A head-up display simply projects certain information on the windshield of a car. It helps the focus level of the driver by keeping their heads up.
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Little wonder why it is named the head-up display.
This article would focus on 5 electric cars that have these features and their individual functions in the vehicle.
1. BMW I7
The BMW i7 head-up display is controlled by the BMW IDrive and it is enabled with the display screen. This head-up display was made to reduce the distraction level while driving.
Since it will project the information on the front windshield, it helps to drivers keep their eyes on the road and not have to take glances at the screen below. The floor price of the i7 is $119,300 according to carbuzz.
Here’s the information the HUD of the i7 shows drivers:
- Road speed
- Speed limits
- Warning lights
- Navigations
- Revolution per minute (RPM)
- Collision warning
- Lane guiding
- Vehicle status
How Does the BMW Head-up Display Work?
The head-up display works by choosing whatever information you desire from your display screen. Then this will be projected and rotated by the system’s optical module.
It is guarded with a wafer-thin coating to prevent doubling images and to adjust to the brightness of the ambient lights.
This makes the HUD work no matter what time of the day it is.
How to Activate the BMW Head-Up Display
First, press on the settings on the display screen. This will bring out the BMW head-up display box. Click on the “displayed information” to customize the setting to your taste.
The BMW IDrive controller can also adjust the brightness, height, and rotation. After this is done, simply press down on the controller to save it.
What Models of BMW Cars Have This HUD?
Interestingly, the HUD is not an entirely new feature for the BMW, as some kind of head-up display has been introduced since the 1940s, however, just for military purposes.
Over the years, it was introduced in the 2004 5 series E 60, although they could only deliver the speed level on a single color.
Then in 2013, the full-color display was invented and was recorded to have a 50% growth better than the previous inventions because it improved the processing information and the projection quality of this display.
Today, the BMW Head-up display is found on the 2013-2021 models. They include:
- BMW 2 Series
- BMW 3 Series
- BMW 4 Series
- BMW 6 Series
- BMW 7 Series
- BMW X1
- BMW X 3
- BMW X4
- BMW X5
- BMW X 6
- BMW i8
However, this doesn’t guarantee that they will equip you with it as an inbuilt feature.
The semiconductor issue that happened in 2021 made some European countries like Germany withdraw this HUD feature from some of their models.
Therefore, you have to buy the premium package to be part of the options list.
2. Audi Q4 e-Tron
The Audi super head-up display was introduced in 2021 and the MMI system controls it. It projects the information on the lower part of the windshield. The driver can easily process them because the high-quality image appears 6ft in front. The floor price of the e-Tron is $43,900 as stated by carbuzz.
The information displayed by the Audi head-up display include:
- Navigation
- Warning messages
- Speed limit
- Road speed
- Road sign information
Audi offers two different systems of the HUD.
In some models, like the A4 and Q5, the display is shown at two meters (6.6ft) in front of the driver within a window of 200*80mm. In other models as the Q2, the HUD is projected on a different panel, as its information is extended from the instrument panel.
However, adjustments are possible to meet the driver’s convenience and height.
The display image is controlled by the aspherical mirrors, which help to enhance and cover distortions while the display color is controlled by the TFT monitors that generate the appropriate color for better readability at any time.
How to Activate the Audi Head-up Display
Simple press the HUD button on the right side of your steering. This will make the menu show up in the instrument cluster.
Then press the OK button to either turn off/on the head-up display.
What Audi Models Have This Head-Up Display?
Here are Audi models that have a HUD:
- Audi A3
- Audi A4
- Audi A5
- Audi A6
- Audi A8
- E- Tron
- E-Tron GT
- Q4 e-Tron
- Audi Q5
- Audi Q7
- Audi Q8
3. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Mobis controls the HUD in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and other models with the feature. Hyundai described it as a clusterless HUD because it adds to the functions of the instrument cluster.
The HUD is 15 inches in size and it is divided into 4 parts (three at the top and one below).
The top section projects information like the road speed, navigation, and speed limit, while the bottom displays the warning lights, range, shift mode, etc. The floor price of the Ioniq 5 is $42,ooo as stated by caranddriver.
How to Activate The Hyundai clusterless HUD
It is activated through the user settings on the dashboard.
Simply select the head-up display through the controls on your steering. Then select ENABLE to turn this HUD On.
What Other Models of The Hyundai Has This Clusterless HUD?
Here are other Hyundai models that have the HUD feature:
- Palisade Limited
- Palisade Calligraphy
- Kona Ultimate
- Sante Fe Calligraphy
- Sante Fe Calligraphy 25AWD
- Sonata Limited
- Veloster Turbo Ultimate
It is possible to install your car with a HUD option if it does not come with it. However, your car must be recent, at least a 1996 model because the display connects through the car’s OBD port and these only came after the 1996 Hyundai models.
Related: 5 Electric Cars With Large Display Screens
4. Kia Soul EV
The HUD in the Kia projects some of the information from the instrument cluster to the windshield. The size of the Kia HUD varies depending on the model.
For instance, the Kia K900 HUD displays on a 9.7-inches screen, while the Kia Seltos has an 8-inch screen and the Kia Stinger has a 7-inch screen.
The floor price of the Soul is around $21,000.
The Information Displayed by The Kia HUD
Here is the information the Kia HUD displays:
- Speed limit
- Vehicle speed
- Cruise control
- Navigations
- Warnings lights
- AV mode information
How to Activate the Kia HUD
Simply press the button operation on the left side of the lower crash pad.
This will activate the HUD, and it is turned off by pressing the same button. Adjustments of the height, rotation or illumination are done in the cluster.
What Other Models of Kia Have The Head-up Display?
Other Kia models that have an HUD include:
- 2020 Soul GT- line1.6T
- 2020 Stinger GT2
- 2020 K 900 Standard on all trims
However, it is important to note that the Kia HUD may not be visible for certain reasons. They include:
- Bad sitting posture
- Light on the outside
- Inappropriate glasses
- Inadequate lighting on the inside
Related: 5 Affordable Electric Cars With Hatchback (Prices)
5. Mercedes Benz EQS
The MBUX system controls the HUD in the EQS. The 2021 EQS display has a 77-inch diagonal screen that appears virtually at a distance of 32 feet.
However, this screen also varies depending on the model. The floor price of the EQs is $103,360 according to Car and Driver.
You should also explore some Mercedes-Benz EQS problems.
The Information Displayed by the Mercedes Benz HUD
Here are some of the data the Mercedes Benz HUD shows drivers:
- Speed
- GPS Direction
- Traffic conditions
- Cruise control settings
- Lane assist
- Distance assist
- Warning lights
How to Activate the Benz HUD
The HUD button is located on the left side of the dashboard. Simply press the button to activate this display.
Adjustments are made through the steering wheel home button. Navigate to the HUD option and ENABLE the adjustments.
What Model of Mercedes Benz Comes With The HUD?
Here are some Mercedes Benz models that had a HUD:
- A- Class
- C- Class
- CLS
- E Class sedan
- S Class sedan
- E Class coupe
- S Class coupe
- GLC
- GLS
- GLB
Related: 8 Electric Cars With Large Cabin Space (With Prices)
General Maintenance of The Head-up Display
While it is exciting to have this modern feature in your car, it is also pivotal to learn how to maintain it for longer usage.
The tips to maintain the HUD include:
- Do not place objects on the transparent cover. Not only does it block visibility, but it could also damage the cover and reduce the quality of the display. Perhaps there is a need for a replacement. It must be done with certified original equipment because it uses a special windshield to project this image. Failure to fix the original can cause a distorted display image. Consult your authorized dealer to fix this for you as someone cannot do manually it.
- Clean your windshield often for better display. It is advisable to wipe gently with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. You can also moisten it lightly if need be.