Explore the 2026 automotive trends that could impact drivers – from massive infotainment screens and uniform interiors to the loss of Apple CarPlay and right‑to‑repair issues. Learn more now!
Motorway predicts that the 2026 car market will be defined by retro‑inspired designs, deep social‑media‑driven personalization, and an ever‑growing presence of advanced technology. While innovation is welcome, several emerging trends are raising eyebrows among enthusiasts, safety experts, and everyday drivers.
Screen‑Centric Cabins: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
For years, the industry has debated the merits of ever‑larger infotainment displays. The 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda was one of the earliest cars to feature a digital instrument cluster, paving the way for today’s massive touchscreens. By 2026, many new models will sport seamless, full‑width screens that stretch from the dashboard to the centre console.
Mercedes’ flagship GLC, the world’s best‑selling model, will debut a 39.1‑inch “tape‑measure” screen – the largest ever installed on a Mercedes vehicle. BMW’s new design language, dubbed “Neue Klasse,” pushes the envelope further: the 2026 BMW ix3 will exceed 60 square inches of display area, rivaling home‑theater setups. Even Lincoln’s refreshed Nautilus will feature a continuous 48‑inch screen.
These cinema‑like cabins look impressive, but safety regulators and ergonomics researchers warn that driver distraction could rise if visual clutter isn’t carefully managed.
Uniform Interiors: Premium Price, Same Feel
Consumers paying a premium expect a markedly upscale cabin. Yet several 2026 launches blur the line between entry‑level and flagship models. The upcoming Audi A5 starts at $49,700, while the larger Audi A6 is priced around $64,100 – a $15,400 gap that traditionally signals a more lavish interior. In reality, the two share nearly identical layouts and screen configurations.
Mercedes follows suit: the entry‑level C 300 sedan will cost $51,650, whereas the top‑tier S 550 will be $119,500, yet both will showcase almost the same screen and tape‑measure design. In the U.S., Chevrolet’s Blazer EV ($44,600) and Equinox EV ($34,995) are visually indistinguishable inside, and Cadillac’s standard Escalade ($91,100) will share its digital cockpit with the ultra‑exclusive Celestiq, which retails for $400,000. The once‑distinctive analogue clusters that defined brand identity are fading into uniform digital surfaces.
Analog Gauges Disappear: The End of the Needle
The traditional analog instrument cluster is rapidly disappearing. Even iconic sports cars are not immune. Porsche’s 911, which retained a physical gauge suite through seven generations, will finally abandon it in the 2025/2026 model year. The electric Taycan already operates without a traditional dial, and now the classic 911 joins the digital shift.
Non‑sports models are following suit. The 2026 Honda CR‑V will offer only 7‑ or 11‑inch digital clusters, eliminating a physical gauge entirely. Toyota’s new Corolla will also forgo analog dials. While sleek, these changes strip away tactile feedback, reduce quick‑glance readability, and limit driver personalization.
Research published in the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics found that analog needle gauges reduce glance time by roughly 280 milliseconds compared with digital bar displays – a safety advantage that could be lost as the industry fully digitizes.
Apple CarPlay on the Retreat
In a recent episode of The Verge’s podcast, GM CEO Mary Barra announced that General Motors will phase out Apple CarPlay in favor of an integrated Android‑based infotainment system, with full removal slated by 2028. BMW has already signaled that it will not support CarPlay Ultra, and other premium brands such as Audi, Volvo, and Polestar are quietly moving away from Apple’s ecosystem.
Industry insiders suspect data‑ownership concerns and a desire to lock users into proprietary software ecosystems are driving the shift. While GM pioneered large touchscreens with its 12.3‑inch CUE system as early as 2013, the growing dominance of in‑house platforms is sparking criticism from both consumers and experts who value cross‑brand compatibility.
Right‑to‑Repair Restrictions Tighten
On 11 December 2025, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published a BMW patent (DE102024115950) covering a unique fastening system that can only be released with BMW‑specific tools. Independent garages and even owners will be unable to service certain components without proprietary equipment.
This development adds a fresh layer to the ongoing “right‑to‑repair” debate. U.S. lawmakers have repeatedly slammed automakers for limiting consumer repair options and for introducing subscription‑based features that lock essential functionality behind a paywall. A New York State Senate bill aimed at curbing paid‑for vehicle features passed both chambers but was vetoed on 5 December 2025, highlighting the political challenges of protecting consumer rights.
Until stronger legislation is enacted, the most effective weapon remains public pressure – informed drivers must keep speaking out against trends that prioritize profit over practicality and safety.
What Drivers Should Watch in 2026
- Beware of oversized infotainment screens that may distract more than they assist.
- Expect interior designs to become increasingly homogenous across price tiers.
- Take note of the fading analog gauges – consider test‑driving to assess readability.
- Monitor the rollout of Android‑centric systems as Apple CarPlay support dwindles.
- Stay informed about right‑to‑repair legislation and potential subscription‑based vehicle features.
By keeping an eye on these developments, you can make smarter buying decisions and help shape a future where technology enhances, rather than hinders, the driving experience.