OSRAM Night Breaker 220 (NB220) – Full Review

August 6, 2025

Tested in Nissan Murano, Acura TL, and Lexus RX OE Projectors – D2S fitment  

The OSRAM Night Breaker 220 (NB220) is the best and latest flagship bulb in OSRAM’s high-performance xenon lineup. It is built for drivers who want maximum light output from their factory HID or bi-xenon projectors, without compromising beam quality or reliability. As the next evolution in the Night Breaker series, the NB220 continues OSRAM’s reputation for producing OEM-grade lighting that delivers strong real-world performance.

Unlike many aftermarket xenon bulbs that prioritize appearance with high Kelvin ratings, the NB220 is focused on function. It produces a slightly warmer white color temperature that is closer to stock, which improves clarity in poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog. This helps reduce glare from reflective surfaces, making it easier on the eyes in challenging environments.

We tested the NB220 in three common OE projector systems: the Nissan Murano, Acura TL, and Lexus RX. Each bulb was evaluated for low and high beam output, calibrated Kelvin color temperature, total lumens, and beam pattern consistency. Beam photos were also captured for direct comparison to OEM bulbs. The results showed that the NB220 offers one of the best combinations of brightness, beam control, and weather-friendly output available today in the xenon category.

Test Methodology

Our Test Projectors, all OEM

To ensure accurate and consistent results, we tested the OSRAM Night Breaker 220 using our standardized version 2.0 test bench. This setup includes a calibrated light meter positioned at a fixed distance of 25 feet from the projector lens, with beam shots captured on a white wall to assess beam shape and pattern clarity. Testing was conducted in a dark, controlled environment to eliminate ambient light interference.

We tested the OSRAM NB220 in three different OEM projectors to ensure performance consistency:
• 03-08 Nissan Murano (low/high), common wide-beam style
• 04-08 Acura TL (low/high), sharper cutoff, mid-size beam
• 04-09 Lexus RX (low), tighter focus with a high-intensity hotspot

Each bulb was run through a brief warm-up phase to simulate real-world operation. We then measured lux values for both low beam and high beam modes, using freshly installed stock xenon bulbs as the baseline for comparison. Beam pattern images were taken after warm-up using a fixed-exposure camera to ensure consistency between all bulb comparisons.

We also measured color temperature (Kelvin) using a spectrometer, and recorded average lumens during the 3–5 minute mark to reflect stabilized light output. These combined results give a full picture of how the NB220 performs not just on paper, but in actual headlight housings that drivers use on the road.  

Low Beam Performance

The OSRAM Night Breaker 220 delivered excellent low beam performance across all three OE projectors tested. While results varied slightly depending on the projector design, the overall trend was clear: a noticeable improvement in light output and beam sharpness compared to standard OEM bulbs.

Average Low Beam Output:
570 lux, which is 28% brighter than the baseline OEM xenon bulbs. This increase translates to better visibility down the road, with a stronger central hotspot and improved side-to-side spread. The beam stays well-focused without introducing excessive glare or scatter, maintaining safe cutoff lines that meet OE expectations. 

By Projector:
• Nissan Murano: 534 lux (+7% vs OEM)
• Acura TL: 395 lux (+20% vs OEM) 
• Lexus RX: 780 lux (+57% vs OEM)

In all three housings, the NB220 produced brighter, cleaner beams than OEM bulbs. While the biggest jump came from the Lexus RX, even the more conservative TL and Murano setups showed useful gains. The beam stayed consistent and usable across all applications, proving this bulb is a smart upgrade for factory HID systems.

High Beam Performance

High beam performance is where the OSRAM Night Breaker 220 really shows off its strengths in forward reach and road illumination. In our testing, it delivered consistent improvements over stock bulbs across multiple projector types.

Average High Beam Output:
807 lux, an increase of 28% over OEM. This higher lux rating means brighter long-distance visibility and better object recognition farther down the road — a critical factor for safe driving at highway speeds or in rural areas.

By Projector:
• Nissan Murano: 841 lux (+7% vs OEM)
• Acura TL: 784 lux (+28% vs OEM)
• Lexus RX: N/A

In both the Murano and TL projectors, the Night Breaker 220 provided noticeably better high beam reach than OEM bulbs. Light was better concentrated, the beam extended farther, and overall clarity improved. For drivers who spend time on dark highways or back roads, this bulb is a practical upgrade that can enhance long-range visibility without compromising safety.

Color Temperature

In our testing, the OSRAM Night Breaker 220 measured at 4500K, placing it slightly whiter than standard OEM xenon bulbs, which typically fall around 4200K. This gives the NB220 a clean white tone with just a hint of warmth, striking a balance between OE functionality and modern styling.

The output appears neutral and clear, with none of the harsh blue tint seen in high-Kelvin bulbs. This makes it easier on the eyes and better suited for poor weather conditions like rain, fog, or snow, where cooler lights can create more glare and visual strain. The 4500K temperature is also less likely to scatter in reflective environments, which helps improve contrast and comfort during long night drives.

OSRAM NB220 vs CBI-NG

If you’re looking for a noticeably whiter output, the OSRAM Cool Blue Intense Next Gen (CBI-NG) comes in around 5300K, delivering a bright, pure white tone with a subtle blue accent. The CBI-NG offers a more modern LED-like appearance but may be slightly less effective in adverse weather compared to the warmer-toned NB220.

While the CBI-NG is the clear choice for aesthetics, the NB220 leans more toward performance and clarity in variable conditions, especially for drivers who prioritize function over appearance.

With a tested color temperature of 4500K, the OSRAM Night Breaker 220 offers a practical and well-balanced output that enhances visibility in all conditions. It’s bright enough to feel modern, but warm enough to remain effective in rain, snow, and fog — exactly what you want from a performance-focused HID upgrade.

Lumens

In our lumen testing, the OSRAM Night Breaker 220 averaged 5,273 lumens per bulb between the 3- and 5-minute mark. This is about 4% lower than a standard OEM xenon bulb, which typically measures just over 5,500 lumens in the same test window.

At first glance, this might seem like a downgrade, but it’s important to understand how lumen ratings relate to real-world performance. While total lumens measure the overall amount of light emitted, they don’t indicate how well that light is focused or directed on the road.  

In the case of the NB220, the slightly lower total lumen rating is offset by much higher lux measurements, which represent intensity at a distance. This means more of the light is being concentrated where it matters most — in the center of the beam and along the road ahead — rather than spilling into areas that don’t help you see better.  

This is a common theme with high-end xenon bulbs. They aren’t always chasing the highest lumen numbers, but instead focus on optical efficiency and beam placement. In practical terms, that results in clearer visibility, longer reach, and less wasted light, even if the raw lumen figure is a bit lower.  

The OSRAM Cool Blue Intense Next Gen, by contrast, came in slightly higher at 5,714 lumens (+4%), but had a lower lux output in our projector tests. This supports the idea that while the CBI-NG looks brighter in photos due to its whiter tone and slightly higher total output, the NB220 puts more usable light where it counts.  

Although the NB220 measured 4% lower in lumens compared to OEM, it more than makes up for it with superior beam focus and intensity. This is one of those cases where less total light can still mean better visibility, especially in real-world driving conditions.  

Longevity & Reliability

Lifespan is often one of the biggest question marks when it comes to aftermarket xenon upgrades. Many off-brand HID bulbs tend to fade, color shift, or fail prematurely, especially when exposed to long-term heat cycles or high-voltage ignitions. Fortunately, that was not the case with the OSRAM Night Breaker 220.

In our controlled long-term test, the NB220 bulbs were run continuously for just over 9 months straight — the equivalent of well over 6,500 hours of runtime — and did not fail. That’s a strong result that reflects the quality and durability of OSRAM’s premium HID construction. These results were consistent across every xenon bulb we tested from major brands, but the NB220 maintained both color stability and beam consistency throughout the entire duration.

While OSRAM does not publicly list an exact expected lifespan for the NB220, this extended test window, combined with their OE manufacturing pedigree, gives us high confidence that these bulbs will last many years in regular use, especially when driven under normal cycling conditions instead of continuous runtime.

Throughout our test period, the NB220 maintained its 4250K color temperature with minimal discoloration, and beam patterns remained consistent with no signs of flickering or intensity drop. This is a clear indication of stable internal pressure, well-constructed arc chambers, and quality-controlled manufacturing — all of which are crucial for long-term HID performance.  

The OSRAM Night Breaker 220 held up through an extensive 9-month runtime test without any signs of degradation or failure. Combined with OSRAM’s reputation as a global OEM lighting supplier, it’s safe to say these bulbs are built to last. For anyone looking to replace worn-out factory HIDs with a brighter, longer-lasting upgrade, the NB220 delivers both performance and peace of mind.

Cost & Value

The OSRAM Night Breaker 220 typically sells for around $150 per pair (D2S size), placing it in the premium price tier for OE-style xenon replacements. While that may seem steep compared to cheaper off-brand options or even other OSRAM models, the performance and reliability you’re getting easily justify the cost.

This bulb isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. It offers real, measurable improvements in beam intensity, reach, and clarity — particularly in projector housings like the Lexus RX and Acura TL. The warm white 4250K output also performs better in adverse weather conditions, giving you a visibility edge where it matters most.  

When compared to other premium models like the OSRAM Cool Blue Intense Next Gen, the NB220 delivers more usable light and stronger projector performance, even if it doesn't have the same whiter tone. You’re paying for a bulb that’s been designed, tested, and refined for performance in real-world driving, not just specs on a box.  

With over 9 months of continuous runtime testing and no failures, the NB220 also offers peace of mind that your investment won’t be short-lived. Many budget xenon bulbs look good initially but fade quickly or shift in color over time. That’s not the case here. You're getting a bulb that will hold its performance for years, making the higher up-front price easier to justify over the long term. 

If you're looking for the best overall HID upgrade for performance and durability, the OSRAM Night Breaker 220 is well worth the price. It’s not the cheapest option, but it is one of the most complete, offering a significant lighting upgrade that’s built to last.  

Final Thoughts

The OSRAM Night Breaker 220 stands out as one of the most complete HID upgrades available today. It doesn’t chase extreme Kelvin ratings or flashy marketing claims — it focuses on what actually matters: usable brightness, beam consistency, and long-term reliability.

In our testing across three different OE projector systems, it consistently outperformed stock bulbs in both low and high beam output. Beam patterns were sharp and controlled, the color temperature remained close to OEM for better performance in poor weather, and it held up through 9 months of continuous runtime without a single failure.  

While it’s priced at the higher end of the xenon market, it’s not just a brand-name markup. You’re paying for real-world performance that makes night driving safer, more comfortable, and more effective, especially in challenging road conditions. It’s also backed by OSRAM’s long-standing reputation as an OE lighting supplier, which adds confidence that you’re getting a product engineered to strict automotive standards.  

If you’re replacing worn-out OEM D2S bulbs and want the best balance of brightness, precision, and durability, the Night Breaker 220 should be at the top of your list. It’s a no-nonsense upgrade that delivers where it counts.