Bi-Xenon Headlights
Bi-Xenon Headlights With AFS
The adaptive light system comes as standard on the Panamera Turbo and is optional for the Panamera S and 4S (Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
AFS offers the following functions:
- Dynamic and static cornering light
- Speed-dependent headlight range control (country road light and highway light)
- Fog light function
The AFS consists of a swivelling AFS VarioX module for the dynamic cornering light and headlight levelling and works in accordance with the projection system. The projection system includes, among other components, a rotating drum with various contours for modifying the light/dark border of the light as, well as a lens.
The Bi-Xenon headlight can be set to different light modes, e.g. country road light and highway light, by way of the drum and changes in the light intensity. The AFS is enhanced by the light from the static cornering light, which is also used as a turning light. Together with the normal Xenon high beam light, which already illuminates the area in front of the vehicle particularly effectively due to the drum position with the cover open fully and higher light intensity, a halogen auxiliary high beam light is also installed in the AFS.
Cornering Light
- Dynamic cornering light swivels the main headlights by up to 15° around the vertical axis, depending on the steering angle and vehicle speed in the bend.
- Static cornering light activates the additional halogen headlights, depending on the steering angle or direction indicator lights
The dynamic cornering light is activated at speeds of over 5 mph (8 km/h). The headlight adjustment angles depend on the vehicle speed and how sharply the driver turns the steering wheel. Viewed from the center axis of the vehicle, the maximum adjustment angle of the headlight at the inside of the bend is 15°, while the headlight angle at the outside of the bend is 7.5°. This ensures the widest possible illumination of the bend because the two light beams do not focus their light on a single point. The low beam in the Bi-Xenon headlights follows the driver's steering movements and continuously adjusts to the current driving speed. Sensors continuously record the driving speed, lateral acceleration and steering angle, and use this information to "measure" the corner. A control unit uses the data it receives to work out the best angle for controlling the dynamic cornering light.
The cornering light also remains active when the high beam is switched on, improving the driver's visibility. When the vehicle stops in a bend, the headlight swivel angle is adjusted slowly back to the zero position to give a quiet overall impression. The dynamic cornering light is not activated when reverse gear is engaged.
The static cornering light activates an additional halogen light source with a beam angle of approx. 30° with respect to the direction of travel. The static cornering light is activated by the direction indicators or by turning the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary and while driving at low speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h). Only the movement of the steering wheel activates the static cornering light at higher speeds.
Country Road Light
The country road light has a greater range on the left side of the road and scatters the light wider than the basic dipped beam headlight setting. Headlight range control changes the range of the dipped beam at higher speeds by adapting the light beam. The light spreads further forward and thus improves visibility without blinding oncoming traffic.
Highway Light
The light intensity is increased in conjunction with more effective adaptation at the light/dark border.
The highway light is activated at speeds of over 80 mph (130 km/h) in the absence of other factors (the light beam becomes longer). The highway light also comes on when the vehicle is travelling at a speed of more than 70 mph (110 km/h) for a long stretch (70 seconds) with a small steering angle (i.e. radius of bend greater than 500 m).
The highway light is characterised by higher light intensity and a more effective adaptation of the light/dark border for these speeds. The highway light is deactivated at speeds of less than 56 mph (90 km/h), depending on the time delay and the steering angle (radius of bend). The highway light is switched off immediately without any other conditions at speeds of less than 45 mph (70 km/h). It is important to bear in mind here that the highway light will not be activated in markets with speed limits of less than 110 km/h or 70 mph (e.g. parts of USA)!
Fog Light
The fog light function of the adaptive light system, which is activated when the rear fog lights are switched on, reduces reflections in low-visibility conditions, e.g. in fog or when driving on snow. The dipped beam spreads out wider and the left headlight adapts the light/dark border horizontally, thereby reducing the range of the light beam. The left headlight also swivels to the left, causing the focal point of the light to move outwards accordingly. This reduces dazzle for the driver. The fog light function is available at speeds of up to 45 mph (70 km/h). The light system switches back to country road light at higher speeds. light
Light Functions
This illustration gives a summary of how the light functions high beam, country road light, highway light and fog light function can be produced using the various contours of the drum in headlights with the adaptive light system. The Xenon headlight shines onto the drum and projects the contour of the drum onto the lens (projection system). This produces the blended contours and light/dark borders on the road surface.
