Automotive lighting technology has come on a long way in the past ten years, and one of the brands at the front of this advance is BMW. In 2018 BMW introduced the i8, and with this new car came a new form of headlight – the Laserlight.
Since then, Laserlights have been available across most of the BMW range. On some high-end models, the feature was standard, but for most cars, it’s an optional extra to add if you want.
So if you’re in the market for a BMW and you’re on this article, you probably want to find out if Laserlights are available for your car – and how much they might cost. Well, that’s covered here, and we’ve listed all the current BMW models where Laserlights can be added.
We’ve also covered those BMW models without the option for Laserlights – and, most importantly – what we think of the Laserlight feature.
What are BMW Laserlights?
Before we get into the list of BMW cars with the Laserlight feature, let’s talk about what they are and how they differ from standard LED headlights.
Often, manufacturers like to create a brand name for some automotive technology to make it stand out. Car brands love to do this with all-wheel-drive systems; for example – you have BMW’s xDrive, Audi’s Quattro, and 4Matic from Mercedes Benz. All of these are catchy names, but they describe the same thing.
Laserlights are different, though. They are a genuine improvement over LED headlights, and although BMW have some impressive claims on how effective they can be, once you drive a BMW with Laserlights, you notice the difference.
That difference, according to BMW, is supposedly up to ten times brighter than an LED while using 30% less energy. Those are big claims, but BMW has been using Laserlights in production since 2018, and they have definitely caught on.
Do all BMW models come with Laserlights?
Not every BMW model comes with the option for Laserlights. They are available as standard on a handful of high-spec models and as an optional extra on most mid-range BMW models.
Some BMW models don’t have the option for Laserlights at all. This option isn’t available for some of the lower-spec BMW models. On some high-spec models, though, BMW has introduced ‘crystal headlights’, which replace Laserlights with a different style.
We’ll wait and see with new generations of BMW models if Laserlights are still an option – for now, the lists below cover all the current models with Laserlights.
BMW models with Laserlights as standard
A few of the highest-spec BMW models include Laserlights as a standard feature. The list below includes 8 Series models, and the latest electric BMW, the iX M60.
- X5 M
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
- XB7
- 840i
- M850i
- M8
- iX M60
- XM
BMW models with Laserlights as an optional extra
The list below shows which BMW models offer you Laserlights as optional. The cost varies between BMW models; some include Laserlights as part of the Executive package.
- X5 40i – $3,350 (part of the Executive package)
- X5 45e – $3,150 (part of the Executive package)
- X5 M50i – $3,150 (part of the Executive package)
- X6 40i – $3,350 (part of the Executive package)
- X6 M50i – $3,150 (part of the Executive package)
- M3 – $1,000
- 430i – $1,000
- M440i – $1,000
- M4 – $1,000
- iX 50 – $1,000
- i4 e40 – $1,000
- i4 M50 – $1,000
BMW models without the Laserlight feature
Most BMW models don’t come with the option for Laserlights. Lower-spec BMW models don’t include this option, as Laserlights are a premium option. Some higher-spec new models, like the electric i7, now include the option for Crystal Lights. These new lights work similarly, but their design differs from the usual Laserlight setup.
- X1 28i
- X3 30i
- X3 M40i
- X3 M
- X4 30i
- X4 M40i
- X4 M
- 230i
- M240i
- 228i
- M235i
- M2
- 330i
- 330e
- M340i
- 530i
- 530e
- 540i
- M550i
- M5
- 740i
- 760i
- i7 (Crystal Lights as standard)
- Z4 30i
- Z4 M40i
- i4 e35
FAQs
Can you add Laserlights to a preowned BMW?
The laserlight system would require new coding and a complete set of new lights. Overall, we wouldn’t recommend trying to fit laserlights to a BMW with standard LEDs
How powerful are BMW Laserlights?
BMW claims that laserlights can illuminate up to half a mile (although this is in ideal conditions). Testing laserlights next to a standard BMW LED, there is a major upgrade in performance
Will BMW update Laserlights in the future?
The current BMW i7 has Crystal Lights as an optional extra. These are more of a styling choice than a technical improvement, but we expect BMW will continue to develop their lighting technology
Are any lighting features banned in the USA?
Selective beam technology is banned on Laserlights in the USA. This is due to the risk of dazzling.
Are Laserlights worth adding to your BMW?
Overall, it isn’t easy to make a great case for Laserlights as an optional extra. Are they an improvement on standard LED headlights? Absolutely, but are they worth $1,000 to add to your BMW?
For our money, there are definitely some better options if you have the budget. Our top picks would be the Heads-Up Display system, which is one of the best on the market, and the ambient lighting setup.
Of course, every BMW owner is different, and if you’re living in a rural area or you expect to drive a lot at night, then Laserlights will be a great option. The $1,000+ is a steep price for us for this extra, but they do make a major difference.
If you liked this article and want to find out more about BMW, check out the links below:
Which BMW Models Have Ventilated Seats?
BMW Climate Comfort Package Explained
Which BMW Models Have A Panoramic Moonroof?
The Most Fuel-Efficient BMWs in 2023
