Luxury cars usually come with expensive add-ons as standard, but some of these exceed our expectations! Over the past decade, we’ve seen the driving experience completely transformed, with features like sat-nav and Bluetooth becoming commonplace. Luxury manufacturers have developed a range of surprising and wonderful tech additions that really stand out, so let’s take a look at four of the best:
1. Infotainment system: Bentley Continental GT
The Bentley Continental GT’s majestic interior helps to make it stand out from its rivals, following the inspiration taken from the wings of the Bentley badge. However, it is the infotainment system that entices drivers to fully appreciate the Bentley experience. This hi-tech device is less ‘weird’ than Tesla’s Model X addition, but it certainly is wonderful!
2. Perfume dispenser: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz introduced a sweet-smelling addition to their vehicles back in 2014. In fact, the company created a perfume dispenser that would be kept in the glove compartment and be hooked up to the air balance system of the car. It was then up to the driver to set the dispenser to fragrance the vehicle as often as they’d like by turning on the heat or air conditioning unit, allowing the scent to travel through the vent. If this wasn’t enough, the scent was a Mercedes-Benz original which Sabine Engelhardt and her team developed especially for the device. The German automotive manufacturers have also included the PreSafe Sound feature which pumps a sound of a particular frequency into the cabin of the vehicle just before a collision to help protect the inner ear.
3. Celebration mode: Tesla’s Model X
We’ve all seen the Citroen advert with the dancing car. Even in the Disney animation Cars, Lightning McQueen dances in one scene. However, in reality, when have you seen a car dance? The probability is that the answer is never — unless you’ve been in the presence of Tesla’s Model X. The model, known for its high calibre of safety and performance, can dance along to a holiday rhyme and flash its lights while opening and closing its falcon wing-type doors. This, titled the ‘Celebration Mode’ makes it look like the vehicle is dancing! The hidden feature was introduced by Tesla owner Elon Musk.
4. In-built umbrella: Rolls-Royce
This helpful little gadget comes in handy for when you get caught out in the rain! How often have you left your house and been caught short-handed in a down pour without an umbrella? Well, with 2013’s umbrella-in-the-door invention in Rolls-Royce models, this wouldn’t happen again. And, of course, it wasn’t just any umbrella. This fashion accessory was worth almost £1,000 and, when placed in the umbrella holder, would be dry within minutes.
Our favourite luxury brands have also been introducing their own all-electric models. Aston Martin recently introduced their very first all-electric full production car the Aston Martin Rapide E. Aston have reportedly said that the 800V system, designed in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, is better at charging and offers “greatly improved thermal characteristics” than other electrical systems.
Technology has completely transformed the driving experience over the past few years, with sat-nav systems, Bluetooth, and dashboard cameras all becoming commonplace. Technology never ceases to amaze, especially with self-driving cars and autonomous tech just around the corner!
Tags: Celebration mode: Tesla’s Model X In-built umbrella: Rolls-Royce Infotainment system: Bentley Continental GT Perfume dispenser: Mercedes-Benz