Not had to use them much during first 6 months of ownership, but im disappointed, they produce a great colour, but aren't noticeably brighter than xenon
I think the big plus, having seen a number of other cars driving towards me in the dark with LED headlights (particularly Leons and Mercs), is the massive reduction in glare and dazzle. It's the one thing that really annoys me about Xenon's from some manufacturers is just how skittish and jumpy they are, and how much they dazzle as a result.
I'd happily have LED's instead of Xenon's if it means less dazzle/glare.
My last 2 cars had xenons and these LEDs are a country mile away from being anywhere near as good. The high beam isn't even comparable to the dipped on a decent set of xenons. To those who think they're good, get yourself on a dark dual carriageway, then let a xenon equipped Audi or Merc (or even a Golf) overtake and watch how its headlights totally wash out yours. Then, as it drives up the road, compare how much more light that car is putting out compared to yours...
With xenons there are 3 wattages available, 25W, 35W and the aftermarket 55W ones. Most cars from a few years back used the 35W units, but didn't5W ones are becoming more prevalent nowadays and aren't as bright (obviously). It's possible these LEDs are comparable to the 25W xenons when it comes to light output, but I only put them on a par with H7 halogens having had no experience of the 25 watters. The colour is better than halogen, but that is all.
As for the Audi LEDs, stuff like the A6 (and its competition) have much more advanced lighting than the humble Leon which probably give an equivalent light output to 35W xenons. The EU law regarding headlight washers only applies if the unit puts out over 2000 lumens, so manufacturers are lowering light outputs to get around having to fit the washers. This is why they're on the options list for the Leon and not standard fit...
My last 2 cars had xenons and these LEDs are a country mile away from being anywhere near as good. The high beam isn't even comparable to the dipped on a decent set of xenons. To those who think they're good, get yourself on a dark dual carriageway, then let a xenon equipped Audi or Merc (or even a Golf) overtake and watch how its headlights totally wash out yours. Then, as it drives up the road, compare how much more light that car is putting out compared to yours...