Active main beam
Active main beam uses the camera sensor in the upper edge of the windscreen. The camera sensor registers the headlamp beams from oncoming traffic or the rear lights of vehicles ahead, and then switches from main beam to dipped beam, or adaptive functionality*.
The function can start while driving in the dark when the car's speed is approx. 20 km/h (approx. 12 mph) or higher. The function can also take streetlights into account. When the camera sensor no longer detects any oncoming car or car in front, main beam is switched on again after about a second.
Activate active main beam
Active main beam is activated and deactivated by turning the left-hand stalk switch to position . The rotating ring then returns to position . When active main beam is activated, the symbol illuminates with a white glow in the driver display. When main beam is activated, the symbol shines blue.
If active main beam is deactivated while main beam is on the lighting is immediately reset to dipped beam.
Active main beam does not need to be reactivated every time the car is started.
Adaptive functionality*
The active main beam has adaptive functionality. In this case, unlike with conventional dimming, the main beam continues to shine on both sides of oncoming vehicles or vehicles in front. Only the part of the beam pointing directly at the vehicle is dimmed.
The main beam is partly dimmed, that is, if the light beam shines slightly brighter than dipped beam, the symbol in the driver display shines blue.
On a motorway or at high speed, the system may shift from adaptive to automatic functionality.
Limitations for active main beam
The camera sensor on which the function is based has limitations.
If the symbol is shown in the driver display, together with the message Active High Beam Temporarily unavailable, then switching between main and dipped beam must be performed manually.
The same applies if this symbol is shown together with the message Windscreen sensor blocked See Manual.
Active main beam may be temporarily unavailable e.g. in situations with dense fog or heavy rain. When active main beam becomes available again, or the windscreen sensors are no longer blocked, the message is extinguished and active main beam is reactivated.
Warning
Active main beam is an aid for using the optimum beam pattern when conditions are favourable.
The driver always bears responsibility for manually switching between main and dipped beam when traffic situations or weather conditions so require.