However much you may like the exterior look of your car, you will be spending the majority of your time inside it – so the cockpit and interior design needs to on point.
The dashboard of the car is where you will find most of the important equipment, so it’s better if it looks good. Here are our favourite ones currently available…
Audi A7
Although it is similar to the A8, the A7’s version matches the car better and with very few buttons in sight, the dashboard is sleek and well-designed. With three screens fitted to the cockpit, including the Virtual Cockpit and dual-screen central setup, aluminium detailing and surrounds are fitted – with leather upholstery completing the look. It’s very smart indeed.
Range Rover Velar
Like the Audi, Land Rover decided to go with a near-buttonless cockpit design and the dashboard of its Velar model is one of the best out there. Simple, refined and well-finished, the Velar’s dashboard includes a dual-screen central design – with the top one folding out slightly from the top section – and an all-digital display behind the multi-functional steering wheel finished with leather and piano black trim.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The latest A-Class comes with an uber-modern design thanks to its dark façade and aluminium detailing. It’s available with two screens of varying sizes and combinations, but the best is the dual 10.25-inch display, which are incorporated into a single panel behind the steering wheel and along the top of the dash. With plenty of customisation available, too, the A-Class dashboard is a simple yet effective piece of kit.
Jaguar I-Pace
Combining a few more switches than others on this list, the I-Pace also incorporates three screens, but in a more conventional format. They’re also smaller than others on this list, but they are integrated seamlessly into the dashboard – with the lower of the two central screens able to switch from controlling the climate to the media in an instant. With leather and aluminium finishing it, the I-Pace dashboard certainly looks smart.
Volkswagen Touareg
Even though this model isn’t out yet, the upcoming Touareg has an excellent dashboard that is possibly the best available on current Volkswagen Group models. Rather than going for two central displays, the Touareg copes with just one – but as a 15-inch unit, why bother with a second screen? With lights trimming the bottom end of the dash – that also has aluminium and leather trim – the new Touareg looks excellent inside.
Alpine A110
As one of the motoring world’s most anticipated sports cars, the Alpine A110 has a simplified yet well-executed cockpit. The steering wheel is trimmed in alcantara, leather and aluminium, while the central touchscreen is small enough to not distract from the road ahead. It also comes with a leather upper trim for that premium finish many look for in their sports car.
McLaren 720S
To help cocoon you in the driver’s seat, the McLaren 720S dashboard is heavily angled towards the driver to ensure everything falls close to hand. The simple touchscreen, fold-down instrument read-out and premium finish helps the 720S feel refined and well thought-out. Finished in alcantara and with the right number of switches, the 720S is an excellent example of simple supercar cockpit design.
Porsche Panamera
The latest version of Porsche’s super saloon comes with slimline dashboard, which still incorporates the all the essential bits needed for your executive cruising needs. With most of the buttons replaced by touch-sensitive surfaces with light-up icons, the Panamera is sleek and elegant. With digital instruments behind the multifunctional leather steering wheel, it feels futuristic inside and performs well.
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso
As Ferrari’s most family-orientated vehicle, the GTC4 Lusso still comes with a cockpit that inspires performance and pushing to the limit. Although the instrument dials are still analogue, the rest of the dashboard is very digital. Even the passenger seat can come with a display in front of it – showing the speed, revs and driving figures. It also comes with the brand’s complex but brilliantly designed sports steering wheel.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
As one of the most premium cars on the road, the Phantom needs to have a great dash – and Rolls-Royce doesn’t disappoint. Digital dials are set behind the steering wheel, but beyond that customers have their imagination to finish the rest. If you have a specific artwork you like, you can have that put in the dashboard, while all the toggles and switches are finished to the highest degree. A truly exquisite piece of work.