Ambient lighting has become an increasingly popular feature in modern vehicles, enhancing the overall driving experience by adding a touch of luxury and personalization. Whether it’s a subtle glow that creates a calming atmosphere or vibrant colors that energize your ride, ambient lighting can transform the interior of your car. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best cars with ambient lighting features, their benefits, and what to look for when considering this feature.
What is Ambient Lighting?
Ambient lighting refers to soft, indirect illumination inside a vehicle that enhances visibility and creates a specific mood. This feature can be found in various areas, including footwells, door panels, center consoles, and around the dashboard. Many manufacturers allow drivers to customize the color and intensity of the lighting, adding a personal touch to the cabin.
Benefits of Ambient Lighting
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Ambient lighting adds a premium feel to the interior, making the driving experience more enjoyable and visually appealing.
- Improved Visibility: In low-light conditions, ambient lighting can help illuminate key controls and areas within the vehicle, making it easier to navigate without causing distraction.
- Mood Setting: The ability to change colors allows drivers to set the mood, whether it’s a calming blue for a relaxed drive or vibrant red for an energetic feel.
- Increased Safety: By improving visibility of the vehicle’s controls, ambient lighting can enhance safety, especially during nighttime driving.
Top Cars with Exceptional Ambient Lighting
1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class is synonymous with luxury, and its ambient lighting system is no exception. With 64 different colors to choose from, the lighting can be adjusted to create various atmospheres. The system even offers dynamic lighting that changes based on driving conditions or selected driving modes.
2. BMW 7 Series
BMW’s 7 Series offers a stunning ambient lighting package that includes customizable colors and intensity levels. The ambient lighting runs along the dashboard, door panels, and in the footwells, creating a sophisticated and inviting cabin.
3. Audi A8
The Audi A8 features a sophisticated ambient lighting system that offers multiple color options. The lighting is integrated into the vehicle’s design, highlighting the elegant lines and enhancing the overall luxury feel. The system can be controlled via the MMI interface, allowing for easy customization.
4. Porsche Taycan
The Taycan brings a modern twist to ambient lighting. With customizable LED strips throughout the cabin, you can adjust the colors to match your mood. The lighting enhances the high-tech interior, making it feel both futuristic and luxurious.
5. Volvo S90
Volvo’s S90 combines Scandinavian design with exceptional ambient lighting. The soft, warm glow of the lighting complements the natural materials used in the interior. The S90’s lighting enhances the calming environment, making it a great choice for long drives.
6. Lexus LS
The Lexus LS offers an elegant ambient lighting experience with its illuminated door handles and footwells. The lighting is designed to create a serene atmosphere, perfectly aligning with Lexus’s reputation for luxury and comfort.
7. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S features customizable ambient lighting that can be adjusted via the central touchscreen. The modern design of the cabin is accentuated by the subtle lighting, creating a high-tech, luxurious environment.
What to Look for in Ambient Lighting
When considering a vehicle with ambient lighting, keep these factors in mind:
1. Customization Options
Look for vehicles that offer a variety of color choices and adjustable intensity levels. The more options available, the more you can tailor the lighting to your preferences.
2. Placement of Lights
Consider where the ambient lighting is placed. Ideally, it should enhance visibility without being distracting. Look for well-designed placements that highlight the interior design.
3. Integration with Vehicle Features
Some vehicles integrate ambient lighting with driving modes or other features. For example, the lighting may change colors based on the selected driving mode, providing visual feedback that enhances the driving experience.
4. Ease of Control
Check how easy it is to adjust the ambient lighting. Ideally, controls should be intuitive and accessible, allowing you to change settings without taking your focus off the road.
Conclusion
Ambient lighting is more than just a decorative feature; it enhances the driving experience by adding comfort, safety, and a touch of luxury to your vehicle’s interior. With options ranging from high-end sedans to modern electric cars, there are plenty of choices for those looking to elevate their ride with ambient lighting.
When shopping for a car, consider the options available for ambient lighting and how they can enhance your driving experience. Whether you prefer a calming environment for long trips or vibrant colors for a fun night out, the right ambient lighting can make all the difference.