However good cars are to drive, it is always great if they come with a few cool tech features to make your time in them more interesting.
Despite the fact a lot of cars come with useful technology, some have more futuristic outlooks than others and can draw the eye of tech geeks.
So here are the cars we think are the best in terms of tech, with some surprisingly affordable models making the list alongside some of the market’s more expensive options.
Audi A8
The latest version of Audi’s flagship comes with a wide variety of top level technology, with the highlight being the soon-to-be-introduced autonomous technology for easier driving in motorway traffic. The Audi AI Traffic Jam Pilot could help revolutionise driving in congested traffic, as the car takes over all of the driving functions at speeds up to 37mph and uses a fleet of sensors and guidance systems to ensure you stay on the straight and narrow. It also comes with the latest dual-touchscreen cockpit design that works alongside the Virtual Cockpit display that fits in the instrument binnacle. Safe to say the A8 is leading Audi forward as one of the techiest cars out there.
Jaguar I-Pace
As the brand’s first all-electric car, the I-Pace needed to knock it out of the park for Jaguar – and in many aspects, it has done just that. Although it isn’t on sale yet, the I-Pace will be by the end of 2018, and it comes with almost 400bhp from its electric setup. It will come with lots of great tech inside, with the model expected to come with four displays in the cockpit alone. Pair that with autonomous tech and the I-Pace could lead the way as an electric SUV, with the battery able to be fully-charged in 45 minutes thanks to fast charging capabilities.
Kia Ceed
You may not expect a small Korean hatchback to be filled with tech, but bear with us. The latest Ceed, which was revealed in early February, is probably the most advanced hatchback to be on sale in 2018. It is available with lane following assist, which tracks the car in front to reduce driver fatigue on long drives, as well as smart cruise control, blind spot collision warning and smart parking assist. Standard features include a choice of three touchscreens, wireless smartphone charging and an optional ECO pack, which includes a flap that opens while you’re on the move that cools the engine and helps the engine’s efficiency.
McLaren 720S
As supercars go, the McLaren 720S is right up there as one of the world’s best and as the latest in the British brand’s Super Series, it is the most advanced. Coming with the Proactive Chassis Control system that allows you to customise the drive and chassis set-up, as well as an awesome rear wing, high-end brakes and the most aerodynamically-efficient body in the McLaren line-up. The driver screen also folds out of the dashboard and works in tandem with the central touchscreen for an involved and advanced driving experience.
Mercedes-Maybach S650
As usual, an S-Class is involved in the most advanced cars discussion, and the newly-introduced Maybach version is very suitable here. Coming with a lot of the latest tech Mercedes has to offer, the V12-powered S650 comes with the dual-screen Widescreen Cockpit to offer one of the clearest infotainment systems on the market and Road Surface Scan, which scans the road ahead to set up the suspension properly for the smoothest ride possible. Mercedes also includes Intelligent Drive features, such as Active Proximity Control and Active Steer Assist, as well as Ultra Range LED lights and a touch-sensitive steering wheel to control the infotainment system.
Mini Cooper S Works 210
Okay, the Mini Cooper S Works 210 isn’t the techiest car in the world, but it comes with a truly unique feature – a Bluetooth-controlled exhaust. Although it is only allowed to be used on the track, the exhaust goes from emitting a road-friendly yet sporty note to an all-out growl that changes the character of the dynamic hatchback all together. By bypassing the rear silencer, the true nature of the S Works 210 is unleashed and it’s a joy to behold.
Range Rover
If you’re after a high-end SUV, then there are few challengers to the Range Rover. It has always been the last word in comfort, but the 2018 version could be one of the last in terms of tech. Coming with the Touch Pro Duo central infotainment touchscreens, massage seats in the front and rear, and a plug-in hybrid version, the latest Range Rover really is advanced. With a Wi-Fi hotspot, multimedia screens, a gesture-controlled sunblind, purified climate control system and laser LED headlights, there is little competition to the £80,000+ SUV.
Subaru XV
With its EyeSight safety technology, the Subaru XV is one of the safest vehicles out there. Using two cameras to help detect traffic surrounding the car and warn the driver of a possible collision or apply the brakes, the system also keeps the car in the right lane. As well as lane keeping assist, it also comes with lane departure assist, and helps the XV be one of the safest cars on the road – as its body is one of the best in terms of impact testing.
Tesla Model X
The American manufacturer has crammed so much into the all-electric SUV, it’s difficult to know where to begin. But we’ll stick to the main features. A 17-inch central touchscreen, active safety technologies and one of the safest bodies ever built, the Model X is right up there in terms of tech. But the stand-out feature is the AutoPilot system, which is the basis for autonomous driving. In AutoPilot, the car can steer, drive and maintain the distance to vehicles in front – making driving a doddle. It also comes with remote-controlled Falcon doors and it can also be park via your mobile phone – so what’s not to like?
Volvo XC60
The mid-sized model in Volvo’s SUV line-up and the safest of the range. Awarded by EuroNCAP as the safest car it tested in 2017, the XC60 is a tech fest of safety features and it can also drive itself using Pilot Assist. The central Sensus touchscreen infotainment system helps you control most aspects of the car’s setup and also displays the 360-degree camera view when you’re parking – with the park assist pilot also aiding you during parking. In fact, there are so many safety features available on the XC60 that we can’t list them all. It truly is in a class of its own.
