This is a review of the new 2023 Mercedes S Class digital light.

The revolutionary headlamp technology DIGITAL LIGHT (optional extra) allows completely new functions, e.g. the projection of marking aids or warning symbols onto the road ahead. In each headlamp, DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle.

The optional DIGITAL LIGHT system enters series production for the first time at Mercedes-Benz. This makes completely new assistance functions possible1:
- Warning of recognised roadworks by projecting an excavator symbol onto the road surface
-Aiming a spotlight at pedestrians detected at the roadside as a warning
-Traffic lights, stop signs or no-entry signs are pointed out by projecting a warning symbol onto the road surface
-Assistance on narrow road lanes (roadworks) by projecting guidelines onto the road surface.

In each headlamp, DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle. This allows highly precise light distribution. It makes Highbeam Assist over 100 times more precise then 84-pixel light when excluding oncoming traffic or road signs from the light beam. Light/shadow graduations and the light distribution of all the other adaptive light functions are also realised with considerably more precision, optimising illumination by e.g. fog light, motorway light or city light. Thanks to LED technology, the new S-Class has also taken a leap forward in its interior lighting: Mercedes-Benz has now realised interactive interior lighting for the first time.

The active ambient lighting (optional) supplements ambient lighting (standard equipment) with an additional layer of light. It is integrated into the driving assistance systems, and is able to reinforce alerts visually. This also makes corresponding feedback possible for the comfort systems. This applies to the climate control system or the 'Hey Mercedes' voice assistant.

More than 50 electronic components in the new S-Class can be updated with new software over-the-air (OTA). These include the entire MBUX infotainment system, the driver display, the driving assistance systems and the MULTIBEAM LED and DIGITAL LIGHT lighting systems. This technology saves the customer time, as he/she does not need to visit a workshop for this purpose. Furthermore, the vehicle remains up to date throughout its lifecycle and is equipped for new features. The explicit consent of the user is always a precondition for OTA updates.

The resolution of DIGITAL LIGHT per vehicle is over 2.6 million pixels.