Do I have adaptive headlights?
Whether you have adaptive headlights depends on your vehicle’s make, model, and trim; they are common in newer cars but not universal. To confirm, check the owner's manual, the window sticker, or use your VIN to pull the build sheet, and test the headlights on a dark road.
Adaptive headlights are designed to adjust the beam pattern based on factors like steering input, speed, and sensors, to better illuminate curves and corners while reducing glare for oncoming drivers. They come in several implementations—from adaptive front lighting to matrix or digital systems—and they are not always installed on every model or trim level. This guide explains how to tell if your car has them, how to test them in practice, and what your options look like if you’re considering an upgrade.
What adaptive headlights are
Adaptive headlights modify where and how the light is projected to improve nighttime visibility around curves, corners, and intersections. Some systems pivot the beam fluidly with steering, others use LED matrices to selectively illuminate portions of the roadway. They are often bundled with other advanced lighting features, and they’re distinct from, though sometimes paired with, auto high beam assists.
How to tell if your car has adaptive headlights
Use these official documentation checks to confirm whether adaptive headlights are installed or available on your vehicle.
- Look for terms on the window sticker (Monroney label) or the brochure that accompany your car, such as Adaptive Headlights, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Matrix LED, Pixel LED, Digital Light, or Cornering Lights.
- Check the owner's manual or the vehicle’s infotainment/lighting settings menu for an option named Adaptive Headlights, AFLS, Matrix, or Digital Light.
- Pull the vehicle’s build sheet or use the VIN to pull the original options from the manufacturer’s site or a trusted VIN decoder to see if adaptive lighting was included.
In short, if documentation lists adaptive lighting technologies or if the VIN build sheet shows the option, you likely have adaptive headlights. If not, your vehicle may have standard headlights or simply an auto high-beam feature.
How to test adaptive headlights in practice
Before testing, ensure you’re operating in a safe, dark environment with no traffic—ideally on a quiet rural road or empty parking lot after dark. The following checks help determine whether the system is active and functioning as intended.
- On a curving road at low speed, gently steer the wheel and observe whether the inner portion of the beam shifts to illuminate the bend more than the straight-ahead path.
- Turn on the headlights in a dark area and move through a few gentle curves; if you notice the beam pattern changing as you steer, you’re likely seeing adaptive lighting in action. Note that some installations require a certain speed or steering angle to engage.
- Check the vehicle’s settings menu for an enable/disable toggle and confirm the system is turned on. Some cars require enabling the feature in advanced lighting or driver-assistance sections.
- Look for any indicator on the instrument cluster or a message in the driver information display when headlights are active, which may indicate adaptive lighting or AFLS in use.
If you observe beam movement with steering and the system can be enabled in the menu, you have adaptive headlights. If the beam remains fixed or you only see a generic auto high-beam function, your car may not have adaptive lighting.
Common terminology to know
Different manufacturers use various names for similar technology. Being familiar with these terms helps you identify the feature in documentation and menus.
- Adaptive Headlights
- Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS)
- Matrix LED / Pixel LED
- Digital Light
- Cornering Lights
- Auto High Beam Assist (A-HBA)
Note: Auto High Beam Assist is related and common in many cars, but it primarily manages high-beam activation and does not always indicate adaptive beam-shaping across the entire road.
Brand and model notes
Many premium and newer mainstream brands offer adaptive lighting in certain trims or as optional packages. Examples of how these systems are branded include:
- Audi: Matrix LED headlights with adaptive beam control
- BMW: Adaptive LED Headlights
- Mercedes-Benz: Digital Light (high-resolution projection)
- Volvo: Advanced lighting concepts including curve-adaptive functionality on many models
Because names vary by manufacturer, checking the exact model year and trim level is important. If in doubt, ask your dealership to pull the exact build sheet using your VIN to confirm the presence of adaptive lighting.
Upgrade considerations and next steps
If your vehicle lacks adaptive headlights but you want them, your options are typically limited to aftermarket retrofits or purchasing a newer model that includes the feature as standard or optional equipment. Availability and compatibility depend on the vehicle’s electrical architecture, headlight housings, and warranty considerations. Always consult a qualified technician or your vehicle’s dealer before attempting any modification.
Summary
Adaptive headlights come in several forms and are not universal across all vehicles. To know whether your car has them, review the window sticker, owner’s manual, and VIN-based build details; then, if possible, test them on a dark road to observe whether the beam shifts with steering and other inputs. If you find the feature is present, you can expect improved nighttime visibility around curves; if not, you may rely on standard headlights or auto high-beam functionality. When in doubt, your dealer can provide definitive confirmation based on the exact VIN and model configuration.
