Audi Q9 Introduces The World’s First Curved OLED Taillights

The Audi Q9 features groundbreaking curved digital OLED taillights, utilizing six ultra-thin 0.1mm glass panels that wrap around the vehicle’s rear quarters.

Audi describes this configuration as an industry-first, a feature initially previewed during the Q9’s debut this past July. This innovation is supported by hardware comprising 512 individually controllable lighting segments distributed across six panels.

The following overview details the system’s functionality and its practical impact on following motorists.

Conventional LED taillights are typically housed behind flat lenses, restricting their ability to wrap around the vehicle’s bodywork. Audi’s flagship Q9 SUV addresses this limitation by contouring the glass substrate to align precisely with the rear quarter panel, allowing the lighting to follow the vehicle’s curvature rather than terminating at a flat surface.

The Audi Q9’s innovative 1 mm-thick curved OLED taillights use a flexible 0.1mm glass substrate, allowing the lighting to contour perfectly to the vehicle’s rear. Featuring 512 individually controllable segments, this system enables precise illumination that remains highly visible from side angles, significantly improving brake and turn signal clarity compared to traditional flat-panel lights.

The Q9 features 512-segment curved OLED taillights, the brand’s largest rear-light assembly to date. These integrate with digital Matrix LED headlights to project stylized turn signals onto the road, building on technology first introduced in the Q7.

Audi has disclosed the panel count, segment total, and glass thickness as official production specifications accompanying the Q9’s debut. Notably, the brand’s proprietary digital Matrix LED headlight technology is already integrated into select U.S. models.

However, Audi has yet to clarify the extent to which drivers can customize the 512-segment system via onboard settings, or whether international markets will feature standardized lighting sequences for startup and shutdown procedures. These details, alongside U.S. pricing, are expected to be announced as the Q9 approaches its official market launch.

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