The best cars for technology
Car technology is getting more impressive by the year – but which cars are best for gadget lovers?
The best car for technology
A car without technology is a rare thing to come by these days. Even entry-level modern cars get plenty of tech and added features, but some cars really take it up a notch.
Things like parking aids, infotainment touchscreens, digital instruments and heads-up displays are really handy to have in your car.
If you feel like going all out, there are also flashy features like autonomous parking, wireless smartphone charging, and even a vehicle summoning feature.
Take a look at our picks for the best car for technology:
Tesla Model 3
BMW 5 Series
Mercedes S-Class
BMW iX
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Honda e
Tesla Model X
What makes a used car good for technology?
The best car for technology isn’t always the one that has the most features – it's the one that does them well and makes them easy to use.
You want a modern car equipped with tech and features that are helpful and not confusing. Sometimes, less is more, and a few well-executed gadgets will be more enjoyable than a cabin filled with features that feel overwhelming.
We recommend looking for the basics like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity, as well as a large infotainment screen with an operating system that’s smooth and easy to use.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is one of the first cars that springs to mind for many motorists when it comes to tech – it's one of the best cars for technology on the market.
This is the car that began the trend of massive touchscreens in cars, offering a lengthy 15.4-inch screen that spans the length of the dashboard.
You can use it to play games or watch films (while parked) and even set it up in ‘camp mode’ to enjoy a faux fire.
You’ll also be able to access the car remotely from your smartphone. You can set up heating or air-conditioning from the app, remotely lock or unlock the car, and even start it up.
If you get bored of driving, Tesla’s Autopilot system can take over some controls on motorway cruises.
And, if you want a bit of novelty, you can customise the horn with fun sound effects.
Read our Tesla Model 3 review
BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is a sophisticated saloon that has a loyal fanbase. It's one of the best cars for gadget lovers who love a screen.
The infotainment screen setup is massive – there’s a 14.9-inch main screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel behind the wheel.
It’s easy to navigate and looks superb, but some motorists might mourn the absence of easy buttons and switches.
If car karaoke is your thing, there’s a Harman Kardon sound system on offer, with 12 speakers around the car.
There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for easy smartphone connectivity, and you’ll be able to see your phone’s maps on the display behind your wheel. That’s a really handy feature for staying focused while navigating a new route.
Read our BMW 5 Series review
Mercedes S-Class
The Mercedes S-Class is one of the most luxurious cars on the market and one of the best cars for tech lovers with premium taste.
It has a more classic look than the spaceship-esque Teslas on the market, but it can still compete when it comes to screens and gadgets. In fact, you’ll get a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel that takes over the dash.
All trim levels except the entry-level AMG Line get 360-degree parking cameras and semi-autonomous parking – ideal for manoeuvring such a large car.
Of course, you’ll also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and an extra touchscreen tablet in the rear armrest.
Read our Mercedes S-Class review
BMW iX
If you want a big car that’s packed with tech, the electric BMW iX SUV offers a gorgeous interior, impressive driving, and some really nifty features.
There’s a pair of curved 14.5-inch screens on the dash that offer both infotainment features and driving statistics, plus a heads-up display and the latest BMW iDrive software.
You’ll get built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the BMW rotary wheel so you can easily navigate the functions.
For comfort in the cabin, there’s four-zone automatic air conditioning, ambient lighting plus a wireless charging tray and plenty of USB ports.
Read our BMW iX review
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Another spacious electric car, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the best cars for tech as well as comfort. It’s beautifully designed and stands out on the road, with a laidback interior packed with gadgets.
For the most part, it’s minimalistic in a very ‘electric car’ kind of way, but there are a pair of 12.3-inch screens on the dash that replace the digital instrument cluster and host all the infotainment options.
There are also heated front seats and steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and electric seat adjustment to keep you comfortable in the cabin.
Of course, there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging and a heads-up display.
Read our Hyundai IONIQ 5 review
Honda e
The Honda e is one of the quirkiest cars on the market and is a brilliant choice if you’re shopping for the best cars for tech.
It’s got a retro look about it, but the sheer amount of screens and flashy features push it into futuristic territory.
Everything is run through screens and cameras. Not only are there a pair of 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreens, but there are also two six-inch screens that stream a live feed from the door mirrors.
You can turn these screens into an aquarium if you get bored while parked up, or even use the HDMI plug for a games console.
Tesla Model X
We had to add another Tesla to our ‘best cars for tech’ list as they truly are some of the best cars if you love gadgets and fun features.
The Model X is chunkier than the Model 3, offering seven seats and a roomy interior. The upward-hinging Falcon Wing doors are a real standout feature and give the X a supercar feel.
You won’t be short on screens, either. There’s a huge 17-inch infotainment screen across the dash and a 12.3-inch digital driver's display as well.
If that wasn't enough screens for your liking, there’s another eight-inch screen on the second row of seats for entertaining your passengers. This one offers wireless controller compatibility so they can enjoy in-car gaming as they travel.