Audi electric vehicle driving at night with Matrix LED headlights active
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ELECTRIC MODELS · ALL THREE SUPPORTED · EUR

Audi Electric Matrix
Headlights — US & Canada

Factory Matrix LED headlights are fitted to every US-spec Audi e-tron GE, Q8 e-tron, and e-tron GT — and locked before delivery. RetroLab Pro re-enables the full adaptive system for all three models, covering every supported model year from 2018 to 2026.

3EV Models
€200From
2018–2026Years Covered
+€50Add-ons From
No payment until VIN is verified
e-tron GE, Q8 e-tron & e-tron GT covered
Laser & Digital Matrix supported
Legal in the US & Canada

All Three Audi EV Models

Select your model to see full pricing tiers, year coverage, and the activation details

e-tron GE
GE · 2018–2024

Audi e-tron GE

e-tron, e-tron S, e-tron Sportback, e-tron S Sportback

Headlights: Matrix LED (8G4) · Digital Matrix (8G5)

The original Audi electric SUV. Audi installed Matrix LED hardware on every US e-tron GE — but locked the adaptive function before delivery. The 2022+ Q8 e-tron rebadge is a separate model page.

Matrix LED (8G4), 2018–2023
€200App
Matrix LED (8G4), 2024–2025
App€200
Remote€300
Digital Matrix (8G5), 2018–2023
€200App
Carpet Light +€50
Digital Matrix (8G5), 2024–2025
App€200
Remote€300
Prepared for Matrix (8G9), 2018–2023
€300Remote
Prepared for Matrix (8G9), 2024+
Not supported.
See e-tron GE details
Q8 e-tron
GE · 2022–2024

Audi Q8 e-tron

Q8 e-tron, SQ8 e-tron, Q8 e-tron Sportback

Headlights: Matrix LED (8G4) · Digital Matrix (8G5)

Audi rebadged the e-tron GE as the Q8 e-tron in November 2022. The headlight activation logic is identical — the same PR-codes and pricing tiers apply. Both model variants are fully supported.

Matrix LED (8G4), 2022–2023
€200App
Matrix LED (8G4), 2024–2025
App€200
Remote€300
Digital Matrix (8G5), 2022–2023
€200App
Carpet Light +€50
Digital Matrix (8G5), 2024–2025
App€200
Remote€300
Prepared for Matrix (8G9), 2022–2023
€300Remote
Prepared for Matrix (8G9), 2024+
Not supported.
See Q8 e-tron details
e-tron GT
FW · 2021–2026

Audi e-tron GT

e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT

Headlights: Matrix LED · Laser LED

The Gran Turismo on Audi's J1 platform. Higher trims and all RS e-tron GT come with factory Laser headlights — adding optional Blue Laser Light and RS Animation (dynamic sweep on lock/unlock).

Matrix LED, 2021–2023
€200App
Matrix LED, 2024–2026
App€200
Remote€300
Laser LED, 2021–2023
€200App
Blue Laser +€50 / RS Animation +€50
Laser LED, 2024–2026
App€200
Remote€300
Blue Laser +€50 / RS Animation +€50
Prepared for Matrix (8G9), 2021–2023
€300Remote
Prepared for Matrix (8G9), 2024+
Not supported.
See e-tron GT details
Audi Matrix LED adaptive headlights — individual LED segments masking oncoming traffic

What Gets Unlocked

All three electric Audi models receive the same OEM-grade adaptive lighting system. No aftermarket modules — the hardware is already in your car.

Adaptive High Beam Assist

Individual LED segments mask oncoming and preceding vehicles in real time. In a quiet EV cabin the effect is immediate and perceptible — the road stays fully lit while oncoming drivers see no glare.

Cornering Light + Highway Mode

Dynamic beam follows the road ahead of the steering input. Highway mode extends range at speed. Intersection mode broadens spread at low-speed junctions.

e-tron GT Exclusives: Blue Laser + RS Animation

Laser-equipped e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT owners can add Blue Laser Light (+€50) for a significantly extended high beam reach, and RS Animation (+€50) for the RS-style dynamic sweep on lock/unlock.

Carpet Light — Digital Matrix Add-on

Available on e-tron GE (2018–2023) and Q8 e-tron (2022–2023) with Digital Matrix (PR-8G5). Projects a 50m light runway that maps your exact vehicle width — a precision visual guide through construction zones and dark roads. Optional at +€50.

How It Works

01
Submit Your VIN — Free Check

We look up your VIN in Audi's production database and confirm the exact headlight hardware fitted — PR-code, model year, and whether you have standard Matrix, Digital Matrix (8G5), or Laser. If your car is compatible, you get a PayPal payment link. Nothing is charged before that confirmation.

02
Pay, Then Connect

Plug the ENet cable into the OBD-II port in your driver-side footwell (same port on all three electric models), open RetroLab Pro on Windows or iPhone, and tap Activate. For 2024+ vehicles, a RetroLab Pro tech connects remotely to complete the activation on your machine.

03
Matrix Active — Permanently

The coding is written directly into your headlight control module — permanent licence, VIN-locked. Certain dealer software updates (such as an SVM run) can clear it, though a routine service visit won't. If that happens, simply rerun the app at no extra charge. No recurring fees, no subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to unlock Matrix headlights on my Audi EV in the US and Canada?
Yes. Matrix LED headlights are fully legal in the US and Canada. NHTSA updated FMVSS 108 (effective February 2022) to allow segmented adaptive high beam, and Transport Canada's CMVSS 108 mirrors US standards closely. Canadian-spec Audi e-tron, Q8 e-tron, and e-tron GT vehicles carry the same factory Matrix hardware as US models — the activation process, pricing, and requirements are identical.
Is it legal in the US? →Is it legal in Canada? →
Does RetroLab Pro support all three Audi electric models for Matrix activation?
Yes. The Audi e-tron GE (2018–2024), Q8 e-tron (2022–2024), and e-tron GT (2021–2025) are all fully supported. Each model has its own pricing tiers based on headlight hardware (PR-code) and model year.
What is the difference between the Audi e-tron GE and the Q8 e-tron?
The Q8 e-tron is a rebadge of the e-tron GE, renamed by Audi in November 2022. Both share the same platform, the same headlight PR-codes, and the same activation workflow. The main practical difference is the model name on the VIN. Both are covered on their respective model pages.
My Q8 e-tron has "Digital Matrix" headlights — is that different from standard Matrix?
Yes. Digital Matrix (PR-code 8G5) is a premium pixel-level beam control variant. For e-tron GE 2018–2023 and Q8 e-tron 2022–2023, it activates fully via the RetroLab Pro app at €200 — the same price as standard Matrix. Carpet Light (+€50) is also available as an add-on on these app years. For 2024–2025 models, a guided remote session is required (€300). Submit your VIN for a free confirmation of which type you have.
Does the e-tron GT have Laser headlights? What extra features come with them?
Higher trims and all RS e-tron GT models are fitted with factory Laser headlights. Two add-ons are available: Blue Laser Light (+€50), which activates the factory laser projector for an extended high beam reach, and RS Animation (+€50), which enables the RS-style dynamic sweep on lock/unlock. Both are optional and only available on Laser-equipped cars.
Why do electric models cost more for some activations?
The pricing difference is related to the headlight hardware variant and model year, not the powertrain. Standard Matrix LED (PR-8G4) on 2018–2023 e-tron GE and 2021–2023 e-tron GT is €200 via the app — same as any other model. Digital Matrix (PR-8G5) on e-tron GE 2018–2023 and Q8 e-tron 2022–2023 is also €200 via the app. The €300 tier applies to 2024+ vehicles (SFD2 security) and app-incompatible hardware configurations (PR-8G9).
Why do 2024+ models show two prices — App and Remote?
Because some 2024 vehicles leave the factory with the older SFD1 security layer, and some with the newer SFD2. SFD1 cars activate via the RetroLab Pro app at €200 — exactly like a 2023 car. SFD2 cars require a guided remote session at €300 because SFD2 locks the headlight adaptation channels in a way the app cannot complete unassisted. We confirm which applies when we look up your VIN — you know before you pay.
What is SFD, and why does it affect 2024+ Audi activations?
SFD stands for Software Feature Disable — Audi's in-car security mechanism that restricts coding channels. SFD2, introduced on 2024-model-year builds, adds a stricter layer: the car's owner must open a 90-minute unlock window through the MMI, during which adaptation channels become accessible. Because that window cannot be opened remotely or automated by an external tool, a RetroLab Pro technician joins the session to complete the activation while the window is active. Pre-2024 cars — and some early-production 2024 cars built before Audi rolled out SFD2 — are not affected and activate fully via the app without remote assistance.
Will a dealer service visit or software update clear the Matrix activation?
A routine service visit, oil change, or tyre rotation will not affect it. The activation is written directly into the headlight control module and is VIN-locked. However, an Audi SVM (Software Version Management) update — which dealers run when refreshing control unit software — can overwrite the coding. If that happens, simply rerun the RetroLab Pro app at no extra charge. No recurring fees, no re-purchase required.
What hardware do I need to activate Matrix headlights on my Audi electric vehicle?
A standard ENet cable (~$25 on Amazon) plus a Windows PC with a LAN port, or an iPhone 13/14 with a Lightning-to-LAN adapter, or an iPhone 15/16/17 with a USB-C-to-LAN adapter. Plug the cable into the OBD-II port in the driver-side footwell. No high-voltage system access, no dealer visit, no prior experience required.

In-Depth Model Guides

Audi e-tron GE — All OEM Activations
Complete feature list for the e-tron GE and e-tron S platform
Audi e-tron GT — All OEM Activations
Matrix, Laser, TSR, Subwoofer, and RS Animation on the e-tron GT
e-tron GT Matrix & Laser — 2021–2025 Guide
Year-by-year breakdown for every supported e-tron GT model year

Full step-by-step process for your electric Audi

Read the Audi Matrix Headlights Guide

Covers ENet cable setup, connection steps, the activation flow, and what to expect for every model year across all three electric Audi platforms.

Read the full guide