There has long been speculation as to whether and when Tesla will finally introduce Matrix LED as a headlight technology - now the time has come. But while all Tesla Model Ys will receive Matrix LED, only newer Model S and X vehicles will benefit from the upgrade. Similarly, Matrix LED is also only available for newer Tesla Model 3s.
Is your Tesla among the recipients of the new technology? And what does "Matrix LED" actually mean? Find out here!
Tesla Matrix LED - what it's all about
Matrix LED is a technology that aims to use the high beam of the headlights continuously when driving at night without dazzling other road users. This is possible because the light cone is generated by a matrix of numerous small LEDs - pixels.
If another vehicle is detected in the light cone, the relevant pixels in the matrix are simply switched off. This means that the oncoming driver is not dazzled, while the rest of the surroundings continue to be illuminated with full beam power.
Tesla Matrix LED software update
This technology is not new; such headlights have been available from competing manufacturers for some time. What is new is the way it was introduced: the "adaptive high beam" was made available to customers via a software update and without the need for a workshop visit; the necessary hardware had already been installed in the cars for a long time.
In this way, Matrix LED brings Tesla back into line with the competition without any major effort. There is not even a surcharge for customers - another unique selling point of the Americans. Anyone who wants to activate Matrix LED can do so in the settings under Lighting - Adaptive High Beam .
Tesla Model Y Matrix LED and Tesla Model 3 Matrix LED: Which cars will get the upgrade?
Tesla had announced Matrix LED 2023 towards the end of the year. As planned, Matrix LED was then first introduced in the Tesla Model 3 Highland, but other models were quickly added. Since March 2024, the corresponding update with the identifier "2024.8" has been available for the following vehicles:
Younger Model 3 and Tesla Model Y Matrix LED 2023, 2022, 2021
The Model Y is the lucky winner of the Matrix LED update. Without exception, all vehicles of the model are qualified for the new technology.
For the Model 3 , compatibility will begin in December 2020, for the Long Range version a little later. Here it depends on whether the correct headlights are installed; these can be recognized by a lens installed towards the edge.
The Tesla Model S Matrix LED activation also depends on the hardware installed. Matrix LED suitability can be expected here from model year 2022 onwards.
Less lucky are Model X drivers , they should not have bought a vehicle built before June 2023.
Tesla Model 3 Matrix LED retrofit
So there are definitely a number of Tesla drivers who are missing out on Matrix LED. So can the technology be retrofitted? The good news is that it can, at least in the Model 3. The bad news is that retrofitting is neither cheap nor trivial.
First of all, the appropriate headlights have to be purchased for around €1500 each, followed by installation and configuration of the vehicle software. This requires the Tesla Service Mode and the Toolbox, which is subject to a charge. Read more about the Tesla maintenance tools here.
Tesla describes the replacement process in detail in the Model 3 workshop manual under Electrics -> Exterior lights -> Retrofitting headlights (SAE-to-global). The conversion is not yet offered in most service centers, so you will have to resort to independent workshops or your own skills.
Finally, of course, the question remains as to whether the Matrix LED functionality is worth the cost of €3,500 to €4,000. For this money, you can also purchase all kinds of practical Tesla accessories that will also sweeten your everyday life with your vehicle.
