Cars are becoming an extension of our homes. And why not? The best car interiors are fancier these days, offering more space, better upholstery, fantastic infotainment systems and a wide array of connectivity. Gone are the days of cheap and tacky plastic trims, and here to stay are leather and vegan-friendly alternatives.
What’s more, the radio is no longer just a one-station effort, with a crackle that’s been there ever since your aerial got nicked last Friday night. Now, shark fin antennae draw in digital signals, granting connectivity so you can stream media to your mobile phone and get the latest traffic updates to your navigation system.
As the future heads towards increased autonomy, the human-machine interfaces (HMI) in our cars is going to get wilder. While handsfree tailgates prove hugely convenient to busy parents, gesture control is gaining traction with certain functions. And sound systems? Well, with Harman – the parent of premium brands such as Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Bowers and Wilkins and JBL (to name only a few) – dominating the market, it’s no surprise to find that our senses are going to be given more to enjoy over the next decade or so.
BMW, Renault and Daimler have also long been experimenting with cabin scents to invigorate tired drivers, while Volkwagen’s new ID range follows MINI with its use of colour visuals – and we’re all getting the exposure to digital assistant, Alexa, who is also making her way into everything from regular hatchbacks to supercars.
So, what are the best car interiors on the market today? Here are our top 10 picks.
Top-class comfort and technology
The MBUX software suite responds to ‘Hey Mercedes’ and is pretty accurate. What’s more, Daimler is introducing ways to pay from your display, so the future looks even more convenient. For now, there’s a massage feature and fancy smells for a truly relaxing ride.
To find out more, read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class review
Pros
- A comfortable and luxurious saloon
- Innovative and easy-to-use technology
- Premium appeal
Cons
- Tech features can be overwhelming
- Poorer-quality finishes in places
The best luxury SUV around
Armchair-like seats cocoon occupants with such embrace, it’s easy to switch off from the world outside. The centre console displays control the climate control and infotainment, though there’s not a complete loss of physical switchgear to digitisation. There’s a customisable cluster display too. Since it’s a Range Rover, there’s no shortage of space and if you opt for the Executive Class rear seating, there’s passenger massages and a fridge.
To find out more, read our full Range Rover review
Pros
- Superb cabin and high comfort
- Luxurious feel and appeal
- Great on the road, and off it
Cons
- Expensive to buy and run
- Some reliability issues
An impressively refined EV
What’s more, there’s loads of other comfort modes to make those leather seats feel a little more like home. ‘Camp mode’ keeps the cabin temperature ambient if you want to, er, camp in the car. Even pooch is comfortable with ‘Dog mode’ engaged while you pop to the shop.
To find out more, read our full Tesla Model 3 review
Pros
- Impressive electric range
- Quick and easy to drive
- Interesting minimalist interior design
Cons
- Cabin won't be to all tastes
- Quality isn't as good as some rivals
Compact hatch offers captivating styling
The 3D i-Cockpit is also designed to shape around the driver. It’s subtle but effective. Unlike some of its rivals, the 208’s cluster display is more choosy about the information displayed, making it both uncluttered and brilliant.
To find out more, read our full Peugeot 208 review
Pros
- Appealing design
- Frugal and fun petrol engines
- Modern tech and interfaces
Cons
- Rear room is lacking
- More expensive than some
An appealing and comfortable electric SUV
An augmented reality head-up display, cannily known as the AR-HUD, is an optional extra, but well worth it, if you cover a lot of miles. It’s visible only in the driver’s direct eye-line, displaying a simplified set of navigation cues, and also offering markers when adaptive cruise control is engaged.
To find out more, read our full Audi Q4 E-Tron review
Pros
- Long-range versions are available
- Rear- and all-wheel-drive options
- Impressive interior and tech
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Missing some desirable standard kit
One of the best luxury coupes around
One of the remarkable features of the Continental GT’s cabin is the silence. Despite the Bentley’s power, the peace inside this motor is especially restful. Those less tech-savvy will also welcome the myriad choices Bentley gives their drivers to access climate control and infotainment channels.
To find out more, read our full Bentley Continental GT review
Pros
- Elegant, comfortable and high-end cabin
- Superb performance and driving experience
- Terrific engines
Cons
- High purchase price and running costs
- Not much room in the back
Roomy and refined electric family SUV
Those lighting schemes are thematic and aren’t just for aesthetics. They determine what colour the visual driver assistants glow, among other things. Sliders, gesture and voice control contribute to the futuristic feel too.
To find out more, read our full Volkswagen ID.4 review
Pros
- Quiet and comfortable
- Pleasant to drive
- Long range
Cons
- Rivals are less expensive
- Handling isn't that sharp
A family EV that packs a punch
The interior of the Mach-E is comfortable, yet minimalist. This is one interior that may not appeal to drivers who like buttons, since most controls have now been digitised. The more simplified cluster display does away with skeuomorphic dials of a speedo and rev counter in favour of numbers, arguably less distracting. The optional panoramic sunroof creates a sense of light and space too.
To find out more, read our full Ford Mustang Mach-E review
Pros
- Good performance
- Head-turning styling
- Interesting interior design
Cons
- Not that fun to drive
- Ride comfort isn't great
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