Let’s be honest: most people don’t buy a car just because of the dashboard. But sit in a few different cars — even for a few minutes — and you’ll quickly realize how much the dashboard shapes your whole driving experience. It’s the first thing you see when you get in. It’s where your hands naturally reach. It’s your interface to everything from music to maps to climate control.

So, it’s worth asking: Which car actually has the best dashboard design?

This isn’t just about flashy screens or fancy buttons. A great dashboard feels intuitive, looks clean, and gives you what you need without making you hunt through endless menus. After spending time in a mix of new cars in 2025, here’s my take on the dashboards that actually get it right — and a few that go too far.

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What Makes a Dashboard “Good”?

Before we dive into the cars, let’s talk about what matters. For me, there are a few key things:

• Usability: Can I change the temperature or switch the song without taking my eyes off the road?
  
• Layout: Does it feel like everything is where it should be, or do I need to fumble around?
  
• Tech: Touchscreens are everywhere now, but they need to be responsive and not a nightmare in motion.
  
• Style: It doesn’t need to look like a spaceship… unless that’s the vibe. Aesthetics count.
  
• Materials: Soft-touch, brushed metal, and real wood — they make a difference. Cheap plastic is a dealbreaker.
  

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Top Cars with Great Dashboard Design (Real-World Impressions)

1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class—The Gold Standard

If you haven’t sat in the new S-Class, you owe yourself a look. The dashboard is stunning. Giant OLED screens, beautiful lighting, and controls that feel like they were designed by someone who actually drives. Mercedes uses real wood and metal where others would cut corners. It’s luxurious without being over-the-top. And yes, the MBUX system with voice control works surprisingly well. This is the kind of dashboard you’ll miss every time you get into another car.

Best for: Tech lovers who also appreciate old-school luxury.

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2. Tesla Model S—Love It or Hate It

Tesla took a risk going ultra-minimal, and in the Model S, it’s dialed up to 11. There are barely any buttons. Just a massive touchscreen and a yoke (yes, really) where the steering wheel used to be. Some people love the clean look. Others — especially older drivers — find it a bit too sterile. But there’s no denying the tech is smooth, fast, and way ahead of most other brands. Still, if you value physical knobs or quick-access buttons, this one’s not for you.

Best for: People who want their car to feel like a gadget.

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3. Lucid Air—Sleek, Smart, Surprising

Lucid might be new on the scene, but wow — they nailed the interior. The dashboard wraps around the driver with a floating glass cockpit that feels futuristic without being ridiculous. What’s cool is the retractable touchscreen that slides away when you’re not using it. It’s subtle touches like that that make you think, “Oh, someone actually thought this through.” Materials are high-end, and it doesn’t feel like a knockoff of anything else out there.

Best for: People who want originality without sacrificing functionality.

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4. BMW iX—High-Tech but Grounded

BMW went in a totally different direction with the iX, and it works. The curved screen that stretches across the dash is beautiful, but the real win here is the mix of digital and physical. The rotary iDrive controller is still there — and still useful — while the touchscreen adds all the modern perks. What’s unexpected? The eco-friendly materials. There’s even some fabric trim that sounds weird but looks great.

Best for: Drivers who want a high-end experience without a steep learning curve.

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5. Genesis GV80—Unexpected Luxury

I didn’t expect to love this one, but here we are. Genesis has quietly become one of the best luxury brands out there, and the GV80 dashboard proves it. Big screen? Check. Clean layout? Check. Beautiful trim and intuitive controls? Absolutely. There are still knobs and buttons where you need them, which honestly makes it more user-friendly than some pricier rivals. It looks like something twice the price.

Best for: People who want luxury without the snob tax.

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6. Porsche Taycan—Sporty Meets Sleek

Porsche knows how to build a driver’s car, and the Taycan’s dashboard reflects that. Everything is low, clean, and focused. The instrument cluster is digital but still feels classic. There’s even an optional passenger screen, which is fun but not necessary. It’s not the most groundbreaking design, but it feels purposeful. You get in and think, “Let’s go.”

Best for drivers who want tech without distractions.

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So… who wins?

Honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If I had to pick one dashboard to live with every day, it’d probably be the Mercedes S-Class. It nails luxury, usability, and wow factor without trying too hard.

But if you like minimalism and cutting-edge tech, the Lucid Air and Tesla Model S are strong choices.

Want value? The Genesis GV80 might be the best-kept secret on this list.

And if you care more about the drive than the screen? Porsche Taycan has you covered.

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Final Thoughts

Dashboard design isn’t just about looks — it’s about how a car makes you feel every time you get in. Whether you’re into bold tech, quiet luxury, or driver-focused layouts, there’s something out there for everyone in 2025.

Don’t just look at the spec sheet — sit in the car. Touch the materials. Try adjusting the air conditioning while driving. The best dashboard is the one that fits you like a glove.