Does The Clear 3D LED Light Treatment On The BMW 4-Series TRUMP The Audi LED's On The A4 And A5?

It's no doubt that Audi changed the face of driving when they brought the first LED headlights to market with the launch of the R8.

And history shows it has changed the entire coolness landscape in the premium segment.

If you know the bitter rivalry between these premium companies you'd understand why it is SO important to own the 'coolness' factor in this space.

BMW 4-Series Concept Photo Gallery

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Because a HUGE percentage of people buy STRICTLY on badge and cool factor.

How much have LED's changed the sales numbers?

Just do a real world price compare of a 2008 vs. 2009 used Porsche 911. You won't believe the premium the 09 car gets over the 08 JUST becuase of the LED's.

Normally we see a $5k year over year price delta between years of 911's but a non LED 911 vs one with is more like 10-15K.

So the competitors have taken notice and virtually EVERYONE has some kind of LED treatment on their vehicles.

Enter the BMW 4-Series Concept.



BMW started adding the LED treatments but they will simplistic at the beginning only using LED's for the Corona Rings or as some call them the Angel Eyes.

Cooler than the previous lights but still a little short of the Audi wow factor.

But when you look at this 4-Series, BMW looks like they are attempting to one up Audi by:

1. Adding a clear 3d depth to the headlight profile
2. Introducing for the first time an 'Audi-like' flow strip emanating out of the ring towards the kidney grill
3. 'Calling Out' that it IS an LED light treatment with the illuminated 'BMW Adaptive LED' words









In our opinion, it is the most intricate and detailed front light system yet.

BUT, does it out Audi, Audi?

Has BMW taken it to the next level or is it the auto designers equivalent of a 'Follow' or 'Like' to another design house?

Which company does it BEST?

Do you like how they illuminate the BMW Adaptive LED words or is that tacky?

Spies, discuss.

BMW 4-Series Coupe Concept Photo Gallery






















































































BMW 4-Series Concept Photo Gallery

sizquik - 12/10/2012 7:46:11 PM

+5 Boost

C'mon 001, there's more than LEDs separating the 2008 and 2009 911s. The main thing being completely different engines!!

That said, BMW, hit it out of the park with this one from a styling standpoint and I appreciate that the LEDs are integrated into the headlight and are not "tacked on" like so many manufacturers did in response to Audi. Also, I think the S6 was the first production car with LEDs and not the R8.

That said, I imagine that I will be selling my 2006 Carrera and pick up one up one of these to replace it. 435is? :)

Agent001 - 12/10/2012 8:19:14 PM

-1 Boost

Yes, there are other differences in the 08 to 09+ 911's but ask ANY salesman WHY the price difference on the used market?

It's the way the face and tail looks with the LED's that sells it.

And they are getting BIG premiums for that privilege.

001

jeffgall - 12/11/2012 8:03:43 AM

-2 Boost

Incorrect. The R8 was first, followed by the A4. The S6 received the treatment on the bumper later, followed the next model year on the A6 where they were integrated into the headlight

JIEACE - 12/10/2012 8:21:04 PM

+3 Boost

I think it was Aston Martin who introduced the LED's with the Vantage V8

sizquik - 12/11/2012 5:14:12 PM

-1 Boost

Beginning in 2006, Audi has implemented white LED technology as daytime running lights (DRL) in their products. The distinctive shape of the DRLs has become a trademark of sorts. LEDs were first introduced on the Audi S6, and have since spread throughout the entire model range.

scenicbyway12 - 12/10/2012 8:57:09 PM

+4 Boost

Since every automaker on the planet has copied Audi on this, I give BMW the edge for uniqueness.

CarCrazedinCali - 12/10/2012 9:02:13 PM

+5 Boost

BMW wins hands down... I love how BMW's LED HEADLIGHTS are now the rings and not some ugly dot next to dot LED headlamp arrangement that you see on Lexus and I believe Audi and the latest Acura RLX- worst looking LED headlights EVER... BMW has this style and function in the bag

MBguy - 12/10/2012 9:30:41 PM

+4 Boost

I miss the old days.

It used to be all about engines and driving characteristics.

Now it's about headlights and phone apps.

scenicbyway12 - 12/10/2012 10:09:38 PM

+3 Boost

Don't forget tail lights.

Agent001 - 12/10/2012 11:14:05 PM

0 Boost

And MATTE finish! ;)

001

quizz - 12/10/2012 10:34:34 PM

+3 Boost

Man that M4 is going to be KILLER, I'm drooling just thinking about how good this next generation M will look.

Agent00R - 12/10/2012 11:41:01 PM

+1 Boost

I will admit the intricacy of the headlights is cool; however, the "call out" and lit up "BMW Adaptive LED" is just plain stupid. Probably done just for the concept, will not see the light of day.

Agent001 - 12/11/2012 7:54:34 PM

+1 Boost

I disagree 00R.

I LIKE the call out.

It is unique and looks good unlike those dumb x-drive logos.

The headlight assemblies are looking more and more like intricate fine watch mechanisms.

001

cidflekken - 12/11/2012 12:36:17 AM

+4 Boost

LEDs are just run-of-the-mill anymore. Every car has them, no matter how "special" anyone thinks they look.

jeffgall - 12/11/2012 8:05:00 AM

-2 Boost

Disagree. Audi hit a home run when it started this styling trend

irishmike - 12/11/2012 1:13:56 AM

+5 Boost

Sorry, not buying cars for their lights. Is there another site catering to those of us above 12 years old????

sizquik - 12/11/2012 5:15:38 PM

+1 Boost

Makes me wonder if I should downgrade to aftermarket LEDs before I sell. I can't believe that they affect purchases so strongly. If so, we are doomed.

Steve - 12/11/2012 2:33:38 AM

+5 Boost

I'm one who feels that Audi's 2013 A5 has gone in a worse direction for the heavily stylized headlights. I much prefered the 2012 model year's look. It seems that different for the sake of different is all the rage.

jeffgall - 12/11/2012 8:01:36 AM

+3 Boost

Agree. Same for the 2012 Vs. 2013 A4.

Lexus - 12/11/2012 4:19:29 AM

+2 Boost

Nope, I still think Audi still has the "BEST" LED headlights out there.

94geo - 12/11/2012 7:35:56 AM

+4 Boost

I think BMW does accent lighting the best, their corona rings are unmistakable. It seems like Audi light design is all over the place. Every car they come out with has a different squiggly led line, maybe its to differentiate their cars b/c they all have the same body.

GermanNut - 12/11/2012 10:51:08 AM

-3 Boost

Audi started the LED headlight trend and continues to offer the best and most diverse designs.

The new "single-block" lights differ greatly between models.

For example, the A4/A5 have a much different LED headlight design than the A6 which has a much different design than the A7 and the A8.

BMW offers the same "corona ring" design on all its models.

Henanamani1 - 12/11/2012 11:11:36 AM

+2 Boost

I love Audi's LEDs. I also like the "TRON" look of these LEDs on the BMW 4 Series

Phantom4 - 12/11/2012 5:55:27 PM

+2 Boost

The 4 and 7 series lights are the best.

iamdabest1 - 12/12/2012 8:27:40 AM

+2 Boost

im not buying a car for the headlights, however when the option is offered , ill pay the extra for the oem led upgrade, i think it just makes it look nicer, just as ill always get the nicest upgraded oem rims. its all to visually enhance the look of the car and make a bold statement...
audi made it popular, but now mercedes, jaguar, bmw, porsche all have their own style incorporated, i do like bmw's the most..

rnsaza - 12/13/2012 11:48:28 PM

+1 Boost

Audi may have used individual led lights, that imo look a bit messy, first but BMW made the concept look cool and cleanly integrated. Here in South Africa even people driving VW Golf 1's(Citi Golf) fit Angel Eye kits to their car.