After its introduction on the restyled Model 3 (known as “Highland”), matrix headlights (Matrix LED) are arriving on more Teslas. This feature will be enabled on older Model 3s and Model Ys equipped with these headlights via an update in the coming weeks.
Tesla’s tracks are often impenetrable, and one example among many concerned the headlights of the Model 3 and Model Y. The latter were equipped with a matrix function, which we will return to later… but which was not activated .
If the restyled Model 3 “Highland” began to benefit from this equipment a few days ago via an over-the-air update (OTA), the other equipped models were still waiting. Not for much longer, according to the site Not a Tesla App.
An imminent update in the European Union
This site reports a note posted on the German TFF forum, which cites an internal Tesla document specifying the content of an upcoming update. Good news: Model 3 “phase 1” and Model Y equipped with these projectors will finally be able to benefit from matrix headlights!
It remains to be seen when. The “2024.2” update that enabled matrix headlights on the Model 3 Highland has been known for two months and is only beginning to be rolled out; The update we are talking about today will therefore probably arrive during/end of March. As usual, owners will not have to do anything: this update will be done remotely.
While no mention of the Model S and Model X is made, the most recent examples of these models are also equipped with this technology; no doubt, therefore, that they will be entitled to it later.
A little reminder about this technology
But what are matrix headlights? To summarize, this is a technology that separates the headlight from the main beam headlights (the most powerful, therefore) into multiple small independent beams, capable of turning on or off individually.
This action is managed by the camera at the top of the windshield, scanning the surroundings; if the latter detects a vehicle or a pedestrian in front of the car, it will control each beam to turn off those which could dazzle the person in front, while keeping the rest completely on. A real gain in terms of visibility at night, and therefore safety.
Equipment that remains rare, and often reserved for the most high-end cars, such as Audi or Mercedes-Benz, and often as an option (for a fee). All Teslas benefit from it as standard, which makes their quality/price ratio even more interesting… especially now that it is finally activated.
But be careful, because the first Tesla Model 3s sold in Europe did not have matrix headlights.