Automotive head-up displays (HUDs) have been around since 1988, and while they've gotten brighter and more colorful over the years, even the most sophisticated implementations still seem a little primitive today. But after Hyundai Mobis (which makes auto parts for Hyundai, Kia and Genesis) saw the world's first full-width holographic windshield display at CES 2025, I felt like I was witnessing a major evolution in automotive infotainment. systems.
Unlike traditional reflective HUDs, the Hyundai Mobis holographic head-up display (HWD) consists of two main components: a projector (or in this case, multiple projectors) hidden under the dashboard, and a special optical film with carefully tuned length sensitivity waves built into the windshield itself. . This combination allows HWD to produce brighter, more colorful images from much smaller viewing angles. If you're not sitting in the right place, you may not be able to see the HUD at all.
On the Hyundai Mobis Kia EV9 demo car, HWD is not limited to a slight angle at the bottom of the windshield. Instead, it is divided into three zones spanning the entire width of the car: two for the driver and one for the passenger. For the driver, HWD can display basic data such as vehicle speed, driving direction, and more. But what gets interesting is that it shows holographic 3D maps that can adjust in real time based on your position, adding a whole new dimension that will help you reach your destination.
Passengers can use the dedicated HWD section independently to check vehicle information, simply watch videos or play games. Crucially, due to the limited viewing angles of Hyundai Mobis technology, the driver cannot see the passenger side of the HWD, so there is no risk of distraction. The entire system is impressive because most of the technology is hidden under the dashboard. The only evidence that this HWD is different from more traditional implementations is that if you look closely at the windshield turned off, you will see a faint outline where the optical film is sandwiched between the glass.
After watching the Hyundai Mobis demo, I also got the chance to speak with one of HWD's engineers, Dr. Minho Shin, who added further context and insight into the technology. Through a translator, Dr. Shin told me that the company sees its HWD as a way to complement the main display of most modern cars, which will likely serve as the main control center for controlling what you see on the windshield. And passengers may be able to control what they see on their side of the HWD simply by streaming content from their phones. Additionally, the placement and size of the holographic display makes it easier for the driver to view and interact with useful tools such as real-time 3D maps compared to current technology. Dr. Shin even said that it was possible to create a version of the HWD that would span both the entire width and vertical height of the windshield, which seems like something straight out of every sci-fi or cyberpunk movie ever made. However, due to the laws of many countries, such functionality is not widely allowed.
Now, it should be noted that at CES 2025, BMW demonstrated similar technology on its . The Bavarian automaker's approach may have taken it a little further, at least when it comes to integration into the existing infotainment system and its availability, which should appear on all new models by the end of 2025. However, if you look closely, it looks like BMW is cheating a bit by using a black film that runs along the bottom of the windshield, rather than being completely clear like the HWD, which could greatly improve driver visibility with Hyundai's Mobi technology . and awareness.
While BMW's panoramic HUD is set to arrive first, Hyundai Mobis won't be far behind as the company hopes to get its HWD into production by the end of 2026.