BMW showcases M4 Concept Iconic Lights at CES

In what could be a future design and technology direction, BMW have unveiled the M4 Concept Iconic Lights at the ongoing 2015 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The new lighting technology uses laser light and has been introduced as an optional upgrade for the i8 hybrid. The lighting unit converts a blue laser beam into bright white light that is similar to natural daylight. Despite consuming 30 percent less energy, BMW claims that the coherent light beam is ten times more intense than that produced by halogens, xenons or LEDs lights with a beam range of up to 600 metres.

One would assume that there’s the possibility of the laser light blinding oncoming traffic. BMW has remedied this using a camera-based Selective Beam system (much like Audi’s Matrix solution), which is controlled by dynamic actuators and prevents oncoming or preceding vehicles from being deprived of sight and allows the laser high-beam to be left on at all times. The technology also includes security enhancements. Integration with the navigation system allows the adaptive headlight to illuminate corners before the steering wheel is turned. Laser light also adds a new dimension to night driving. In pitch-dark conditions, people and animals can be detected from a distance of up to 100 metres in conjunction with an infrared camera, and spotlighted for the driver’s direct notice.

In concurrence with the head lamp, the tail lamps of the M4 concept are painted in metallic white and get OLED lamps. BMW claims the OLEDs have low power consumption and no expensive rare earth metals are required in their production process. The advantage over the ordinary LED is that the OLEDs produce light uniformly over their entire surface.