Sunglasses and LCD Dash
 

Has anyone experienced problems using polarized lens sunglasses with the LCD dashboard of the 2014 or 2015 S Class? I am waiting for my 2015 to be built, and need new glasses, but the Optometrist warned me about not being able to see the LCD screens with polarized lenses. True or Not True?

Great question. I test drove a 2014 S550 in mid-day sun whilst wearing polarized (Maui Jim's) sunglasses. I felt I was able to read all of the information presented to me on the two screens - albeit with less depth and detail of color.

On page 20 of the 2015 Mercedes Benz S Class COMMAND manual, MB cautions:

"Wearing polarized sunglasses may impair your ability to read the display."

All polarized sunglasses will cause an LCD screen to go completely black as if its off if you turn your head 90 degrees to the screen - like lay your head down sideways on your shoulder. I'm not sure of the science, but somehow the screen has to be oriented a certain way. I had a Volvo once where they oriented the screen the wrong way, so it was black in normal driving position, but I could see it fine if I cocked my head! But other than that Volvo, any I've ever driven are fine in normal driving position.


It's the same concept as what happens if you take two polarizes lens and put them on top of each other. If you rotate one 90 degrees, it becomes black and you can no longer see through them. Try it with two pair of glasses.

Disclaimer: This report is from an actual 2014 S550 owner versus just conjecture. Sadly I feel the need to stress that in some of the posts in this forum.

My sunglasses are polarized and I do not notice any issues. I do have an issue with my iPhone so I know the effect to which you refer. I can see the screens in the S550 without any issues. I wear my polarized sunglasses all the time (during the day).

Tom

I also wear polarized glasses. The distortion they cause is based on the angle you are looking at the dash. Typically it is not a problem.

I wasn't suggesting you would have problems since I don't know many people who drive with their head tipped 90 degrees. But are you saying the screens in your car don't dim or go black if you do that? I'd be interested to know if a new type of screen has been invented that is immune to that effect.

I agree, I have not noticed any dimming effect from the polarized glasses while driving our 2014 S550.

Thank you all - this has been very helpful

No issues with my Prada's on a 2015 S550.

Any issues with polarize lenses and HUD?

CORRECTION to my earlier post .. my polarized Pradas result in the HUD being barely visible during the daytime.

If I tilt my head about 10 degrees it starts to become more visible.

The rest of the displays in the car are OK however.