For some, ambient lighting in a car is nothing more than a novelty or a gimmick, while for others, it enhances the vehicle’s overall appeal.
Beyond that, the range of ambient lighting varies, from subtle glows to settings reminiscent of a Miami nightclub in the early 2000s.
However, ambient lighting in a car isn’t solely about aesthetics there’s also a strategic angle from automakers.
Research, including a study conducted by BMW in collaboration with the Lighting Engineering Group at the Ilmenau University of Technology in Germany, suggests that ambient lighting could influence the perception of both safety and value in a vehicle.
Additionally, another possible benefit is that it may help keep drivers more awake and alert during nighttime driving.
The inconclusive findings from these studies indicate that automakers are still exploring ways to market ambient lighting to consumers.
From a design standpoint, experts argue that ambient lighting creates the illusion of a larger space at night, making the interior feel more open and inviting something that is both understandable and noticeable.
Another undeniable factor is the psychological effect of incorporating luxury-style ambient lighting. Since it is relatively inexpensive to implement, manufacturers can use it as a feature to set their vehicles apart from competitors.
This raises the question: how do brands that utilize ambient lighting distinguish their unique approach to illumination?
1. Volkswagen Ambient Lighting
Volkswagen’s approach to ambient lighting can best be described as consistent with its brand identity straightforward yet effective.
In non-sport-oriented models, the factory setup features thin, subtle light strips that emit a striking blue hue across the dashboard and door inserts, complementing the gauge cluster’s illumination.
For sportier trims, such as the Golf GTI, the default color shifts to red, applied both to the light strips and the digital instrument cluster.
Meanwhile, in the Golf R, red lighting is automatically activated when Sport mode is engaged, aligning with the gauge colors for a cohesive, performance-driven aesthetic.
Also Read:9 Cars That Lose Value the Slowest and Offer the Best Long-Term Investment
2. Hyundai Ambient Lighting
Compared to Volkswagen, Hyundai takes a more subtle approach to ambient lighting in its cars and SUVs, keeping it discreet until the illumination itself reveals its presence.
The South Korean automaker favors softer tones for its default settings while offering a variety of presets. However, drivers can personalize their experience with 64 unique color options and ten different brightness levels.
Beyond lighting, Hyundai enhances the ambiance further through its infotainment system, which includes a selection of calming environmental sounds such as rain, thunder, and even the gentle background noise of an indoor café.
Meanwhile, the Ioniq 6 takes things to a whole new level, allowing owners to transform the cabin into a vibrant, color-shifting spectacle almost as if a lava lamp had exploded inside.
3. BMW Ambient Lighting
BMW’s approach to ambient lighting falls somewhere between Volkswagen’s straightforward execution and Hyundai’s more playful and creative use of illumination.
Unlike Lexus, BMW prioritizes not only a premium and luxurious appearance but also ensures those qualities are reflected in the materials and craftsmanship.
While Lexus is not included in this list, it is equally capable of creating a refined interior. However, BMW continually seeks an extra edge, delivering both the substance and the excitement selling both the sizzle and the steak.
When it comes to maintaining balance, BMW has yet to push its ambient lighting into excess or garishness, keeping its designs refined and sophisticated.
4. Genesis Ambient Lighting
As Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis naturally incorporates ambient lighting into its vehicles as well.
While it wouldn’t necessarily be described as superior to Hyundai’s, its execution is more refined within the brand’s upscale interiors.
One particularly well-integrated feature, available on certain models and trim levels, ties the entire lighting scheme together the glass shifter dial softly illuminates in the same color as the rest of the ambient lighting, creating a seamless and elegant effect.
Also Read: Top 10 Rugged Rides That Conquer Every Landscape Going Off-Road
5. Mercedes Ambient Lighting
Not long ago, someone sent me a nighttime photo of a car parked outside their business. The image was taken from an unusual angle, with minimal detail of the bodywork.
Yet, from the unmistakable purple glow visible through the window, it was immediately identifiable as a Mercedes.
While the brand certainly knows how to execute subtle and sophisticated interior lighting, some of its most high-end models such as the EQ series example below push the boundaries to an extreme, resembling a Las Vegas limo decked out for a stag party.
6. Rolls-Royce Interior Lighting
Rolls-Royce embodies an unmatched level of opulence, where cost is no barrier to style and extravagance. Naturally, its cars and SUVs feature ambient interior lighting designed to enhance this sense of luxury.
One of the brand’s most renowned and high-end options is the Starlight headliner.
This now-iconic feature utilizes fiber optic lights embedded within a meticulously perforated material to create the illusion of a starry night sky across the cabin’s ceiling.
While it may sound like a gimmick or even excessive, the result is undeniably breathtaking.
Adding Ambient Lighting to a Car Interior
Some automakers, such as Lexus and Ford, are missing an opportunity by offering only minimal ambient lighting options.
This is evident from the sheer number of aftermarket ambient lighting kits available for these brands, as well as for Tesla.
For those who enjoy DIY electronics, there’s plenty of room for creativity addressable LEDs, a glue gun, a soldering iron, and a few implementations of WLED software on mini ESP32 web servers can go a long way in transforming a car’s interior.
However, opting for a ready-made kit is the simpler route, and many reputable companies offer high-quality solutions, whether you prefer subtle accents or bold, colorful displays.
Since these systems aren’t integrated into the car’s infotainment, you’ll likely control the lighting’s colors, brightness, and effects through an app.
This setup ultimately gives you greater flexibility, allowing you to adjust the ambiance to be as understated or as vibrant as you desire.
