Welcome lights are a thoughtful lighting feature fitted under vehicle doors or within door handles that illuminate automatically when doors are opened to light up the ground. Beyond offering added visibility when getting in and out of the car at night, they are also frequently used to project brand logos or dynamic graphics, adding a touch of occasion and a premium feel to the vehicle.
Welcome lights operate on a principle similar to a projector. At its core, an LED light source shines through a film slide etched with a specific graphic (such as a brand logo), which is then focused through a lens to cast a sharp image onto the ground.
Activation is seamlessly automated and typically synchronised with the doors:
Upon unlocking: In certain models, as the driver approaches and unlocks the vehicle, the welcome lights turn on in advance, casting a welcome lighting sequence.
Upon opening the door: The lights illuminate the ground the instant the door is opened, and switch off automatically once the door is shut.
Welcome lights available on the market primarily fall into two categories, differing in projection quality and cost:
LED welcome lights: More wallet-friendly, though the sharpness and brightness of the projected graphics are fairly standard.
Laser welcome lights: Utilising advanced laser technology, they deliver brighter and crisper projections with finer detail, making them the mainstream choice for premium models and aftermarket upgrades.
Today, many high-end models also integrate welcome lights with dynamic animations, staging an orchestrated light "show" upon unlocking to further elevate the ownership experience.