Best cars with dynamic indicators
Dynamic indicator lights are a fancy way of letting other road users know where you’re going, these are the best cars with them
Conventional incandescent bulbs used to be the mainstay of car headlights, though they’re increasingly becoming redundant technology. Nowadays, LED headlights are becoming available on even some of the most affordable new cars on sale right now, and on more expensive models it’s possible to specify headlights with more advanced-still Matrix LED and even laser light technology.
While the main benefit of this is the development of brighter and more energy-efficient headlights, there are other areas where new lighting tech can have an impact on cars. One of the less obvious examples involves the humble indicator light: rather than using a simple light flash as a turn signal, some car companies are replacing them with more intricate dynamic indicator animations.
At first, this may seem like nothing more than a visual novelty, though there are some safety benefits to dynamic indicators. For instance, since dynamic indicators typically scroll across in one direction, it gives other road users a clearer idea of which direction the car will be going. It’s also said dynamic indicator lights are easier to spot in your peripheral vision than conventional turn signals.
Like many new car technologies, dynamic indicators used to be the preserve of higher-end cars, though over time they’ve since found their way onto more affordable mainstream cars. We’ve picked out a selection of new cars across a variety of shapes, sizes and prices that are available with dynamic indicator lights, and keep reading to find out more.
1. Audi A8
Our pick Audi A8 3.0 '50' TDI S line
Used deals from £39,000
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The Audi A8 is no stranger to fancy illumination technology. After all, it’s available with Matrix LED headlights, which are some of the most advanced headlights available on production cars right now. As such, it’s probably no surprise that the Audi A8 also gets dynamic indicator lights.
Much like the previous-generation Audi A8 (which was also available with dynamic lights), the indicators on the latest version are integrated into the LED daytime running lights; replacing their clear glow with a yellow scrolling signature. Around the back, the indicator lights again have a sequential animation, and can be spotted just underneath the main brake lights.
2. Cupra Formentor
Our pick Cupra Formentor 1.4 eHybrid AFV 245 VZ2
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With its big wheels, sharp bodywork creases and sporty flourishes, the Cupra Formentor makes a strong case for itself as being one of the more eye-catching family crossovers on the market right now. Even in the dark, the Formentor promises to still attract attention, thanks to attributes like its stylish dynamic indicators.
Be aware that these aren’t found up front: rather than a fancy animation, the indicators in the headlights simply flash on and off. The indicator lights at the rear are much more interesting in comparison, since they scroll across the outer element of the Cupra’s full-width rear lights.
3. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Our pick Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range RWD
Used deals Limited stock
While dynamic indicators are becoming more popular with car makers today, they’ve been around in one form or another for quite some time now. For instance, did you know the Shelby-tuned version of the original Ford Mustang was one of the first ever cars to get what were referred to back then as 'sequential turn signals'? It’s fitting, then, that dynamic indicator lights are installed as standard equipment on the Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV.
Up front, the indicators on the Ford Mustang Mach-E aren’t too much to write home about, since they consist of a yellow swooshing beam across the top of the headlights. In contrast, the rear indicators are a bit more eye-catching, since they’re incorporated into the car’s already striking tri-bar rear light array.
4. Lexus NX
Our pick Lexus NX 450+ Premium Pack
Used deals from £15,490
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Even on some high-end cars, dynamic indicator lights can only be specified by selecting a specific optional extra or choosing a certain trim level. This isn’t the case for the current iteration of the Lexus NX, though: regardless of the version you go for, dynamic indicators are fitted as standard.
For the latest Lexus NX, the daytime running lights up front scroll outwards from just above the car’s prominent daytime running lights, whereas the ones at the back can be found in the bottom half of the rear lights. If you want an especially eye-catching dynamic indicator design, check out the ones on the outgoing Lexus NX: these were incorporated into the striking tick-shaped graphic just underneath the headlights.
5. Renault Megane
Our pick Renault Megane 1.3 TCe 140 RS Line
Used deals Limited stock
The old petrol-powered Renault Megane may have just been replaced by the all-electric version, but the previous model still remains quite a striking family car. This is especially the case for the post-facelift models: as well as benefitting from slightly sharper looks, they also get visual flourishes such as dynamic indicators.
You won’t find any dynamic indicator lights up front, but the Megane does get scrolling indicators at the back. Considering they weren’t a feature on the pre-facelift car, they’re neatly integrated onto the Renault Megane, too, as they run parallel on the out edge of the light bar that runs through each of the rear light units.
6. Skoda Scala
Our pick Skoda Scala 1.0 TSI 110 Monte Carlo DSG
Used deals from £12,099
Monthly finance from £179.31*
The Skoda Scala is a smart-looking and sensibly styled family hatchback, if one that lacks a little bit of visual pizzazz. However, there are a few options that can help if you’d prefer a more eye-catching Skoda Scala, ranging from LED headlights to subtle roof spoilers and – as the car’s presence on this list suggests – dynamic indicator lights.
With this option box ticked, dynamic indicators aren’t installed up front, though they are integrated into the car’s rear light units. In comparison with some of the fancier indicator animations out there, the Scala’s scrolling lights admittedly aren’t the most exciting out there, though they do sharpen up the Skoda’s styling a bit and help make the car more prominent to other road users following you when you’re indicating at a road junction.
7. Toyota Yaris Cross
Our pick Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid Excel
Used deals Limited stock
Dynamic indicator lights are typically associated with higher-end cars, though as this list has shown they are also available on more affordable family models. In fact, they’re now starting to turn up on smaller-still cars, with one example being the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Granted, the indicators aren’t especially dynamic at the front, though the other road users behind you will at least be able to see the scrolling animation on the rear lights. One of the more impressive aspects of the Toyota Yaris Cross is that it’s available on most versions: bar the entry-level Icon trim, all models get dynamic rear indicator lights as standard.
8. Volkswagen Golf
Our pick Volkswagen Golf 1.5 eTSI R-Line DSG
Used deals from £11,970
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The latest Volkswagen Golf isn’t drastically different design-wise from the car it replaces, though the current Golf does bring a few intricate details to the table. It’s a bit sportier to look at, thanks to the low and sleek nose, and cars equipped with the front light bar are even more distinctive – especially at night.
When that front light beam is specified, the Volkswagen Golf also gets high-tech Matrix headlights, which in turn come with built-in dynamic indicator lights. Unlike some other similarly-sized cars, the Golf gets dynamic lights at both the front and back: the ones on the headlights feature a yellow scrolling animation across the top, whereas the ones at the back swoosh outwards from underneath the main brake lights.
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