lights ala Audi R8 blog.jofftastic.co.uk/.../audi-led-driving-lights-on-a-corsa-sort-of

Glennan January 4, 2008 12:22 PM

When I see these LEDs all I can think is 1970's snake lights...

Or is it just me?

rssh February 17, 2008 8:58 AM

@Glennan I agree with you.

julianphillips February 25, 2008 1:13 PM

I seem to remember that the side lights on Volvo's used to be permanently switched on as a safety feature, is this still true?  If so, then Volvo would have an argument to switch to LEDs because they would save energy.

Lotus Man February 27, 2008 10:41 AM

Audi were not the first to have these sort of led string of pearls lights - No it was KITT ( in Knight Rider ) although 'his' were a lot cooler as it moved from side to side.  The trend was then followed by the "I think I'm really cool by putting KITT lights on my Celica or Trans Am" set......Hmmmm really stylish - I rest my case ( against them )  

Anonymous March 15, 2008 1:17 PM

They look ridiculous.  It'll be interesting to see how devalued the idea will seem when every Corsa and C2 over five years old has them.  A bit light Lexus rear lights...

Peter Cavellini March 27, 2008 12:41 PM

What's next at Audi then are they going to make the Audi TT KITT!. I mean is it going to have strobing lights , talk to you, insult your driving!. No i just think they are  gimmick,expensive to fix,and as most people already know when you fill in surveys they know which area of the market are easily convinced they ned this car or latest gimmick.  

ordinary bloke May 2, 2008 12:55 AM

A bit gimmicky really, but a little bit of me thinks they look quite cool. The problem is that as soon as every car has them (as the EU seems to want) not only will there be lots of models with all sorts of ugly arrangements but the supposed "safety feature" of the lights being on all the time will just be lost as everyone will have them. We only really notice them now more than the other vehicles on the road because there are so few of them. So why bother with them ? Just another ill-thought out idea from the EU, making up rules just for the sake of it.

230SL May 10, 2008 9:57 AM

Ordinary bloke, I don't think they are there to make them stand out from other vehicles, are they not there to catch your eye on a dull morning when that dark coloured car might not have been noticed, I think they are a good idea, Audis LED patterns they are designer creating a job for himself.

230SL May 10, 2008 9:58 AM

Sorry about my poor punctuation in the above post, it is disgraceful.

DeweyWins May 20, 2008 3:53 PM

I emailed Audi about those awful lights a few weeks ago. This was their response:

Thank you for your e mail dated 24 April 2008, regarding the LED lights on various Audi models. Please accept my apologies for the delay in replying.

I am sorry to hear that you dislike the LED lights on Audi vehicles. As they are very popular with Audi customers there are no plans to discontinue including these lights as part of the specification of certain models.

Translation: If our customers like them, we couldn't care less if our entirely pointless 'look at me' lights cause irritation to other road users.

Outcome: If that's your attitude, you can stick your Audis, VWs, Seats and Skodas where the sun doesn't shine (maybe your LED lights will come in handy there), and I'll stick to my Subaru Legacy.

S1mon May 21, 2008 12:29 PM

The style issue aside (which in my opinion makes the car look sad) is this just like most other safety features. Hazards are reflective, fluoresent or illuminated. What next

As everything will eventually be made more visible they will eventually become the background and merge back into it losing the reason why they were made so in the first place . . .

There are now so many things that flash, are lit up together with the increase in roadside furniture, plethora of markings on the road which either lead to information overload and in the long run no real benefit!

Sorry to sidetrack the discussion.

Blackfender May 26, 2008 1:22 PM

If as you say Rory,  deep within Audi's MMI system there's an option to switch the lights off, why couldn't they allow the owner to turn individual LEDs on or off ?. That way they could attract as much attention to themselves as their egos could wish for. Volvos of the eighties had 'day notice' lights and many American cars have amber running lights, so it's nothing new and motorcycles use their main light all in the interest of safety.

Peter Cavellini June 3, 2008 11:37 AM

Lets be honest about this- its not the L.E.D'S - its the fact that Audi wants to be up market so you get what you pay for.Wrong! search round the other car makers and what you find standard on most is a cost opion on the Audi. L.E.D's just window dressing and expensive at that.  

AB17790 June 24, 2008 10:52 PM

At the end of the day Audi have triedanother way into saying they are one of the top dogs by creating these vulgar car lights (led daytime lights) i hate them come on audio just face it BMW are better and always will be M5 Rock On

MartinAston June 25, 2008 7:06 PM

It it possible to switch them Off? I can't stand them!

nom de plum June 25, 2008 8:45 PM

Audi drivers are the new BMW drivers. Crass, flash and utterly tasteless.

I despise them and their cars.

Damn them all.

papagomp June 26, 2008 1:28 PM

What is the fixation with having to shout just to make yourself look good. When did design become about excess, and details that reflect only someones insecurity. The problem is that I think the Audi lights generally have real interest in an otherwise staid looking car (cant believe how ordinary and over bloated the new A4 is). On the otherhand the A5 in black and larger alloys looks fantastic. But I would not buy one to look good, or get my neighbours to go  oooohhhhh and arrrrrrrrrrr. How insecure does that make me?!!!

For goodness sake buy a car because you like the way it looks not because you want others to like the way you look. Most of those who buy a car for the latter get my pity not my admiration.

Look at some great examples of cars that have real design flourish, the interior of the first series DB9 and V8  Vantage, or the subtle surfacing on the Muciarlgo (never know how to spell it, but you know.....the big Lamborghini), the IQ concept by Toyota, and stance and proportion of the new Fiesta. Then also look at samples of good design that are more hidden and subtle. Richard Wolleys Rover 75 has a maturity and mini Bently feel, that is distinctive, much more so than the new Bentleys funnily enough. Indeed now MGR no longer exsists, you see less 75's than Bentleys. Others include the forms on the 156 Alfa, which has been replaced by the much more vulgar characture of the 159, and neatness of the VW up.

My point (in a rather long winded manner) is enjoy car design for what it is, and delight in the details whether its Daytime running lights or not, but do not be shallow and insecure to the point of using a car to reflect what you how others think about you.  How sad is that.

Peter Cavellini June 27, 2008 6:21 PM

Hay guess what in this weeks copy of AUTO EXPRESS there are after market ?retro fit L.E.D lights.Did'nt take that long to happen,and guess which car its shown fitted too,yep! you guessed it a.....BMW!

Richard H July 6, 2008 8:39 AM

I think they are awful and chavvy.

They have been refered to as fairy lights, and I agree.

If you want more distinctive styling, buy an Alfa 159...

justi July 13, 2008 5:01 PM

Me me me look at me me me ME ME

I have to say, whenever I see someone in an A5 with these blazing away, I shout out an involuntarily "TOSSER".

As bad as the angel eyes beemer people who go aroudn with those on all day, I preseume to show that Audi has not got one on them. Sh1th3ads.

Clarkson was behind the curve in consigning all Audis into deeply uncool, but I would think these LE-Me-Me-Me lights must have clinched it.

drivenfromtherearplease August 7, 2008 10:11 PM

Hmm yes it has been funny as I have found a marked arrogance developing amongst VAG drivers over the last few years. Great! Please leave us alone to enjoy our cars for what they were intended - driving! They are not a pair of shoes or a handbag, Rolex or i-Phone.

As far as I am concerned the quicker the badge snobbery disappears the better for all of us and the complete anchors who used to be in other vehicles are now inhabiting those owned by Wolfsburg. A pity, but now you’re there please stay.

Oh me?  BM 3dr 120d M-Sport Manual. Angel eyes? Well yes actually. You see back in May 2007 when I ticked the box marked “Visibility Pack” it meant I was able to gain my Xenons (with corner tilt) a few hundred quid cheaper.

Why the Xenons?  Well when was the last time you got in your car at 2am and drove for the sheer fun of it in the country?  Mmm VAG owners may well be perplexed….but you need a good set of lights for this.

The Audi lights smack of diamante bling as they are headlamp only, the BM’s also have led rears on too, possibly so the understearing VAG’s can see where we are when they finally get to the straight…..

moe360 September 13, 2008 10:33 PM

The LED lights on the new Audis and on the R8, new A4 in S- Line spec and TT looks the works.

The R8 is the best one, I saw one in town the other day with LED on and the whole town stopped dead in its tracks just for that car. That is what we all want :)

kevsart October 27, 2008 7:48 PM

They look like a string of pearls on the gently-scultured neck of a faded super-model - totally out of place and spoiling the overall look of the car's front.

If they do become necessary by EU law Audi simply has to find another way.

noluddite October 29, 2008 4:43 PM

These lights look naff. However, if I had more money than sense, and less style than a kid with a baseball cap, and I were to actually buy an Audi, I would probably leave the lights switched on. Why? Because having paid for the d*mn things, I might as well reap the safety benefit. The lights would say no more about me than owning the Audi does in the first place.

Alfasimon October 31, 2008 10:46 AM

From what I understand, day notice lamps will be compulsory from 2010. Isn't this why the Fiat 500 has them? I do think the Audi ones are a little Dan Dare in the execution though. Not my cup of tea.

RGBArgee November 2, 2008 6:46 PM

Is this a problem. Volvo's had them for years. At least on Modern Audis they do look stylish IMHO.

ajoyc November 3, 2008 6:30 PM

I cannot believe that people are calling Audi drivers "attention seekers" because their cars come with DRL's!  

In a few days time I am going to pick up my new A3 S-Line on which I ordered Xenon lights.  If you order Xenons, you get DRL's as standard.  You might call the DRL's an "unfortunate side effect" of ordering Xenons, but even if I CAN turn them off in the MMI, is it worth doing so?

If I deactivated my DRL's and had an accident where someone in front did not notice me I'd feel really stupid for turning them off.  

Thinking that people should turn off their DRL's so they don't look like a flash git is like saying that you shouldn't wear a helmet when cycling because it doesn't look cool.  If you have the facility to help save your bacon then why not use it?

Phinehas November 8, 2008 12:21 PM

These lights probably stand out more in British gloom but here in the sunshine they don't stand out any more than the other 'lights on' cars.

With tourists coming from all over Europe, we have a lot of rental cars that are driven with lights on during the day. Even a number of locals do it on the open road. It does help when there's a lot of refraction on the road surface (mirage effect).

I'm no fan of Audi but the lights aren't that bad. I prefer the lower wattage main beam solution though. I expect LED will become more popular because it uses less power and therefore, fuel.

dayglo November 11, 2008 10:20 AM

While I don't mind daytime 'position' lights, such as the Audi and am actually thinking of fitting some LED lights myself (a bit more discreet than the Audi ones) for daytime safety I would just say the following ----

I think that people who drive around with foglights on, especially at night should have to re-take their driving test, it is totally annoying to have four lights either in your mirror or coming towards you on dark country lanes, the foglights spray their light sideways and forwards and are illegal except in VERY bad conditions.

I have on occasions, when the offender would not overtake and was stuck on my bumper been as silly as they have and put my rear fogs on, they normally flash their headlights in protest - how ironic !!!!

I think that when front fogs are switched on the cars speed should be automatically be limited to 30mph, as this is the only safe speed if visibility is bad enough to need them.

Phinehas November 14, 2008 4:39 PM

"I think that when front fogs are switched on the cars speed should be automatically be limited to 30mph, as this is the only safe speed if visibility is bad enough to need them."

Dead right, dayglo.

And who the h£ll is going to run into the back of a rep doing 90 on a motorway with rear fogs on? Yet, at the first sign of rain/mist/Noel Edmunds, they all switch them on.

I think a limiter is a piece of perfect thinking.

dayglo November 16, 2008 11:55 AM

Why do some people still prefer the reduced main beam solution for daylight running lights, when everything is against using them?

Using headlight bulbs all the time reduces the life of the bulb, and uses quite a bit of power compared with LED technology.  I don't think it is possible to reduce the power of HID xenon bulbs because they need a certain voltage to work.  An incandescent bulb on reduced power also produces a much 'yellower' and therefore less eyecatching light than the much more efficient white LED display producing a superwhite coherent light.

Phinehas November 17, 2008 5:20 PM

The reason I prefer them -not the original GM solution, but the corrected one- is because they cause less dazzle than LEDs in lower light conditions. I know they will be faded out because of the other advantages of LED. What is needed is a low-consumption, high-output system with a wide beam spread (LEDs lack this unless you have long lines of them) and that can adapt to ambient light conditions. Shouldn't be beyond the wit of man, eh?

Contrast against the background is the goal, not simple high, white light.

heyho November 18, 2008 11:21 PM

I now have a 5 series BMW, I bought it because I trusted it was a fine drive, and it is. However I ponder over the daytime running lights? If I switch this option on in the computer (iDrive) then my dipped lights, the halo lights and rear lights come on...all the time day or night? I thought the point of DRL's was to have a discrete front light so that in any given circumstance there is a chance that onlookers or oncoming vehicles could spot you a little earlier - safety etc.  Where used, the use of LED technology satisfies the green aspect.

However, with full dipped beams (non-LED), side lights (halos, LED) and rear lights (LED) then is this not OTT for during the day and also goes against green policy? I don't see them as gimmicks but I can understand how some might, personal taste, but I wonder if I can compromise by getting BMW to re-programme the settings for DRL and just have the more subtle halos glowing during normal conditions? Or should I just switch the DRL's off and enjoy the drive? Thoughts?!

ukcardesigner December 19, 2008 1:49 PM

very funny seeing golfs, taxis, retro fitted,

i also spotted these used on first buses,

a line of cheap leds above the rear number plate

Hangten January 3, 2009 4:00 PM

I agree with Rory, but dont have a problem with most running-lights. Its just that on the Audi it looks like Christmas at a Chavs house. Spectacularly tacky and naff. A continuous strip could have looked cool but the seperate lights are woeful. Mind you it seems to fit the style for most Audi drivers these days if you listen to Clarkson!

Vanquish January 7, 2009 2:05 PM

Oh this is just silly. Why do some people like black cars over Silver, why do some people wear red trousers while others wouldn't be seen dead in them ? Look DRL,s serve two purposes, they provide improved visibility and that will keep the road safety activists happy and they creat an identity for a manufacturer in an age where the ultimate shape of a car is determined by safety requirements, cost and efficient aero dynamics. Basically all cars were starting to look alike. To my mind the only people who would complain about Audi's DRL's are those who see the car as nothing more than a tool to get them from A to B (in which case why are you on a Car website?) or they simply cant afford to buy one themselves....

And Hangten, I think Clarkson is a genious but if you are dumn enough to label all Audi Drivers cocks on his say so then I suggest that its you who is the '***'...

Vanquish January 7, 2009 2:08 PM

.....and yes I know I spelt create and dumb wrong. :o/

tommallett January 19, 2009 12:17 PM

Saw them on a black cab the other day.....cool!

brakedwell January 23, 2009 5:41 PM

They are much to bright!!!

custom February 5, 2009 4:36 PM

Vanquish, its nice to read a bit of sence here. I am expecting the delivery of my R8 V10 in July/Aug this year and it will come with "full" LED lighting, I am not  sure what they will look like when on but I am looking forward to seeing them.

I am amazed at some comments here by people who seem to subscribe to the doctrine of "Clarkson" when it comes to Audi. I love the guy too but do you people have no opinions of your own?

I have never owned an Audi before and don’t think I fit any typical stereotype, to group a whole bunch of people under a particular banner just because they drive a certain make of car is just plain ignorant.

I like the LED’s; from a branding point of view they work, as well as being a good safety feature.

If you don’t like them then dont buy an Audi, I am just grateful that I have the choice. The day I pander to other peoples views on my car choice will be the day my coffin is rolled into a Hearse

goodboy2 February 13, 2009 3:15 AM

When all cars have 'em let's see what other maufacturers come up with.

This example is market leading and distinctive.

LED's get you seen quicker whether they're in a straight line or arranged with a touch of style, so what's the problem...?

dayglo February 15, 2009 5:32 PM

I drive a silver car which (judging by the number drivers who pull out in front of me) must be invisible,  - I am fitting aftermarket LED DRL's as an act of self-preservation - it's either that or buy a bright orange car.

catnip February 23, 2009 10:50 PM

the fairy light strings are very 'accessory shop' aren't they?

YouveGottaBeJoking February 26, 2009 2:42 PM

This thread has provided benefit to the community in highlighting a new condition that we are all going to need to deal with: "DRL Envy".

My heart goes out to all of you who have not yet been able to acknowledge your condition and are currently dealing with it using the displaced criticism technique.......

(And yes, I drive an Audi with DRLs, although not LEDs.)

old swanee March 8, 2009 1:46 PM

The other day I was being closely followed by an Audi Q5, all I could see was these bloody lights in my rear view mirror, I imagine the Q7 is even worse, they are an eyesore on their saloons, a real pain on thier SUVs!

Vanquish March 11, 2009 9:26 AM

Old swanee, perhaps you should have kept your eyes on the road..At least you noticed it was a Q5, how many other cars can you remember that were following you that day? Visibility is everything, it is no worse than the headlights of other cars driving towards you at light, if you look at them instead of the road no doubt that will annoy you too. Or people who keep their foot on the brake pedal at the lights, must really hack you off having to stare at those bright red buggers. Do you turn down the dash lighting on your car for fear of distraction? Come on you're just plain envious ain't ya !!!

maninoz April 1, 2009 4:17 AM

I had no idea this created such divided opinion. I bought my first ever Audi last year, an S5, so obviously it came with LED's. Yes, they get you noticed, particularly in a country (Oz) where there aren't that many late model Audis around. But high visibility on today's congested roads, especially in bright sunlight, isn't a bad thing so I've chosen to leave them switched on even though there is the option to switch them off - even dim them, thro the MMI. Do they have a 'look at me' factor about them? Of course, but as someone in their 50's I hardly think of myself as a chav! Did they influence my decision to buy? No, I didn't even know they had them until after I'd place my order. There are a whole lot more important things than the lights in deciding what car you want to buy!      

modocar1 April 17, 2009 7:54 AM

It it possible to switch them Off?

http://modocars.com

Vanquish May 27, 2009 9:36 AM

Yes you can switch them off through the MMI

Chinners June 11, 2009 1:01 PM

Audi will have the last laugh when, through over-use, the LED's finely start to expire.  Will you be able to buy one element or the whole string?  Go on have a guess, and I bet it's a dealer replacement only possible once the engine is removed!

Option B, when the LED fails switch them off from the MMI...

Traditional day-time running lights run dipped beam on reduced voltage, the LED is therefore likely more efficient but do you really need so many of them?

It's purely a styling statement, a gimmick that makes the cars stand out, can be justified by the word safety and gets us all writing about the marque.

Seems to have worked!

dingju June 11, 2009 3:07 PM

LED car light can used on Audi, i have see one type of LED Flexiable Strip light install in the two side of Audi which around the headlamp , really nice !

Vanquish June 19, 2009 4:39 PM

I had an LED go down on my S5, it needed a whole new Xenon headlamp ! Thankfully it was under warranty..

dingju June 30, 2009 8:42 AM

Mr Vanquish, from the feedback of some clients , they informed that  new developed LED car light has the function of resisting the error report showed on OBD, so our company try to design and testing this kinds of car light. meanwhile , it means that for the normal LED car lighting will be replaced by this kindly LED car lighting which can worked well in the new developed car ?