Discussions about automatic boosts are shifting from discussions about engine performance to driving range and user interface in digital dashboards.
While researchers focus on improving car battery life, standardization and faster charging technology, they are also working on customizing and refining instrument clusters. It’s transformative, revolutionizing the way we interact with our cars. These digital dashboards also make our journeys safer and more usable.
Just with one look
Initially, digital dashboards were used in the 1970s. Even though they weren’t as interactive and flashy as those we have today, they ushered in the transition from conventional analog gauges to a fresh era of automotive instrumentation.
First of all, digital dashboards are beneficial because of the versatility and customization they offer, unlike analog versions that have fixed presets and features.
Digital displays can adapt to various parameters, such as themes and color schemes, depending on external conditions. These intelligent displays can also provide real-time information such as navigation, fuel economy, range and other diagnostic data that helps keep your car in good condition. All this can be achieved with just one glance. Some of these panels are touchscreens that can be controlled via voice commands, increasing accessibility without the stress of fiddling with knobs or buttons while driving.
Safer driving
Each infotainment system varies in response time. These displays not only improve the driving experience, but also eliminate distractions (in most cases) and promote safer driving by helping the driver perform specific functions without taking their attention from the road for more than a few seconds.
Intelligent displays offer wired or wireless connectivity options. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you make phone calls, send messages and access media hands-free.
Built-in sensors and processors provide more exact and reliable readings. Higher resolution panels are easier to read in a variety of lighting conditions, minimizing glare and providing better visibility. These interfaces can even be customized, allowing multiple functions to be displayed on the same display according to the driver’s requirements.
In the future, when artificial intelligence is already under the hood, there will be enormous scope for innovation. Here are some cars that stand out from the rest when it comes to unique digital displays:
Tesla Model S: This flagship Tesla sedan features a immense 17-inch touchscreen that controls virtually everything in the car, from the air conditioning to the infotainment systems. The intuitive interface and over-the-air updates ensure that the car always has the latest features and improvisations.
Mercedes EQS: The EQS sets a fresh standard with MBUX for luxury electric vehicles, featuring a huge 56-inch Hyperscreen spanning the entire dashboard. It uses artificial intelligence to proactively display the right features to the driver at the right time. These are three separate OLED screens, seamlessly stitched together to create a curved display.
Audi e-tron: This Audi electric vehicle has the best futuristic interiors. This is the Virtual Cockpit Plus system, featuring personalized information, navigation, audio controls and vehicle performance gauges on a 12.3-inch digital display, along with an 8.3-inch screen in the tunnel and a 10.3-inch screen on the dashboard. The e-tron also has two mini screens on either side of the dashboard that act as virtual mirrors.
BMW 4 Series and M4: These 2024 Bimmers are equipped with the latest iDrive 8 system with a curved display integrated into the dashboard. Intuitive controls and clear graphics are the advantages. The BMW Wise Personal Assistant is the digital companion of the BMW iDrive 8 with human operation and advanced functions.
Ford Mustang GT Fastback 2024: It is equipped with an infotainment system with two displays. The 12.4-inch LCD digital instrument cluster also displays performance metrics. This provides faster access to the most critical functions, navigation and air conditioning, as well as integration with a smartphone.
Fight for the EV crown
Chinese auto giants embroiled in a fierce price war descended on Beijing yesterday for the start of the Auto China show, seeking to attract consumers in the world’s largest electric vehicle market and abroad.
China’s electric vehicle sector has exploded in recent years, and companies are now battling to offer customers the coolest accessories at the lowest prices. China’s electric vehicle makers have entered markets from Europe to Southeast Asia, with Tesla’s Elon Musk describing them in January as “the most competitive automakers in the world.”
During the Auto China fair in Beijing, which will last until May 4, dozens of companies compete with each other in an attempt to attract customers.
Several top stars from China’s automotive world addressed the audience at the exhibition – including CEOs He Xiaopeng of XPeng and Lei Jun of Xiaomi. There are a staggering 129 electric vehicle brands in China, and consumers expect intelligent features. Therefore, Chinese electric vehicle makers “are looking at the car much more like Apple looks at a phone, an iPad or a laptop,” said Daniel Kollar, head of automotive and mobility at consulting firm Intralink.
