Does the BMW X5's automatic high beam only activate at 80 km/h?
2 Answers
No, it automatically turns on or off based on the ambient light conditions while driving. If the light inside a tunnel is dim during driving, the headlights will automatically turn on. Introduction to automatic headlights: Automatic headlights are a light-sensing control system installed on front headlights by some car manufacturers for user convenience. When the light intensity is greater or less than a certain value, the headlights will automatically turn on or off. Purpose of automatic headlights: When the light becomes dim while driving, the front headlights will automatically turn on, and they will turn off when the light becomes brighter. It's worth noting that many people mistakenly believe that "automatic headlights" are specifically designed for tunnels, but this is not the case. The activation of automatic headlights has a delay, meaning the headlights will only turn on automatically within a few seconds after the light-sensing system detects dim light. According to traffic regulations, headlights must be turned on manually before entering a tunnel, so you still need to manually turn on the headlights in advance when passing through a tunnel.
I've driven the BMW X5 several times and noticed that the automatic high beam doesn't strictly require reaching 80 km/h to activate. Its adaptive high beam assist system relies on sensors to detect oncoming vehicles or lighting conditions, with vehicle speed being just one factor. Generally, it can activate when speed exceeds about 30-40 km/h after startup, but may require higher sensitivity settings on highways. In practice, I found the threshold can be manually adjusted, such as customizing speed parameters in the lighting settings on the central display. During rainy or foggy conditions, the system becomes more conservative to prevent premature activation causing glare. I recommend new owners test different speed effects on open roads and record personal preference adjustments. Regular sensor cleanliness checks during maintenance are crucial to avoid dust affecting detection. Overall, this feature enhances nighttime driving convenience, but requires parameter fine-tuning based on personal habits.