Headlights - Active high beam vs Adaptive Shadow Technology

[deeky6]

Sorry to drag it up again

I've just picked up a 2019 S90 Inscription (non Pro) and I'm not sure which lights I've got, and I haven't been anywhere dark enough to test properly yet.

Is it possible to have AST (shadow tech) on non-bendy headlights? I can select the 'A' on the stalk and it lights up on the dash with the little A in the corner.

Would that A be available if you only had the active (just dips from main beam) and not the AST?

Is there a way to definitively tell which of the technologies you have? I have read that AST is standard on the Inscription but I don't feel convinced.

[WhatNext?]

Quick answer is NO

[steadvex]

I thought the A just meant active high beam? shouldn't there be something in the car options to turn it on/off? that's normally I check what features cars have

[deeky6]

Originally Posted by WhatNext?

Quick answer is NO

I like a simple answer. I assume that applies to all 3 questions?

Originally Posted by steadvex

I thought the A just meant active high beam? shouldn't there be something in the car options to turn it on/off? that's normally I check what features cars have

That's where I'm a bit confused. I thought the A indication could be either active high beam or adaptive shadow technology. The option screen does have the slow/medium/fast option there.

[WhatNext?]

best ways is to go for a drive, you'll see the lights dance around a bit especially the verges lights up and off depending on oncoming traffic

AFAIK, only the Pro's have active shadow (you cannot specify them separately)

[Haldex]

Not sure about UK but adaptive auto high beams (what some call active shadow lights..) have been available as an option or as part of a pack in all of mainland Europe. I have them on my RD.

[Haldex]

Originally Posted by deeky6

I thought the A indication could be either active high beam or adaptive shadow technology. The option screen does have the slow/medium/fast option there.

Yes, "A" is for auto high-beam and it's there on both adaptive and non-adaptive cars with auto high beam. Same for switching speed adjustment- it can be toggled (slow/medium/fast) for non-adaptive high beam as well. Really, the only way to tell for sure is to test.

[deeky6]

Originally Posted by WhatNext?

best ways is to go for a drive, you'll see the lights dance around a bit especially the verges lights up and off depending on oncoming traffic

AFAIK, only the Pro's have active shadow (you cannot specify them separately)

I was hoping it would still have shadow tech even though it's non pro. It does have the heated screen and wheel, headlamp washers etc, so was hoping that they would be part of that (winter) pack. I guess I'll have to go for a nighttime drive.

Thanks everyone.

[ThomasC91]

Experienced this last night for first time.

Impressive, but it’s hard to know as to whether you are dazzling others.

On dual carriage the lights were constantly moving as I was overtaking vehicles. I understanding it’s doing all it’s shadowing, but it was a bit like a disco with on, off and moving. Would this not blind drivers and think you’re constantly changing the direction beam on your lights?

I suppose it’s getting use to it.

[nu11eaf]

They will not dazzle other drivers, I have used them for nearly five years and have never had anyone flash lights yet to indicate they were being dazzled.