In the early days of the automobile, headlights took a few different forms, none of which were particularly visually appealing in my opinion, but modern cars have incredibly advanced and intricate headlights that can turn with the wheels or even play a little light show when you lock and unlock the car. For those of us who personify our cars, headlights are usually your car’s eyes, and my Mini has big ol’ buggy eyes but I still love her. Whether you’re here to celebrate elegant simplicity or modern complexity, we want to know what car you think has the coolest headlights of all time.
I firmly believe that the 2011 Audi A8 had the coolest headlights of all time, since Audi started the now ubiquitous trend of integrating LED daytime running lights or DRLs into the headlight clusters. When Audi debuted LED DRLs in the late 2000s, they were an instantly recognizable and chic design element that was also practical since it helped other drivers see your car better regardless of the time of day.
While the Audi R8 was also an early and beautiful application of LED DRLs, I think the 2011 A8 was the first car to successfully integrate LED DRLs that were more of a smooth line than a bunch of individual LEDs. Aside from the smoothness, I also love the dramatic and sharp slope down of the DRLs which was a cool contrast to the otherwise sedate styling of the A8. Aside from the DRLs, the A8’s headlights were comprised of many other LED lighting elements that looked futuristic and almost magical when they weren’t even illuminated, and once they were turned on looked just as cool. I think LED headlights are one of the most important modern automotive innovations since it allows for so much creativity in lighting design, but also because of their enhanced effectiveness at fending off the darkness.
What say you? Do you think the BMW halo eye headlights were the coolest headlights of all time, or perhaps Acura’s distinctive jewel headlights? Again, your answers can include any cars from any time period, LED or halogen, sealed beam or otherwise. Share your answers with us in the comments section below!