Cayenne

Make
Porsche
Segment
SUV

Porsche is once again introducing an updated version of its HD Matrix LED headlights, which will be presented as an optional extra on the facelifted 2023 Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe. The facelifted Cayenne has been spotted several times with an all-new LED layout, and now we know why.

Benjamin Hummel, the man in charge of Porsche's lighting systems and holder of several LED patents, spoke to Autocar and revealed that the new design is both aesthetic and functional. As most Porsche fans will know, the German cars all share a four-point LED design within the headlights. The design element can be found on cars ranging from the entry-level 718 Boxster all the way to the recently-launched 911 GT3 RS.

The layout consists of four LED clusters with a single high-beam light in the middle. Porsche's new design splits the high-beam light into two units in the lower portion of the headlight. It seems these units will also be optional for the upcoming Macan.

The four-point design is retained, but the light-emitting diode (LED) count is way up. Porsche's previous Matrix LED headlights consisted of 109 LEDs (headlights, daytime running lights, and indicators included), while the new system takes the count up to 8,192 LEDs per unit. That's 16,384 units per headlight and 32,758 for the entire car. These are just the bottom high-beam lights and not the entire headlight cluster.

This high LED count is possible thanks to new LED technology developed by Porsche, Bosch, Infineon, and Nichia. Each LED is roughly the size of a human hair, so that Porsche can package thousands instead of hundreds.

The result is a higher degree of adjustment and greater illumination. Hummel mentions up to 300 lux (lx), which is more-or-less enough to illuminate three warehouses. The effectiveness of light is measured in lux and not lumens, as lux measure light intensity.

"At 300lx, it is possible to project the high beam up to 600m. But it is not only about a certain range," said Hummel. "You need good light distribution within the whole field, too. We achieved this with four light sources. The brightness of the center and side areas can be continuously adjusted for added roadside illumination. Greater illumination leads to better lighting performance."

The new Matrix system is controlled by an equally new ECU, catering to a refresh rate of 16 milliseconds. Naturally, the ECU will rely on navigation, camera systems, infrared sensors, and steering position to adapt the lights. Porsche's new lights can be adjusted in 124 steps. The 60 Hz operation can reduce glare from road signs and keep people from the front from being blinded. Porsche will also program these lights to provide all-new welcome and goodbye graphics.

Adaptive lights are now legal in the USA, so we'll likely see it as an option locally. The current LED Matrix Design Headlights option (with the 109 LED layout) costs roughly $2,500, depending on the model.