New High Beam Assist works around oncoming cars [UPDATED]

Volvo's updated XC60 and S60 will be made available with an optional new high-beam headlight feature that stays on but doesn't blind oncoming traffic.

The Active High Beam Control option will find its way into several 2014 model year Volvos this spring, the automaker announced February 27.

UPDATE 25/03/2013: Volvo Canada has confirmed that due to Canadian regulations the technology will not be making its way to Canada.

Unlike other active headlight systems that automatically switch the high-beams off when they sense other cars on the road, Volvo's system remains on.

The system uses the car's front-facing camera to identify the size and location of the oncoming car, and uses a metal lens to shield part of the headlight and create a shaded area around that vehicle.

This allows the high-beam light to still shine on everything but the other driver, giving the Volvo driver better visibility.

The Xenon lamp technology is accurate down to within a 1.5-degree margin. Volvo will debut the technology at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

(Volvo)