Auto Trader’s recent study showcases the most visually engaging car dashboards, emphasizing the seamless integration of design, technology, and innovation in modern automotive interiors. Leveraging eye-tracking technology, the research assessed how quickly participants were drawn to specific features and the duration of their focus. The findings ranked the top 20 dashboards based on their aesthetic and technological appeal, highlighting the standout designs that left a lasting impression.
This analysis sheds light on the interior aesthetics of various cars, emphasizing their role in enhancing user experience. Among the top 20, 10 cars stood out for their exceptional designs, reflecting a range of styles, from minimalist layouts to futuristic interfaces, and traditional luxury to cutting-edge innovation.
1. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S dashboard represents a pinnacle of modern automotive innovation. At its center is a large 17.0-inch touchscreen that tilts for optimal viewing and usability. This horizontally oriented screen manages nearly all aspects of the car, from navigation and climate control to entertainment features. Accompanying it is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing essential driving information directly within the driver’s line of sight.
Tesla has gone further with unique features like an airplane-style yoke steering wheel, adding a futuristic touch. The infotainment system allows users to play video games, turning the car into an entertainment hub. The Model S also features over-the-air updates, ensuring that the software remains current and functional. Participants in the study were particularly drawn to the blend of advanced technology and minimalist design. Its ability to engage users and prioritize functionality earned it the top position in Auto Trader’s study.
2. Rimac Nevera
The Rimac Nevera delivers a dashboard design that marries luxury with high-tech appeal. Its interior is built around a central touchscreen, complemented by a separate screen for the passenger. This setup ensures both driver and passenger have access to relevant information and controls, enhancing usability during high-speed adventures.
Attention to detail is evident in the use of billet aluminum for the dials that adjust driving modes. A stylish row of switches located beneath the main screen adds a tactile element to the otherwise digital-heavy setup. The overall dashboard design reflects the hypercar’s cutting-edge nature, aligning with its 1.72-second 0-62mph acceleration and futuristic performance.
Participants in the Auto Trader study found their gaze quickly drawn to the Nevera’s dashboard, which combines functionality with an understated elegance. The interior design perfectly complements the vehicle’s status as a luxury electric hypercar and its commitment to groundbreaking automotive technology.
3. BMW i5 eDrive 40
The BMW i5 eDrive 40 features a refined dashboard that seamlessly integrates advanced technology and premium materials. Its standout feature is the Curved Display, which merges a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen in one continuous, sweeping panel. This design not only enhances the futuristic feel but also improves visibility and accessibility.
The dashboard is adorned with high-quality trim options, including carbon fiber and aluminum. Crystal-effect controls for the iDrive system add a touch of elegance, while the system itself offers features such as video streaming and in-car gaming.
The BMW i5’s dashboard reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation and sophistication. Study participants were drawn to its harmonious design and intuitive layout, which balances technology with luxury. As an all-electric version of BMW’s executive saloon, the i5 exemplifies modern automotive design while maintaining the hallmark elegance of the 5 Series.
4. Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 offers a dashboard design that is both futuristic and minimalist. At the center is a vertically oriented, portrait-style touchscreen that serves as the command center for almost all vehicle functions. This layout is a departure from traditional horizontal designs, making it visually distinct and functional.
The Polestar’s use of sustainable materials enhances its appeal, aligning with its eco-friendly electric powertrain. The intuitive interface of the touchscreen ensures easy access to features such as navigation, media controls, and climate settings. The clean lines and lack of clutter contribute to a serene and modern cabin environment.
Auto Trader study participants were drawn to the Polestar 2’s innovative approach, which seamlessly combines technology with simplicity. The dashboard’s design reflects the brand’s Scandinavian heritage, emphasizing functionality and understated elegance. This distinctive aesthetic has positioned the Polestar 2 as a standout in the competitive EV market.
5. Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan’s dashboard is a testament to the brand’s ability to blend tradition with cutting-edge technology. Its multi-screen layout includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a central touchscreen for infotainment, and an optional passenger display. A fourth touchscreen for climate controls is located lower on the center console, creating a highly interactive environment.
Despite its tech-heavy approach, the Taycan maintains classic Porsche elements, such as a driver-focused design and premium materials. The dashboard subtly nods to early 911 models while embracing modern innovations. The infotainment system is intuitive, offering seamless connectivity and responsive controls.
Participants in the Auto Trader study appreciated the Taycan’s harmonious mix of modernity and tradition. The dashboard is not only visually appealing but also enhances the driving experience. As an electric vehicle, the Taycan’s interior design complements its futuristic performance, reinforcing Porsche’s reputation for engineering excellence.
6. Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck redefines minimalism with its starkly futuristic dashboard. A single, massive 18.5-inch central touchscreen dominates the interior, handling all controls and eliminating the need for physical buttons. The rest of the dashboard is a featureless metal slab, reflecting the vehicle’s bold and unconventional exterior design.
This simplicity appeals to those who favor functionality over ornamentation. The dashboard’s stark design aligns with Cybertruck’s utilitarian and industrial aesthetic, emphasizing the “less is more” philosophy. Despite its minimalism, the touchscreen provides comprehensive functionality, from navigation and entertainment to vehicle settings.
Auto Trader study participants found the Cybertruck’s dashboard highly intriguing for its unique approach to interior design. Its radical departure from traditional automotive layouts underscores Tesla’s innovative ethos. The Cybertruck’s dashboard not only draws attention but also aligns with the vehicle’s mission to redefine conventional design norms.
7. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to set benchmarks for luxury and technology with its dashboard design. A 12.8-inch central touchscreen appears to float above the dashboard, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The S-Class also offers features such as augmented reality navigation and a 3D-effect instrument panel.
Beneath the screens, a full-width wood trim adds a touch of elegance, seamlessly blending traditional luxury with modern technology. The dashboard is designed for intuitive use, with the MBUX infotainment system providing voice control and customization options.
Study participants in Auto Trader’s research were drawn to the S-Class’s innovative features and high-end materials. Its dashboard represents a fusion of cutting-edge technology and timeless luxury, making it a standout in the executive sedan segment. The S-Class demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s ability to innovate while maintaining its reputation for sophistication.
8. Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport’s dashboard exemplifies luxury and practicality. With a focus on customization, the interior offers a plethora of bespoke options, including premium materials like leather and wood. A large central touchscreen integrates Jaguar Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment system, which is user-friendly and highly functional.
Physical dials with embedded digital graphics handle climate control, providing a tactile element that balances the digital interface. The dashboard design emphasizes clean lines and spaciousness, enhancing the cabin’s overall sense of luxury.
Participants in the Auto Trader study were impressed by the Range Rover Sport’s seamless blend of technology and elegance. Its dashboard stands out visually while enhancing functionality, embodying the SUV’s dual role as a luxury vehicle and off-road performer. This thoughtful design solidifies the Range Rover Sport’s status as a benchmark in the high-end SUV market.
9. Porsche Cayenne
The updated Porsche Cayenne dashboard embraces a screen-heavy design, featuring a 12.6-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. An optional 10.3-inch passenger display further enhances the tech-oriented interior. Despite the focus on screens, the design retains Porsche’s signature simplicity and driver-centric layout.
High-quality materials and precise craftsmanship define the dashboard, while its intuitive controls ensure ease of use. Study participants appreciated the Cayenne’s ability to merge modern technology with classic Porsche aesthetics.
The dashboard design reflects the Cayenne’s status as a luxury SUV, combining functionality with a touch of sophistication. As part of Porsche’s updated interior approach, the Cayenne’s dashboard enhances its appeal in a competitive segment, delivering a premium experience for drivers and passengers alike.
10. Pininfarina Battista
The Pininfarina Battista’s dashboard is as exclusive as the hypercar itself. A trio of angled digital screens provides a driver-focused layout, with one display managing driving modes, another for climate control, and a central screen displaying speed and key metrics.
Despite its simplicity, the design exudes elegance, aligning with the car’s high-performance credentials. Premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship further enhance the interior’s appeal.
Participants in the Auto Trader study were drawn to Battista’s clean and purposeful dashboard design, which prioritizes functionality without sacrificing style. The layout complements the hypercar’s electric powertrain, emphasizing a modern yet timeless aesthetic.