Technology that had its beginnings in military aircraft more than 50 years ago has today become one of the most desirable options in modern cars. Head-up display (HUD), a system that projects key information directly into the driver’s field of vision, is no longer exclusive to luxury sedans and is increasingly being offered in mid-range vehicles.
But while manufacturers tout the undoubted safety benefits, many customers wonder if the HUD is really a necessary tool or just another expensive accessory that complicates maintenance.
Reducing distractions
The main argument in favor of the HUD system lies in the reduction of distraction. At a speed of 100 km/h, looking at the instrument panel for just two seconds means that you have traveled more than 50 meters “blind”. HUD eliminates that risk by keeping all vital information where it needs to be – in front of you. In addition, eye fatigue is reduced as there is no need to constantly refocus from the distant road to the nearby instrument panel.
In practice, there are two main types of factory installed systems. Premium brands such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes use projection directly onto the specially treated windshield, which creates the impression that the image is floating several meters in front of the vehicle. The solution is elegant and offers a large display area, but it also has its price. On the other hand, the so-called “combiner” The HUD, more common in the Mazda or Mini, uses a smaller transparent panel that lifts above the dash. While it’s cheaper and doesn’t require special glass, it’s less aesthetically integrated and offers a more limited view.
Augmented reality revolution
While the first generations of HUDs only showed the speed and number of revolutions of the engine, today’s systems go a step further, and the real step forward is augmented reality (AR). AR-HUD doesn’t just display static data, it integrates it with the real world. Imagine navigation arrows that are dynamically drawn over the traffic lane you need to change into, or a system that visually marks the vehicle in front of you to confirm that the radar cruise control has detected it.
With the S-Class model from 2021, Mercedes-Benz was the first to commercialize this technology, projecting virtual images at a distance of seven to ten meters in front of the driver, which creates the impression of complete integration with the environment. It is the AR-HUD that represents the future and turns this technology from a useful aid into a key element of the human-machine interface.
Price, pitfalls and alternatives
Of course, this technology comes with a price. The factory surcharge for the HUD usually ranges between 500 and 1,500 euros, but it is often part of more expensive equipment packages that can significantly increase the final price of the vehicle. But the acquisition cost is not the only item. The biggest hidden pitfall is windshield repair.
Due to a special film that prevents double image (“ghosting“), replacing the glass on a car with an integrated HUD can be up to three times more expensive than standard. Another practical problem is the invisibility of the projection when wearing polarized sunglasses, which can frustrate drivers on sunny days.
However, for those who want to try the technology without making a big investment, there are alternative solutions. Aftermarket devices that connect to the vehicle’s OBD2 port offer basic functions at prices ranging from thirty to several hundred euros, while smartphone applications are the cheapest, but also the least reliable option.