Audi's new running lights on the S5 and R8 are sure tough looking but I think they add an extra measure of safety the dim DRLs on other cars can't.
This weekend I was cruising the streets of Lakewood, California (read tree lined suburbia) and on more than one occasion I saw a driver start to pull out in front of me then do a double take and stop. If it were just 23 year old dudes I'd say it was b/c they were impressed by the S5 and wanted a closer look - but it was a dad in a minivan, grandmother in an Intrepid and a teen-age girl in a Geo Storm. I'm thinking the bright running lights helped to avoid an accident - can't say for sure but that's what I think.
The second little thing I really like about this car is the power seat switch mounted on top of the seat - no stooping over to move the seat all the way up when hauling rear seat passengers. Here's the best part, when you press the switch that's on top of the seat, that seat moves forward or back more quickly than if you use the switch that's mounted at the bottom. Nice!
Brian Moody, Automotive Editor
carguy622 says:
12:40 PM, 09/14/09
The LED DRLs on the new Audis are certainly distinctive, they've made me do a double take. The LED headlights on the R8 actually require a fan to cool the lights. I'm not sure how I feel about extra moving parts for a headlight.
When I got my first car with HID lights people used to flash me thinking I had my high beams on. It doesn't happen much anymore and I image as more cars with LED lights hit the streets people won't even notice anymore.
bankerdanny says:
12:50 PM, 09/14/09
That is a very thoughtful touch on the seats.
I am a big fan of DRL's. Some well known car magazines have whined that they make you more visible to cops. BFD, a slightly elevated risk of getting a ticket is a price worth paying for a lower risk (even if the change is small) of somebody pulling out in front of me because they didn't see me.
audisport says:
12:51 PM, 09/14/09
I have yet to drive or be in a car with LED headlamps (there aren't many besides R8 and sclade right?) but i'm sure that they're impressive. I have had issues with my xenons though. They are actually really over complicated. They have a motor for auto leveling, a motor to move side to side when they turn with steering input. I have had issues with the ignitor being bad, ive had bulbs replaced a few times, all free under warranty now, but when these things eventually break it will get reeeally expensive.
matt310 says:
01:21 PM, 09/14/09
My brother's a highway patrol officer and he says they're perfect targets for radar guns. :)
clarkma5 says:
01:23 PM, 09/14/09
Can the rear seat passenger use that switch while the car is on and moving? Otherwise a very nice touch, though I still prefer non-power seats.
esoterica says:
01:27 PM, 09/14/09
Tough looking? They look like eyeliner. So maybe in a hair band sort of way...
huyracing says:
01:34 PM, 09/14/09
I noticed the same in my GTI. It has HID which are basically on during the day as DRL's. (its no brighter when I actually turn my lights on) People definitely notice me. In my other car, I have near misses all the time... so i use my lights more during hours with daylight.
terin5124 says:
01:40 PM, 09/14/09
135i has the same feature on the power seats, and they also move faster when using the top buttons. It's a nice touch.
mikeolan says:
02:42 PM, 09/14/09
I think the LED DRLs on the Audis are brilliant- they signify what Audi is all about:
Trying to be BMW.
bkochuk says:
04:37 PM, 09/14/09
no, the glam rock eyeliner LED is Audi trying to outdo BMW.
I hate the overly-aggressive, ego-centric nature of them. it's like "hey! HEY! look at ME!"
that said, it's probably exactly what DLRs are supposed to do.
can you tell I'm conflicted?...
bkochuk says:
04:39 PM, 09/14/09
here's a previous rant...
http://crankyadguy.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html
briancam says:
05:26 PM, 09/14/09
Both the BMW and Audi parking/running lights are cool. Competition is healthy - it fuels innovation and helps keep prices in check, I'm all for one company trying to outdo the other.
hondacura4 says:
06:24 PM, 09/14/09
Every time I see an Audi with LED DRL's I have to rubberneck. They instantly command your attention, near or far.
The gauges are cool too.
cwc1 says:
06:45 PM, 09/14/09
If someone can't see a car in broad daylight without DRLs, they should really leave the driving to Greyhound. With more cars having them, there's more light pollution and the effect will eventually be mitigated because they won't stand out anymore - kind of like the CHMSL. Now that every car in the U.S. has required a third brake light for the past 23 years, are there really fewer rear end collisions? At this point, that's just theoretical.
However, I do think DRLs are useful sometimes in the early morning hours when the sun is right behind them, as drivers looking into their mirrors can more easily see them instead of just the bright sunlight. But in those situations, I just turn my headlights on, all by myself.
huyracing says:
08:45 PM, 09/14/09
unfortunately many people are allowed to drive when they should not be... and that is why DRL's are a nice feature.
scorp76 says:
01:50 AM, 09/16/09
Personally I think the lights are stupid looking. They remind of something a 16 year old would buy on ebay for his civic.
syt_shadow says:
12:32 PM, 09/20/09
+100 mikeolan
charlesb says:
09:28 AM, 09/22/09
Every time I see an Audi with the LED DRLs one of them is out of operation. I suspect they are kind of wonky.