The ride begins after an hour on its own
Enjoy Comfort, Safety, and Entertainment on Long Car Trips
Whether you're a frequent driver or simply tend to spend a lot of time behind the wheel, consider investing in additional features when purchasing your vehicle. These bonus options can significantly upgrade the total experience of your journey, particularly during long drives. Here are five exceptional recommendations based on recent editorials and general purchasing advice.
Comfort Enhancers
Massaging Seat: Genesis GV70
Massage seats for drivers and passengers are available in various quality levels, from almost imperceptible variants to firm kneading substitutes. The Genesis GV70's Ergo Motion seat stands out with its seven adjustable cushions, offering a balanced blend between gentle relaxation and firm kneading. The Smart Posture Assist function — activated automatically after an hour of driving — will relax the back of the driver, reducing fatigue and ensuring a comfortable arrival at the destination. It's priced at around 2000 euros.
Technology Improvements
Adaptive Cruise Control: Mercedes S-Class
Adaptive cruise control is a valuable feature, especially in heavy traffic or on monotonous, long trips. Mercedes' most advanced version of this technology, the Drive Pilot, available in some models, allows the driver to permanently hand over the steering wheel under specific conditions. This means the driver can freely read the newspaper, surf the internet, or watch a movie at the wheel. Drive Pilot costs around 6000 euros, but basic adaptive cruise control is offered as a standard feature in various brands or at a relatively low surcharge in many models.
Lighting Innovations
Matrix LED: Opel Corsa
Affordable cars are no longer exclusive when it comes to good lighting. While xenon headlights were previously a luxury, many vehicles, including the Opel Corsa, now utilize efficient LED technology. Matrix LED headlights are less frequent in budget segments, but offer substantial advantages over classical versions: they have an adjustable light cone that changes with the course of the road and does not dazzle oncoming traffic, even with continuous high beam. Opel posits Matrix LED in generally offered under "Intellilux" for a relatively low 750 euros.
Safety Features
Advanced Chassis: Citroen C4
Considering air suspension is only a luxury class principle, the "Advanced Comfort" technology of Citroen stands apart due to its smoothness. The company draws on the legacy of the famous "hydropneumatics" from the 1950s, while also prioritizing a modern driving experience in models such as the C4 without the traditional criticism of vehicle roll. This technology fits seamlessly into the large Stellantis family amongst design thinkers like Opel, Fiat, and Peugeot.
Connectivity Perks
Smart Infotainment: Volvo XC40
With cars constantly converging technologically and in appearance (mostly suv), connectivity is more significant than ever. However, quite a few models fail to meet user expectations as far as usability and user experience are concerned. Volvo swiftly capitalized on Google's Android as the foundation for its infotainment unit. Models like the XC40 have the exceptional Google Maps navigation feature with real-time traffic information and satellite view prepared, as well as an app store for streaming and productivity tools. Google Assistant, which ensures intelligent voice control, is included as standard.
Beyond Genesis GV70 and its exceptional massage seats, various luxury automobile brands like Mercedes S-Class have automated pilot features that alleviate the driver’s burden, allowing them to relax and focus on other tasks, such as reading or surfing the web, while the vehicle maintains the lane and distance. Meanwhile, models like the Opel Corsa offer top-notch lighting systems like Matrix LED that adapts to the road and avoids dazzling oncoming traffic at a relatively affordable price.
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Additional Inside Information
Modern cars now feature a vast array of advanced features to boost comfort and safety, turning long trips into a more enjoyable experience. Here are some key enhancements:
Safety Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This system maintains a secure distance from the vehicle in front and adjusts speed, lowering the chance of accidents caused by driver fatigue and rear-end collisions.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) & Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): These features alert the driver if they drift out of their lane undetected and enable corrective steering control to keep the car centered, ensuring concentration during lengthy drives and preventing unexpected lane changes.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): This system identifies potential collisions and activates the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of an accident, protecting pedestrians and reducing rear-end collisions.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): These features keep tabs on surrounding vehicles, alerting drivers to blind spots and detecting vehicles when reversing, thereby aiding drivers in tight spaces and preventing collisions.
Comfort and Convenience Features
- Intelligent Assistants: Voice-powered systems enable drivers to control various vehicle functions, maximizing attention on driving and ensuring a pleasant experience.
- 360-Degree Camera System: This advanced feature offers a bird's-eye perspective, making parking effortless and increasing overall awareness in complex situations.
- Advanced Suspension Systems & All-Wheel Drive: These features support superior road handling and ensure a smooth and controlled journey in various driving scenarios.
- Dynamic Handling Systems: These systems regulate to changing road conditions and driving speeds, ensuring ride comfort and stability.
Additional Features
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): This system identifies and displays road signs, such as speed limits, stop signs, and warnings, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing awareness during unfamiliar journeys.
- Post-Collision Braking System: This feature automatically activates the brakes after a collision, diminishing the possibility of secondary impacts and minimizing damages while safeguarding vehicle occupants.
- Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS): In the event of an accident, this system performs several safety measures such as unlocking doors, activating hazard lights, and shutting off the fuel pump, protecting passengers from harm.
Combined, these advanced features significantly improve comfort and safety during long car journeys by reducing driver fatigue, improving situational awareness, and providing robust protection through various driving scenarios.
