Head-Up Displays: What are they?

What are Head-Up Displays?

Looking away from the road for any reason is a distraction we don't need, and that goes for your dashboard.

When you're checking your speed or navigation, those quick glances down can add up to a significant amount of time with your eyes off the road. That's where Head-Up Displays (HUDs) come in, projecting vital information directly onto your windscreen in your natural line of sight.

No more looking down—just clear, essential information right where you need it. HUDs can even display phone notifications, keeping that temptation to check what that ping was at bay.

The stakes are real: in 2020, there were 17 deaths and 499 injuries in the UK from accidents where drivers were using mobile phones.

HUDs are revolutionising driving safety, eliminating one more distraction on the road. It's the kind of forward-thinking technology that puts you firmly in the driving seat—while keeping your eyes exactly where they should be.

History of the Head-Up Display

It may seem innovative and futuristic, but it’s not new technology. In fact, they’ve been around since the 1950s for fighter planes to display altitude, speed and targeting systems.

HUDs continued to be developed for aircrafts when they caught the attention of the auto manufacturer, General Motors, who imagined how it could be used in cars.

The first rough plans of equipping a car with a HUD system came about in 1965 by designers at General Motors, but due to complexity and cost, it wasn’t until 1988 that the first car to have a head-up display, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, was launched.

This was after General Motors bought an Aircraft company which helped the automaker explore innovative areas and granted them an extensive range of HUD-related knowledge.

Back then, it projected a speedometer and turn-signal indicators.

What kind of information does a Head-Up Display show?

• Speedometer

Allowing you to keep an eye on your speed, without the need to take your eyes off the road.

• GPS navigation

Know how long is left of your journey and all of your directions.

• Notifications from your phone

There’s no need to glance at your phone anymore, see texts and know who’s calling you.

• Real-time driving data

See data such as MPG, outside temperature, warning signals, fuel gauge and battery charge.

• Assist with vision impairment

If driving in fog or snow, for example, some HUD systems will use cameras and GPS to locate the car in front and display an image of it on your windshield.

Why should you lease a car with Head-Up Display?

Like any safety feature, a HUD system shouldn't be your only line of defense against accidents. However, this clever technology brings numerous benefits, making your drive safer, more dynamic and exciting.

You might occasionally find the information a bit overwhelming, but that's the beauty of HUDs. They're there when you need them and can be switched off when you don't.

With all essential driver information projected right in your line of sight, you'll never need to panic while searching your infotainment system or dashboard. Everything you need is right where your eyes should be – on the road ahead.

Even a split-second glance at your fuel gauge or speedometer could be enough to cause an accident, especially at higher speeds. A HUD effectively eliminates this risk, keeping your focus forward.

Navigation becomes more intuitive too.

We've all taken wrong turns while following sat nav directions, frantically glancing at screens to get back on track. A HUD displays path markers directly on your windscreen, ensuring you stay on the right route without taking your eyes off the road.

Some drivers worry that HUDs might be distracting, but the opposite is true. They only display key information, nothing overly detailed, helping you multitask in the safest way possible.

This technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, and if you think HUD systems are limited to premium vehicles, you're in for a pleasant surprise.

While most high-end models or trims now offer HUDs as standard, many other models feature them as optional extras. It's a small upgrade that can make a significant difference to your driving experience.

Cars with Head-Up Display

If you're thinking of car leasing and are interested in a head-up display, the following models offer the innovative feature, either as standard or as an optional feature.

Audi: Every Prestige spec Audi offers HUD as a standard feature. For other models you'll need to pay extra. The A4 features a high-contrast HUD that displays current speed, speed limits, turn-by-turn navigation, road sign information and driver assistance alerts.

BMW: Standard on 7 Series, 8 Series, i7, M5, M8, X5, X6, X7, iX or it's available as an optional extra as part of the Premium, Convenience or Executive package for other BMW models. The 3 Series also offers this feature, showing speed limits, road sign information, directions and safety warnings.

Genesis: Only an optional feature on their biggest turbo engines for the G70, G80 and for the Electrified GV70. Opt for the Innovation pack if you want HUD on the GV80.

Hyundai: Available on the Ultimate trim for the Kona, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and Santa Fe models.

Land Rover: Standard on the Range Rover Sport, X edition for the Defender HSE, Optional feature for both the Range Rover Evoque and the Velar. The Evoque's HUD displays current speed, cruise control speed, turn-by-turn navigation and traffic sign recognition with adjustable brightness.

Mazda: Available on the Mazda 3 with a system that shows speed, safety alerts, and smartphone navigation directions.

Mercedes-Benz: A-Class, C-Class, GLC, CLS - Standard on the Premium Plus trim or above. You'll need to opt for the 4Matic+ trim if you want the GLE SUV and the 4Matic or First Class trim level for the GLS. The GLE offers a distinctive HUD showing speed, cruise control settings, directions and traffic conditions.

Volkswagen: The ID.7 comes with an augmented reality HUD as standard, displaying battery charge level and lane-level navigation with arrows that sync with the real world.

Volvo: Available as an optional feature with the Ultimate package for the S90, V60 Cross Country, V90 Cross Country, XC60 and XC90. The XC60's system displays cruise control, speed, navigation, warning information, and phone call notifications.

The road ahead

Head-Up Displays are more than just a flashy feature – they're a practical safety innovation that's revolutionising the way we interact with our vehicles.

With more manufacturers now offering this technology across their ranges, there's never been a better time to consider a car with HUD capabilities for your next lease.

It's a small addition that could make a significant difference to your driving experience—keeping you safer, more informed, and firmly in the driving seat.

Whether you're navigating busy city streets or cruising down the motorway, a Head-Up Display gives you that extra edge when it comes to awareness and convenience.