Headlights - Active high beam vs Adaptive Shadow Technology

[Parslee]

Excuse the pun but I'm hoping someone can shed some light on this:

1. LED headlights with active high beam (AHB) - these is standard on MY17 and HB is dipped as necessary depending on whether the sensors detect appropriate light sources on the road ahead.
2. Active Bending Headlights with Adaptive Shadow Technology (AST) - this is an optional extra (Winter Plus Pack) and AST basically *replaces* the AHB. and HB can be *permanently on* at night. The HB is filtered so it does not 'blind' appropriate light sources detected on the road ahead.

Is my understanding correct? How practical have people found these features in urban areas?

Anyone seen any links on how the AST works? It does not seem to be by controlling power to the LEDs or tilting them, rather some mechanical filtering using tiny cylinders or something..

Thanks in advance!

[jimbg]

Does this help?

https://www.media.volvocars.com/glob...releases/48103

[Parslee]

Originally Posted by jimbg

Does this help?

https://www.media.volvocars.com/glob...releases/48103

It does, it seems a worthwhile option to have.
thanks.

[Lexman8]

This shows how it should work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSIegFgze3s

[jmot]

hi - does anyone know if the optional upgrade to adaptive shadow lights is simply a case of a software update or is the physical headlight unit different? Thanks.

[Zoo21]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

This shows how it should work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSIegFgze3s

I had this feature on my 2017 D5 and it worked perfectly - you actively switch the HB on and leave it, although the central consul HB indicator is always blue, slightly disconcerting until you get used to the fact that it 'dips' to oncoming vehicles, as they gradually pass you. I found it perfect for country lanes where high illumination of the nearside verge and hedgerow gave a better peripheral feel of the surrounding road. I didn't realise it was a cost option though.

[Ctpurley]

In my opinion AST is an awesome feature, one of the smartest on the car. Although to my knowledge it doesn't stay on after restart, you need to switch it on each time.

There may be a setting somewhere to do this, however I haven't found it

[edbanger1975]

I believe AST is standard on the inscripton, isnt it?. Or is that just AHB. Had my car 6 months, and completely forgot i even had it..lol. must remember to try in the morning...

[neon]

The whole headlight lighting system on the XC90 is definitely a strong point.

[chrisrixy]

Originally Posted by edbanger1975

I believe AST is standard on the inscripton, isnt it?. .

Yes - standard on Incription & R-Design I think.

I added it as an option to a Momentum - and it's worth every penny if you live in a rural area. Not only does it light up much more of the verges as cars come towards you, it also somehow dips the central section of the lights when you are following a car in front - but still lights up both sides of the road,
Excellent when there could be deer lurking there.
It seems to sense street lights and dips fully as soon as you are in an illuminated area.
No one has yet flashed me to say they were being dazzled.