In the automotive world very little tends to stands still.
Whether it’s the strive towards autonomy, the increased drive towards electrification or the need for better connectivity in cars, manufacturers are having a complex time keeping up with innovation.
But amid this complexity, there are some manufacturers that stand out as being more innovative than others. Here are the five brands we think are setting the benchmark for innovation.
BMW
BMW was a manufacturer that showed the worth of electric cars before most. With its range of electrified ‘i’ models – the i3 EV and i8 plug-in hybrid – this firm was one of the early adopters of electric models. Sales of these models consistently rise, too.
A second part of BMW’s innovation comes from the iNEXT – a new range-topping SUV that will be particularly advanced when it goes on sale in 2021. This will be one of the first cars on the road able to drive completely autonomously in a number of scenarios. But the iNEXT stands out most for its forward-thinking approach to being able to offer plenty of thrills when the driver decides to take over from the technology – with an all-new polygonal steering wheel and special dials helping to show this.
Audi
Audi is a manufacturer which has a number of cutting-edge technologies, which showcase its innovations.
First is Audi’s ‘Pre Sense’ technology. When this debuted fully in 2017 on the flagship A8, it was a particularly game-changing feature. This is a system that uses all-round cameras to detect any immediate crash – whether it be from the front, side or rear of the vehicle. If it senses an imminent crash, the suspension can adjust automatically to minimise the impact on its occupants.
A second highlight lies with the e-tron – Audi’s first all-electric car – and in particular its new mirrors. Replacing traditional wing mirrors, the e-tron comes with digital wing mirrors. Essentially these are cameras on the side of the car, which project live images to each side of the interior to accurately relay the view. It might seem gimmicky, but this optional feature can just about entirely eliminate any blind spots.
Nissan
Nissan deserves high praise for introducing advanced technologies to its models at a more affordable price point.
It’s the ProPilot advanced driver assist technology – first introduced on the latest Leaf – that’s particularly impressive. On certain roads, this combines cruise control with steering assist to keep you in your lane, and provides automatic emergency braking too. It’s this full suite of safety features that makes Nissan stand out next to rivals.
The Japanese manufacturer is also a leader when it comes to electric models. When the Leaf debuted in 2011, it was the first mass-market EV and continues to be hugely successful – being Europe’s most popular electric car for eight years.
Skoda
While Skoda is also pushing ahead with electrification, this Czech manufacturer is showing its innovation in a slightly different way to most.
In line with Skoda’s tagline ‘Simply Clever’, across the firm’s range it offers simple ways of making its customers’ lives just that bit easier each day. Take for example the ice scraper in the petrol filler cap, umbrellas either underneath the front seats or in the doors on larger models, as well as handy door bins. It’s features like these that set apart the brand apart from rivals as being truly innovative.
Volvo
Volvo is a brand that’s at the forefront of safety, and has been for some time. It was after all the first car firm to introduce the three-point seatbelt as we know it today. Since then it has continually innovated with safety, and its cars are undoubtedly some of the safest cars on the roads today.
Even entry-level models, such as the XC40, come laden with standard safety equipment. Just a few highlights include autonomous emergency, driver attention alert, the ability to avoid oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the road and also adaptive cruise control. This list proves just how advanced Volvo is when it comes to safety.
