LED daytime running lights

The daytime running lights of white light-emitting diodes are an Audi feature that underscores the distinctive design of the vehicles while simultaneously enhancing safety. They first appeared in 2004 in the Audi A8 W12. The luxury sedan had a light unit comprising five LEDs in each headlight.


Today the technology is available for every Audi model. In nearly every case, the LED daytime running lights in a wide variety of designs are integrated into the headlight. The A1 (Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.1 – 3.8; Combined CO2-emissions in g/km: 162 - 99)**, for example, uses a single light-emitting diode per unit. The LED’s light shines into a transparent polymer tube called a light guide to produce a homogenous contour. In the A7 Sportback, the daytime running lights of the optional full-LED headlights are also linear, but comprise 18 individual LEDs behind a polymer body.

Light-emitting diodes are semiconductors that can convert electrical energy directly into light. They are extremely efficient. The LED daytime running lights from Audi consume just a few watts of power. Daytime running lights have been mandatory for all new type-tested vehicles in the EU since February 2011. All Audi vehicles comply with this regulation.

**Figures depend on the tires/wheels used.


Status: 2011