Best Car Interior Tech Features in 2025 Models – What’s New?

Introduction: Welcome to the Future of Car Interiors

The automotive world in 2025 is all about smarter, safer, and more connected vehicles. While electric drivetrains and autonomous capabilities are taking the spotlight, car interiors have quietly undergone a digital revolution of their own. Once dominated by buttons, knobs, and CD players, today’s cabins feel more like tech lounges than traditional transporters.

Australian buyers now expect their vehicles to come loaded with innovative features that simplify the drive and elevate comfort. Whether you're behind the wheel of a luxury SUV or a budget-friendly hatch, chances are you're interacting with a host of futuristic systems.

In this blog, we break down the best interior tech features in 2025 models available in Australia — from voice assistants and AR displays to in-car health monitoring. Let’s explore what’s truly new and exciting.

1. AI-Powered Voice Assistants – Talk to Your Car, Naturally

In 2025, voice control has gone far beyond basic commands. AI-powered assistants are now seamlessly integrated with your car’s infotainment system.

Key Innovations:

• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Speak like you would to a human. Say “I’m feeling cold” and the car adjusts the temperature.
• Google, Siri & Alexa Integration: Leading models now support third-party voice ecosystems.
• Contextual Awareness: The car knows whether you're driving or parked and tailors responses accordingly.

Popular Models Featuring AI Voice Assistants:

• Tesla Model Y – Expanded voice control for nearly all car functions.
• Mercedes-Benz EQE – “Hey Mercedes” system understands context and multiple dialects.
• Hyundai IONIQ 6 – Features “Smart Voice Recognition” even in mid-range trims.

2. Augmented Reality (AR) Head-Up Displays

AR Head-Up Displays (HUDs) have evolved into full dashboards projected onto your windscreen.

What It Does:

• Projects Speed, Navigation & Alerts onto your windscreen.
• Real-time Hazard Identification – Highlights pedestrians, lanes, speed signs.
• Customisable UI Layouts – Personalise what you want to see while driving.

Standout Models:

• BMW iX – Offers one of the best AR HUDs in any 2025 vehicle.
• Genesis GV70 Electric – Augmented displays with 3D overlays.

3. Massive Curved Displays & Central Screens

Say goodbye to analog dials. The 2025 trend is ultra-wide, curved, high-res screens.

Features:

• Integrated Displays – Instrument cluster and infotainment in a single frame.
• OLED Panels – Better contrast, less glare.
• Touch + Haptic Feedback – Feels like pressing real buttons.

Examples:

• Kia EV9 – 12.3-inch dual screens + 5-inch climate panel.
• Ford Mustang Mach-E – Portrait-style 15.5-inch infotainment screen.
• Audi Q6 e-tron – 14.5" panoramic OLED display, driver-focused.

4. Ambient Lighting That Changes Mood and Alerts

Interior ambient lighting has gone from gimmicky to intelligent.

2025 Upgrades:

• Syncs with Driving Modes – Red for sport, blue for eco.
• Warning Alerts – Lights flash red for collision warnings or door opening.
• Custom Themes – Change light colours to match your outfit, mood, or playlist.

Models with Custom Ambient Systems:

• Volkswagen Golf R – 30-colour ambient lighting.
• Mercedes EQS – Lights pulse during acceleration or braking.
• BYD Seal – Features dynamic LED flows with music sync.

5. Gesture Control and Touch-Free Interfaces

Don’t touch the screen — just wave. In 2025, gesture control is growing, especially in high-end models.

What You Can Do:

• Swipe Left/Right – Change music tracks.
• Rotate Finger in Air – Adjust volume.
• Point-to-Select – Highlight screen items.

Brands Using Gesture Control:

• BMW i7 – Industry-leading gesture control.
• MG4 Electric – Offers simple swipe gestures in the infotainment.

6. Smartphone-Like Infotainment Systems

Cars now mimic your phone UI — with app-like tiles, swipes, and fast responsiveness.

Key Highlights:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto – Standard in most 2025 models.
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates – Like updating an app, your car system gets better over time.
• Dedicated App Stores – Download Spotify, Waze, Netflix, etc., natively.

Popular Examples:

• Tesla Model 3 – Full-featured app store with regular updates.
• Polestar 2 – Built on Android Automotive OS.
• Cupra Born – 12” infotainment system with wireless app support.

7. Advanced Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS)

Safety meets tech with advanced facial recognition and eye-tracking.

Benefits:

• Drowsiness Detection – Alerts you if your eyelids flutter.
• Driver Identification – Automatically loads your settings.
• Distraction Warnings – Reminds you to focus on the road.

Installed In:

• Subaru Outback 2025 – One of the most accurate DMS on the market.
• Mazda CX-60 – Uses IR sensors to personalise seating and mirrors.

8. In-Car Gaming and Entertainment

2025 is all about killing time — especially in EVs while charging.

Innovations:

• Built-in Arcade Games – Tesla leads with games like Cuphead and Beach Buggy Racing.
• Streaming Services – Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ on large screens.
• Mobile Controller Support – Play using Bluetooth PS5/Xbox controllers.

Featured In:

• Tesla Model S Plaid
• Lucid Air
• Hyundai IONIQ 5

9. Climate Control That Knows You

Forget toggling AC vents. 2025 climate tech is AI-based and zone-specific.

Features:

• AI Memory – Learns your preferred settings over time.
• Zone Climate – Separate temps for each seat.
• Air Quality Sensors – Detects and filters pollution and pollen.

Cars With Smart Climate:

• Toyota bZ4X – Dual-zone with AI learning.
• Peugeot e-2008 – Cabin air ionisation and clean-air tech.

10. Seat Tech: Massaging, Memory, Ventilated, and More

Seats are no longer just for sitting.

Modern Seat Features:

• Multi-point Massage – Multiple intensity levels and zones.
• Heated/Ventilated Options – Even in budget cars now.
• Driver Profile Memory – Restores your perfect posture.

Available In:

• Lexus RX 500h – One of the best luxury seat setups.
• Skoda Superb 2025 – Ventilated massage seats in high trims.
• MG HS Plus EV – Offers heating and memory at a great price.

11. Wireless Everything – Charging and Beyond

Cables are disappearing.

What’s Wireless in 2025:

• Phone Charging Pads – 15W+ fast charging.
• Wireless Apple/Android Integration
• Upcoming Tech: Wireless Android Headrests for Rear Passengers

Featured In:

• Honda CR-V e:HEV 2025
• Kia Seltos GT-Line 2025

12. Biometric Access and Start

Your face or fingerprint is your new car key.

Highlights:

• Fingerprint Start – Especially in Korean and Chinese brands.
• Face Unlock – For doors and boot access.
• Custom Profiles – Loads climate, music, seat, mirror based on user.

Found In:

• Genesis GV80
• BYD Atto 3

13. In-Car Health and Wellness

Cars now care about your well-being.

Features:

• Heart Rate & Stress Monitoring – Alerts if signs of fatigue detected.
• Mood-Based Ambient Presets
• Breathable Cabin Materials – Hypoallergenic seats and trims.

Innovations From:

• Hyundai Ioniq Series
• Lexus Wellness Suite

14. Smart Rear Seat Systems

Not just for drivers – passengers get upgraded too.

Key Additions:

• Tablet Entertainment
• Reclining Rear Seats
• Voice Command for Rear Climate & Music

Available In:

• Toyota LandCruiser 300 Sahara ZX
• BMW 7 Series

15. Digital Rear-View Mirrors and 360° Surround View

Cameras now replace mirrors in some models.

Benefits:

• Wider Field of View
• No Glare
• Integrated Blind Spot Alerts

Seen In:

• Audi e-tron
• Lexus ES 300h 2025

Final Thoughts: Interior Tech Is the New Battleground

If the exterior is what attracts buyers, the interior is what makes them stay. In 2025, car cabins have become smarter, more personalised, and safer. Whether you're after luxury, performance, or practicality, there’s a car interior packed with technology that fits your lifestyle.

Australians are tech-savvy and expect their cars to be extensions of their digital lives. From biometric access to AI-driven comfort features, the future of car interiors isn’t just about getting from A to B — it's about doing it your way, comfortably and intelligently.