Lidar detection and limitations

Updated 25/04/2024

The lidar uses infrared light waves to collect information about the car's surroundings. It can identify the distance to objects and certain aspects of their movement or appearance. It's important not to block the lidar.

The lidar is located above your car's windscreen, facing forwards. It collects information about your surroundings, which can be used by several driver support features in your car. Infrared light waves1 are continuously sent out and bounce back if they encounter an object in their paths. For example, the car can calculate the position and appearance of the object as the light waves return.

The lidar is unaffected by the light conditions, working equally well on a sunny day as in complete darkness. However, harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snowfall, fog or very high temperatures, can limit the lidar's detection ability.

Important

Use responsibly

The lidar and features that can rely on it are supplements to safe driving practices. They do not reduce or replace the need for the driver to stay attentive and focused on driving safely.

Field of view and obstructions

Objects in the field of view block what's behind them. The closer something is to the lidar, the more it blocks the lidar's field of view.

If the lidar is blocked, certain features may become less effective or respond incorrectly.
If the car detects that the lidar is blocked, it may disable certain features.
Do not place or mount anything in front of or close to the car's lidar. This includes stickers, car body foil and adhesive tape.
Damage to the glass in front of the lidar can affect its performance. Contact a service point for repairs if there is any damage close to the lidar.2
Make sure that any mounted accessories, extra equipment or externally-stowed cargo don't block the lidar.
The lidar is sensitive to buildups of dirt, ice or snow in front of it. This affects the light waves and can reduce the lidar's ability to detect objects. Lidar obstruction cannot always be identified by the car. In situations where it is detected, the car communicates this via notifications in the displays. However, it is still recommended to regularly inspect the lidar and make sure the area around it is clean and free of obstructions.

Warning

Clean regularly

Camera, sensor, lidar and radar locations on the car must be cleaned on a regular basis and kept free from labels, objects, dirt and other kinds of potential obstructions. Otherwise, car functions may respond incorrectly or become less responsive or deactivated.

Scraping the lidar

The glass on the lidar has its own heating to defrost and remove any build-up of snow or ice. Do not use an ice scraper on this area as it can scratch the glass surface. Scratches or damage to the glass on the lidar can interfere with or limit its detection capabilities.