MikeNSX

I will soon be upgrading my 07 A8 for a D4 when the right car comes along. I've narrowed down most of what I want (4.0T, SWB, and sport package, driver assist package), but i'm not sure about headlight options. I see that there are HID and LED headlights available. Good light is important to me. I like the HIDs on my D3 A8, especially the adaptive and cornering features. Can anyone tell me how the LED's compare after living with them for a while?
Thanks very much,

derfA8L

Mike to begin with, the NWB is not available in North America for 2016MY, so if ordering new, not an option, unless you're after an S8/S8 Plus...NWB D4 A8 is probably a bit hard to find with your spec list if going the pre-owned route. Also, if ordering new, you no longer have an HID option; LEDs became standard on all D4s in 2015. As for your main query re: LED headlights, had them for almost 4 years on my 2011 D4, and have them again on my 2015. I can't say that the LED lights are brighter than HIDs, but I do prefer the LEDs...IMO they provide a more natural "daylight" illumination that places less nighttime fatigue on your eyes; their light distribution seems more even; and activating the all-weather feature (can also be used as fog lamps) does a very good job of reducing dangerous road glare from headlights on rainy nights. The LEDs also have a cornering function, using the all-weather lights which cast a very good beam of light to the front sides of the car---when activated manually, the lights stay on and light up both sides of the car, and when not manually activated, each side will illuminate when the turn signal is used. In terms of reliability, I have had zero issues with the LEDs over time, and under all weather conditions.

MikeNSX

Thanks for the nice reply. I am going the pre-owned rout for a 2013-2015. I expect to travel when I find the right car, and not in a hurry. I went 1400 miles to get my 07 with the options and sport package I wanted. Only my personal preference, but the L is just a bit too large for me.

Cheers!

derfA8L

Good luck on your search. I'm sure with enough patience (which you apparently have :^)),
you will find the car that fits your specs. I know you will love it!!! Keep us posted on your search.

derf

Jack88

I have the older LED's than Derf, and I can agree with finding the light that they produce to be a little better, but I like them more because I think they look nicer on the car. From an illumination standpoint, the HID's are sufficient. If you're looking for a 4.0t with both the trick diff and the the driver's assistance group, I doubt you'll find one without the LED's.

kgd_007

I had HID's on my D3 and LED's on the D4. I think the LED's look cooler at night but don't notice a difference in light output. I thought the cornering lights were better with the HID's.

frybear

I have the LEDs on my 2013 A8L and with the cornering lights on, I find them more than sufficient and they look better.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Having LOTS of experience with HID (2KA6, 02S6), the HID bulbs dim somewhat over 3-4 years. AFAIK the LED won't…and if they do, they're covered under warranty. HID bulbs aren't.

Lurking ISO A8/S8….