6 Automobiles With the Best In-vehicle Technology
February 11, 2014 9:11 PM
The editorial team at Connected World magazine examined a number of vehicles in 2014 for its Connected Car of the Year award winners. The vehicles were evaluated at all price levels, ranging from small and midsize to luxury and ultra-luxury sedan styles. Connected World also rated electric vehicles and trucks. The winners for the 2014 Connected Car of the Year are as follows:
Small: Dodge Dart (Uconnect)
Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system features an 8.4-inch touchscreen radio with a voice command system that allows drivers to operate Bluetooth-compatible phones, the manufacturer says.
Midsize: Infiniti Q50 (Infiniti InTouch)
Infiniti's InTouch system provides a fully customizable digital environment that works with the vehicle's Intelligent Keys to recognize settings for up to four different drivers, the manufacturer says. The vehicle automatically engages pre-set preferences for driving position, climate controls, infotainment, navigation and other driver settings.
Luxury: BMW 5 Series (ConnectedDrive)
BMW's ConnectedDrive is designed as a suite of services and apps that allow drivers to control myriad intelligent technologies, including Siri Eyes Free and Samsung S Voice, the manufacturer says.
Ultra Luxury: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (mbrace2)
Mercedes Benz's Intelligent Drive system is designed to analyze complex situations on the road and develop an understanding for the proper responsive actions, the manufacturer says. By using sensors and radars, the vehicles identify hazards on the road. Additionally, a series of standard and optional systems alert drivers of all situations, apply brakes when necessary and responds autonomously to avoid collisions.
Green: Tesla Motors Model S
Tesla's Model S features a 17-inch touchscreen that enables drivers to automatically adjust the active air suspension of the vehicle, manipulate the regenerative braking settings and open the all-glass panoramic roof, among other features, the manufacturer says.
Truck: Ford Motor Co. F-150 (SYNC)
Ford's SYNC system enables drivers to make calls, compose text messages and control entertainment features without taking their hands off the wheel, the manufacturer says. Additionally, the optional SYNC with MyFord Touch features vehicle health report checkups that relate the working conditions of the vehicle's operating systems.