Notices
992 2019-Present The Forum for the Non-Turbo 911
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

PDLS+ - Worth it?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 28, 2021 | 02:15 PM
  #1  
Nshirvanian's Avatar
Nshirvanian
Thread Starter
Advanced
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 67
Likes: 38
Default PDLS+ - Worth it?

Aren't the headlights for the 992 GTS black already and LED? What's the point of this option?

LED-Matrix Design Headlights in Black incl. Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+) Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur

$1,890
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2021 | 02:20 PM
  #2  
nyca's Avatar
nyca
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 1,930
From: new york
Default

How much time do you spend driving the car at night? If the answer is "not much", then skip it.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2021 | 02:27 PM
  #3  
Nshirvanian's Avatar
Nshirvanian
Thread Starter
Advanced
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 67
Likes: 38
Default

Originally Posted by nyca
How much time do you spend driving the car at night? If the answer is "not much", then skip it.
Good point. Are the standard GTS headlights black?
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2021 | 02:33 PM
  #4  
Nshirvanian's Avatar
Nshirvanian
Thread Starter
Advanced
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 67
Likes: 38
Default

Interesting that this option on the Turbo S is $750 but on the GTS for the same option Porsche charges $1,890. Strange.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2021 | 02:35 PM
  #5  
tuffcalc's Avatar
tuffcalc
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 142
Likes: 59
Default

Originally Posted by Nshirvanian
Aren't the headlights for the 992 GTS black already and LED? What's the point of this option?

LED-Matrix Design Headlights in Black incl. Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+) Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur

$1,890
You're getting the Matrix option. I wouldn't buy a car without Matrix headlights after using them. Even in the city they work amazing. In short it's constantly varrying the degree of beams so you are always getting the maximum brightness (or not being blinded by roadsigns). Love it.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2021 | 02:54 PM
  #6  
OliverK68's Avatar
OliverK68
Burning Brakes
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 399
From: SW Ontario
Default

If you’re purchasing a US 911, LED Matrix remains unapproved and the headlight shaping features will be disabled so it will be a waste of money.

If you’re in a country where they are approved (Canada for instance), they will be be a great benefit if you do a lot of nighttime driving.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2021 | 03:09 PM
  #7  
anupe's Avatar
anupe
Rennlist Member
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 89
Likes: 91
From: D.C.
Default

Originally Posted by Nshirvanian
Good point. Are the standard GTS headlights black?

Yes, with the GTS the standard headlights are PDLS+ in black. As others stated, if you live in the US don’t bother with the upgrade to the matrix lights.
Reply
Old Jun 28, 2021 | 04:59 PM
  #8  
AlterZgo's Avatar
AlterZgo
Three Wheelin'
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 2,289
Default

Originally Posted by Nshirvanian
Aren't the headlights for the 992 GTS black already and LED? What's the point of this option?

LED-Matrix Design Headlights in Black incl. Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+) Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur

$1,890
The diff btw PDLS vs PDLS+ is that the + models swivel when you turn. Other than that, they look the same and perform the same. The swiveling feature is very nice to have if you drive alot on dark curvy roads - like if you live in the hills and are constantly driving up and down at night and like to see better around corners and whatnot, though I'm sure standard PDLS is fine. Virtually all of my cars have had swiveling headlights for decades now as standard. This is another Porsche cash grab IMO.

The Matrix lights look different, are actually even more expensive and, in the US, doe not have most of the functionality for why one would want it and no one has figured out how to code it to unlock those features yet, so a bit of a waste of money unless you like the look of the Matrix lights - which do look markedly different than PDLS/PDLS+ lights.
Reply
Rennlist Stories

The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts

story-0

This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 28, 2021 | 05:10 PM
  #9  
colegno's Avatar
colegno
Advanced
 
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 57
Likes: 33
From: Piedmont Triad
Default

How Does the Porsche Dynamic Light System Work?

PDLS increases safety when driving and enhances near-field, lateral, and far-field illumination by adjusting the range of the dipped beam according to driving speed. Additionally, the dynamic cornering light function rotates the main headlights towards the inside of a road’s curve based on the driver’s speed and steering angle. Static cornering lights turn on the auxiliary headlights for clearer visibility on tight, turning roads.

What is the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus)?

What is the difference between PDLS and PDLS Plus? Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus has two added functions. First, at speeds higher than about 40 mph, the dynamic main beam will turn on and detect oncoming traffic and vehicles in front of you. The light cone’s intensity and range are adjusted depending on the surroundings. Secondly, Intersection Assistant turns on the electronic cornering lights to adjust the broadness and length of the light cones, which increases the visibility of the vehicle’s surroundings.

I have the PDLS + and it's awesome!
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2021 | 01:23 AM
  #10  
Dr. G's Avatar
Dr. G
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,144
Likes: 1,032
Default

Originally Posted by Nshirvanian
Interesting that this option on the Turbo S is $750 but on the GTS for the same option Porsche charges $1,890. Strange.
The standard Turbo S headlights are LED matrix in silver, not PLDS+ - the $750 charge on the Turbo S is to get those headlights in black. The standard headlights in the GTS are non-matrix PDLS+ In black. Note that the black PDLS+ headlights are an upcharge over the standard PDLS+ silver headlights in the 992 S models. When you compare the upcharge from silver PDLS+ to LED Matrix in the S and then subtract the cost difference of going from the standard silver PDLS+ to black PDLS+ you’re probably right around the same number they’re charging in the GTS for the upgrade.

Last edited by Dr. G; Jun 29, 2021 at 01:25 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2021 | 01:44 AM
  #11  
Nshirvanian's Avatar
Nshirvanian
Thread Starter
Advanced
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 67
Likes: 38
Default

Originally Posted by OliverK68
If you’re purchasing a US 911, LED Matrix remains unapproved and the headlight shaping features will be disabled so it will be a waste of money.

If you’re in a country where they are approved (Canada for instance), they will be be a great benefit if you do a lot of nighttime driving.
Yup. Decided against it. All i wanted were black headlights that turn with steering input, which the GTS has as standard. Thanks for the info.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2021 | 02:31 AM
  #12  
Bluehighways's Avatar
Bluehighways
Rennlist Member
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 3,522
From: Orange County California
Default

I have the PDLS+ (US Spec) and find it quite useful. LED's are nice in many ways, but one way on which they are different from incandescent lamps, is the extremely sharp cut-off between what is illuminated and what remains in the dark. When going around turns, incandescent lamps still provide enough illumination at the edges, that even though the aim of the light is a tangent to the curve you are describing, the arc of the curve remains sufficiently illuminated. This doesn't happen as well with LED lamps. For this reason, having the "+" option where the focal point of the LED is swung/bent to follow the steering wheel input is not so much a novelty as it proves to be extremely useful. One of my motorcycles (Harley) has multiple forward facing LED lamps. At night, in an unlit area anything more than say 30* off the centerline of the bike will be in complete darkness. I have had to follow older bikes equipped with incandescent lights through campgrounds at night due to this limitation. The motorcycle at night in an unlit area may be the extreme but even in my well lit suburban neighborhood the "+" part of the headlights on my C2S is very noticeable and quite helpful.

Last edited by Bluehighways; Jun 29, 2021 at 02:32 AM.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2021 | 10:16 AM
  #13  
t-design's Avatar
t-design
Basic Sponsor
Rennlist
Site Sponsor

10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 900
Likes: 384
From: USA
Default

+ (plus) means swivel in turns. It's a nice and useful feature if you drive on twisty roads at night. Is it worth extra $$$$ to you - only you can decide. It's a standard feature on my mazda6 winter beater, as a lot of others. But to get Porsche to the same specs you have to spend $20K
__________________
T-Design9 : Mods and ergonomic accessories bespoke designed for Porsche cars
Memory Modules : remember SC **** settings; A/S/S, PSE, Spoiler, Sport/+ buttons
Phone Mounts : keep your phone up and close and charged
Cupdholders, Sunglass Holsters and more at T-Design9.com




Reply
Old Jun 29, 2021 | 10:48 AM
  #14  
chong0's Avatar
chong0
Rennlist Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 340
Likes: 160
From: MA
Default

the PDLS+ also comes with high beam assistant- that tech alone blows my mind every time i take a drive at night. amazingly intuitive and would order PDLS+ based on this alone. (not sure if this comes with standard PDLS, but my Cayenne does not have it and it's disappointing)
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2021 | 07:44 PM
  #15  
Scott P's Avatar
Scott P
Rennlist Member
5 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 3,692
Likes: 3,905
From: Buffalo, NY
Default

Originally Posted by chong0
the PDLS+ also comes with high beam assistant- that tech alone blows my mind every time i take a drive at night. amazingly intuitive and would order PDLS+ based on this alone. (not sure if this comes with standard PDLS, but my Cayenne does not have it and it's disappointing)
Y'know, it's funny . . . . Never would've bought High Beam Assistant for a BMW but ended up with it on a car that was ordered loaded and never picked up (650i GC). I love it and to your point, I love how intuitive the lights are and this alone is the reason I, like you, would buy these lights and have them ordered on my C2S.
Reply



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 03:28 PM.

story-0
This Builder Is Turning Heads With Its Slantnose 911 Creation

Slideshow: A small Polish tuner has reimagined the Porsche 911 Slantnose for the modern era, blending 1980s nostalgia with widebody tuning culture and serious performance upgrades.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-01 10:49:43


VIEW MORE
story-1
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture

Slideshow: Porsche has created a Japan-only 911 GT3 Artisan Edition that blends track-ready hardware with design cues inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-28 19:37:40


VIEW MORE
story-2
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

Slideshow: Porsche's latest electric Cayenne Coupe blends dramatic styling with supercar acceleration, turning the brand's midsize SUV into a 1,139-horsepower flagship.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:39:30


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People

Slideshow: Porsche's wildest paint colors aren't just shades-they're full-blown personalities on four wheels.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:38:13


VIEW MORE
story-4
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod

Slideshow: The last of the Speedsters doesn't just close a chapter, it makes quite the bold, air-cooled statement.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:55:04


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)

Slideshow: Going to a Porsche dealership may not be the dream experience you expect it to be and these are the reasons why.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 13:54:19


VIEW MORE
story-6
Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again

Slideshow: Porsche just proved-again-that precision engineering can outrun brute force at the Nürburgring.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-18 20:27:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance

Slideshow: Six reasons why you will love the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C and 1 reason you will hate it.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 10:21:39


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold

Slideshow: Some of the most desirable Porsche models are those that were sold to the public solely for homologation purposes.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:54:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home

Slideshow: The lone BTR III-spec Targa features rare RUF engineering with a 430-hp turbo flat-six and fewer than 30 miles since its rebuild.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-06 20:03:25


VIEW MORE