BMW kick-starts laser headlamp production for the i8

We'd heard about this technology earlier and from what we read about it, it was highly unlikely to make its way into a production car so early. But BMW has stumped us as it will be the first manufacturer worldwide to offer a production vehicle equipped with headlamps featuring the laser light concept.

The BMW i8 will make history not only for being the first plug-in hybrid sports car to see the light of production but it will also be the first car to incorporate the totally new laser light technology. The basic version of the i8 will receive high-intensity full LED headlamps and BMW will offer this laser light technology as an option.

With the usual full LED headlamps, the i8 will help the driver see clearly for 300 metres but the laser beams will double that figure and ensure clear visibility for 600 metres.

The new laser technology is energy efficient as well and will conserve 30% more compared to the full LED headlamps. BMW's rival Audi was to introduce a similar laser technology on the R18 e-tron Quattro race car, but the company hasn't yet announced anything.

BMW, with this announcement, has certainly got the advantage of being the first to incorporate the laser technology in a production car and as the years pass by, we will see future models from the BMW stable being equipped with this laser light system.