What's the news?

Mercedes-Benz is introducing Multibeam LED headlight technology to its CLS model, thus making it another car maker seemingly obsessed with how good its lamps are right now.

In an effort to cut through the jargon and make this news slightly intelligible, essentially the Multibeams use high-resolution modules of 24 individually controlled LEDs on each side. A camera behind the windscreen connected to four control units assesses the pattern thrown out by the headlights 100 times every second, adjusting the relevant LEDs to maximise visibility for the CLS's occupants while reducing glare for any other road users in the vicinity.

As well as the anti-dazzle high beam function, the Multibeam LED headlights have an anticipatory camera-based light system to illuminate the road perfectly when traversing bends, while there's also a navigation-based roundabout light function - which is fairly self-explanatory.

These three modes for Multibeam LEDs build on the Intelligent Light System already offered by Mercedes, which includes Adaptive High-beam Assist, country mode, motorway mode, fog lamps, active light function, cornering light function and LED daytime running lights.

Anything else?

"The first LED headlamps with all the adaptive functions of the Intelligent Light System have been available to our customers since 2010 in the CLS," said Professor Dr Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

"With Multibeam LED technology, the headlamps now are able to react even more quickly, more precisely and individually to changing traffic conditions. On top of this, there are expanded functions of which a driver will become directly aware, such as anticipatory camera-based curve recognition with the active light function. With such features, Mercedes-Benz once again is demonstrating its role as an innovation leader in the automobile industry."

Matt Robinson - 18 Jun 2014