Share Post:
Cars aren’t just about horsepower and leather interiors anymore. In 2025, the real thrill for many buyers is in the software, not the engine.
From AI-assisted parking that practically reads your mind to dash cams that record every moment on the road without you lifting a finger, today’s smartest vehicles are loaded with tech that feels like something out of a science fiction movie. But it’s not fiction. It’s standard, at least in the models we’re about to get into.
Let’s break down the smartest cars of the year for people who love smart things.
1. Hyundai IONIQ 9
Starting at: ~$62,000
Hyundai’s big electric SUV does more than just haul your family around. It’s practically a rolling server room. AI-powered parking, part of its Highway Driving Pilot system, handles tight spots like a valet. Cameras, radar, and LiDAR all work together behind the scenes.
It also packs a built-in dash cam as part of its safety system—great for insurance or just catching unexpected moments. And the dual-screen infotainment setup, plus an augmented reality HUD that projects data onto the windshield, makes the tech feel seamless, not showy.
Notable Extras:
- Eco-friendly interior with UVC sanitizing compartments
- 300-mile estimated range
- Charges from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants cutting-edge tech without a six-figure price tag.
2. Audi Q6 e-tron
Starting at: $63,800
Audi’s all-electric Q6 is one of the most intuitive vehicles on the road. With Park Assist Plus, the car literally parks itself—no hands, no stress. Using a smartphone, you can even stand outside the car and guide it into a space remotely.
Its safety system runs on a fleet of cameras, which can double as dash cams, though Audi doesn’t advertise them that way directly. The 14.5-inch touchscreen and signature Matrix LED headlights round out the experience, making the Q6 feel both futuristic and familiar.
Notable Extras:
- Ai.leene virtual voice assistant
- Laser lighting for long-range visibility
- Dual-motor setup with AWD
Who it’s for: Luxury lovers who want tech that feels like part of their daily rhythm.
3. Polestar 5
Starting at: ~$100,000
Polestar’s flagship sedan leans heavily into minimalism—but don’t let that fool you. It’s packed with quiet intelligence. The AI parking system uses sensors and cameras for near-flawless execution, while its safety suite includes features that most cars still consider optional.
The infotainment setup runs Android Automotive OS, with a massive 15-inch center screen and a separate digital cluster. Throw in vegan leather and recycled materials, and you’ve got one of the most future-forward vehicles on the road.
Notable Extras:
- Fastback design with sporty dynamics
- Over-the-air updates via Google integration
- AI-enhanced safety features
Who it’s for: Tech-savvy minimalists who value sustainability and software over flashy badges.
4. Nio ET9
View this post on Instagram
Starting at: $108,230
Nio’s ET9 is where autonomy starts to feel real. The company’s Shenji chip powers Level 4 self-driving features, including AI-powered parking and Navigation on Autopilot. The built-in dash cam setup records in high resolution and can even recognize objects around the vehicle.
Inside, it’s pure luxury—with 5G connectivity, voice-controlled everything via NOMI (Nio’s in-car AI), and a smooth, sleek interface. It’s one of the few cars that feels like it was designed from scratch for the tech era.
Notable Extras:
- 900V charging architecture
- Full suite of remote diagnostics and cloud syncing
- China-based, with limited global availability
5. Ford F-150 Raptor R
Starting at: $112,325
Tech in a truck? Absolutely. The Raptor R includes active park assist 2.0, which takes over steering and braking in both parallel and perpendicular parking situations.
A surround-view camera system gives full visibility and records everything—so you can use it as a dash cam whether you’re downtown or off-road. The SYNC 4A infotainment setup is fast and sharp, and it’s paired with a robust terrain management system.
Notable Extras:
- 12-inch touchscreen
- Trail cameras and 360-degree monitoring
- Seven driving modes, from snow to sand to rock
Who it’s for: Drivers who want tech—but still want to feel like they’re driving something tough.
6. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Starting at: $117,750
Still the gold standard for automotive luxury, the S-Class blends old-world comfort with new-world brains. Drive Pilot enables Level 3 autonomous features, including AI-based parking and slow-traffic driving without your input.
Multiple cameras monitor every direction—perfect for dash cam functionality. The real stunner, though, is the MBUX Hyperscreen—a seamless 56-inch OLED display that stretches across the entire dashboard. You won’t find a more elegant use of technology in any car.
Notable Extras:
- Augmented reality navigation
- Biometric authentication
- Interior fragrance systems and mood lighting
Who it’s for: Drivers who want tech that disappears into the background—until they need it.
7. Cadillac Escalade IQ
Starting at: $127,700
If you want to make an entrance—and manage everything via touchscreen—the Escalade IQ fits the bill. It uses Super Cruise, Cadillac’s hands-free driving system, with AI-supported parking and automated lane changes.
The full-camera suite provides 360-degree video, which can be stored and downloaded like any modern dash cam. But what really catches your eye is the 55-inch pillar-to-pillar display, one of the largest in any car.
Notable Extras:
- AR head-up display
- Voice recognition tied to Google Assistant
- Luxury materials with customizable ambient lighting
Who it’s for: High-tech SUV fans who don’t mind showing off a little.
8. Tesla Model S Plaid+
Estimated Starting Price: ~$140,000
Tesla still knows how to make headlines—and the Plaid+ keeps the buzz going. It comes with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite, which includes AI parking and real-time object tracking powered by Tesla’s neural network.
All of Tesla’s onboard cameras also act as dash cams, recording forward, side, and rear views automatically. With over 1,100 horsepower and a 0–60 time under 2 seconds, it’s absurdly quick—but still loaded with smart tech.
Notable Extras:
- 17-inch cinematic touchscreen
- Bioweapon defense air filtration
- Regular software updates pushed over the air
Who it’s for: Drivers who want to live in the fast lane, without touching the wheel.
9. BMW i7
Estimated Starting Price: ~$120,000
BMW’s electric flagship has something few cars can match: a 31-inch rear 8K theater screen that folds down for passengers. Up front, the driver gets Level 3 autonomy, AI parking, and cameras that likely act as dash cams.
Gesture controls add a bit of sci-fi flair, and the car’s layout blends traditional BMW athleticism with clean digital interfaces. You also get 5G connectivity, which keeps the infotainment system snappy and current.
Notable Extras:
- Heated, cooled, and massaging rear seats
- Executive-level cabin insulation
- Over-the-air personalization
Who it’s for: Executives who want comfort, privacy, and full control over their digital environment.
10. Audi A9 e-tron
Estimated Starting Price: ~$100,000
Still under wraps for most of the world, the A9 e-tron shows where Audi is going. It’s built with near Level 4 autonomy in mind and features AI-enhanced parking, an optional holographic HUD, and Virtual Cockpit 3.0 with deep configurability.
Its safety system uses a web of cameras, which—again—serve double duty as a dash cam setup. It’s the kind of car you buy if you want to be at the leading edge without shouting about it.
Notable Extras:
- Estimated 500+ mile electric range
- Interior heat control powered by infrared sensors
- Seamless OTA upgrades
Who it’s for: Quiet leaders who want future tech today.
Why Tech-Lovers Have It Good in 2025
Before getting into the models, it’s worth noting what’s happening under the hood—figuratively and literally. Cars in 2025 aren’t just adopting new tech—they are tech. AI systems are everywhere, and features like:
- AI parking: letting your car park itself using a mix of radar, sensors, cameras, and even LiDAR.
- Built-in dash cams: no more third-party wires dangling from the windshield. Cameras are fully integrated, often tied into ADAS systems and cloud storage.
- Massive touchscreens and augmented reality: entire dashboards now function like tablets, complete with voice assistants and real-time hazard detection.
- Sustainable materials: from vegan leather to recycled plastics, interiors are going green.
- Over-the-air updates: your car improves while it’s parked in the driveway—like a smartphone, but 5,000 lbs heavier.
Bigger Tech Trends in 2025
Across the board, here’s what you’ll find in almost every modern tech-forward vehicle:
| Feature | Description |
| AI Parking | Uses sensors/cameras for automated maneuvering |
| Built-in Dash Cams | Often integrated into ADAS or full-surround systems |
| AR Head-Up Displays | Navigation, alerts, and speed projected onto glass |
| OTA Software Updates | Cars improve while parked, like smartphones |
| Sustainable Interiors | Recycled plastics, vegan leather, UVC sanitation |
| Voice Assistants | Often AI-enhanced with real-time cloud access |
| 5G Connectivity | Ensures faster data handling and cloud functionality |
What to Watch Out For
If you’re shopping for a smart car in 2025, keep these points in mind:
- Not all “AI parking” systems are the same. Some can handle perpendicular parking only. Others need driver input to finish the job.
- Dash cams vary in how they save and store footage. Some only keep short recordings, while others offer cloud backup or USB access.
- Luxury doesn’t always mean better tech. Many mid-range vehicles now pack as much—or more—AI functionality than some luxury brands.
- Availability can be tricky. Vehicles like the Nio ET9 may be region-locked for now.
Final Thoughts
Cars in 2025 aren’t just transportation. They’re interactive, responsive, and in many cases, smarter than ever. It doesn’t matter if you’re into AI parking that feels like magic, built-in dash cams that quietly watch your back, or just want a touchscreen that doesn’t lag, there’s a model out there that gets it right.
From Hyundai’s accessible IONIQ 9 to the head-turning Tesla Plaid+ and ultra-luxe Mercedes S-Class, tech lovers have plenty to choose from—and plenty to geek out over.
