Where are the Head-up Displays?

[EricE]

I test drove a new BMW M3 some time ago and really loved the Head-up Display. To me that seems like the single most useful "infotainment" innovation in the last decade which makes me wonder why only BMW offers it in their 3 series, 5 series and even in the Mini as I have learned.

You can have the rev counter, speed and speed limit in M-mode and other things like navigation instructions, road signs, temperature warnings or incoming phonecalls in the normal mode. All in full colour and without having to take your eyes of the road!

Do they have the technology patented? I imagine it would be extremely useful in fast cars like the current three hypercars, yet not a single one has a HUD option.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8KO9ZgsOLo

[acd80]

I've got it in my F11. It's not cheap mind (£995 IIRC) - it was either that or a paint upgrade. I went for white in the end . I'd be lost without it now - i thought it was a bit gimmicky to begin with but it's very very useful.

[Axionknight]

I don't know, but for some reason I want one very badly!

[SuperPav]

Agree it's a great feature! My prius had it (not full colour but showed speed and sat nav directions)

Expect to see it on most cars in the next few years (quite a number have them already, it's definitely not BMW only and they don't hold a patent for it, but they are one of the better ones at rolling out the full colour display).

For a bit more money you can have the full colour HUD wrapped in a rolls Royce wraith.

[cptsideways]

Had one in a 80's Nissan 200sx back in the day, its nothing new!

Available on loads of cars these days eg most Sport spec Mazda's, Peugeots & no doubt many others too.

[groundcontrol]

[beard]It's also in the 6-series[/beard]

Driven a car with it installed, bit of a gimmick I found. Definitely wouldn't pay a grand for one.

[poing]

We have a Peugeot 3008 pool car at work, it has a heads up display. A less likely candidate is hard to imagine.

[Nickbrapp]

I thought people where scared of new technology?

[xRIEx]

Corvette's had it for a while, I belive. I think I recently saw it mentioned in respect of another car but I can't remember the brand now.

And there are OBD units you can buy to plug into most cars.

[Roo]

poing said:

We have a Peugeot 3008 pool car at work, it has a heads up display. A less likely candidate is hard to imagine.

As does a DS5 and the aforementioned Prius and Corvette. Lots of cars have got it.

[feef]

Got one in my '57 plate Citroen C6. Shows speed, sat-nav directions, fuel warning and service notifications

[Jader1973]

Top spec Holden Commodore's have it.

[andy_s]

Audis have it on the A/S7

[Captain Muppet]

Nickbrapp said:

I thought people where scared of new technology?

This is technology from the eighties or earlier, and therefore approved of by PHers.

PHers are like the Armish - only technology newer than a certain date is evil.

[Conscript]

I have to say, I'm also surprised by how rare HUDs are. In a world dominated by safety concerns, I would of thought that such a well established technology that feeds you vital info without having to take your eyes off the road would be commonplace

[cptsideways]

Conscript said:

I have to say, I'm also surprised by how rare HUDs are. In a world dominated by safety concerns, I would of thought that such a well established technology that feeds you vital info without having to take your eyes off the road would be commonplace

I too am surprised its not an NCAP nanny requirement tbh, crap like lane guidance is but a simple display showing your speed at a convenient position isn't hence needing lane guidance for those who struggle to move their eyes.

I like them mind you, but detest some of the latest nanny state safety stuff

[craigjm]

I have driven a few cars with them and their usefulness and visibility vary dramatically. Some of the earlier stuff like the one mentioned in the C6 can't really be seen as soon as the sun is on the screen but the new full colour ones from BMW and Mercedes are really good and configurable too.

[Matt UK]

Captain Muppet said:

This is technology from the eighties or earlier, and therefore approved of by PHers.

PHers are like the Armish - only technology newer than a certain date is evil.

Funny because it's true

[AdeTuono]

Corvettes have had them for years. My current Z06 has three HUD modes and three variations on each. The lateral 'g' readout is particularly impressive.

[CrutyRammers]

Much rather manufacturers spent their R&D on this kind of thing than on electric handbrakes
Oh and can I have a line-in jack on my stereo, PLEASE.