LED brake light intensity

[Sootchucker]

Surprised it took me over two years to notice this, but last night I was sat in traffic at a motorway off ramp, and had a new Merc "C" class ahead of me with LED tail lights, and to my right was a MK7 GTI (looking as filthy as my GTD  ).

Whilst sat there I noticed that both the Merc and a few other cars around us with LED lights (including a 65 plate Focus ST3), had brake lights that were really bright and clearly much brighter than the standard tail lights - i.e. a good demarcation between tail and brake intensities.

When I looked back at the GTi, whilst it's brake lights were obviously brighter than the tail lights, they were no where near as pronounced. It got me wondering if the Led intensity can be modified with VCDS ? Anyone else noticed this ?

[p3asa]

Could it be because the GTI was to your right?
I've noticed certain LED lights (brake/tail lights) are only really at their most intense if you are directly behind them. A bit to the side and they're not as strong.
Its like some cheap TV's, move to the side and the colour goes 

[Finglonga]

They are retina burners when you are sat behind them if you choose to stare into them. So much so if stopped at lights for a long time I will flip the handbrake switch to turn auto hold and them them off if someone is behind me.

[GatsbyIII]

LEDs are definitely brighter if you're looking at them straight on. Part of the LED specification includes the viewing angle. 

[JBirchy]

I've noticed the same with the indicators actually. They look so sharp and distinct when following, but nowhere near as much when looking from a slight angle. I'm fairly sure it's all to do with the viewing angle.

[vidman2]

This is the nature of LEDs, very focused light patern