BMW has announced that laser light headlights will be offered as an option on its i8 model, the first time ever the technology has made it to the road. It's not only something cool to geek out on, as the laser lights double the high beam range, while using 30 per cent less energy - and weighing less than the already compact LED headlamps that are standard on BMW's i8.
In a way, it's a shame the plug-in hybrid sports car was designed from the outset with the laser lights as standard, as they take up considerably less space, giving a car's designers more scope for creativity.
Mechanicals
In this instance we're talking about how the light works, not the car. Laser lighting appears to be the future if BMW is to be believed, with some truly astounding improvements quoted, even in comparison to pretty high-tech LED headlights. The laser diodes themselves are 10 times smaller; the reflector surface area can be reduced by a factor of 10 (the height of it has been reduced from 9- to 3cm); and the i8's laser lights can illuminate as far as 600m ahead. Plus there are considerable efficiency gains.
Anything else?
The laser light option will be offered on the new BMW i8 from this autumn and we expect it not to be a cheap extra. Read our first drive of the i8 here.