The online vehicle retail platform Cinch has shared some of the coolest features found on the latest cars on show at the Geneva Motor Show 2024.
The first time the event has been held in Switzerland since the Covid pandemic in 2020, many car manufacturers use the Geneva Motor Show to promote their latest models and showcase concept cars, with many offering unique features.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at Cinch, noted that one of the coolest cars seen at the show is the Yangwang U8, a Chinese alternative to the Land Rover Defender that has the ability to float on water to help the driver escape if the vehicle lands in water.
He explained: “The U8 has arrived as a 1,186bhp plug-in hybrid luxury SUV that takes on the new Land Rover Discovery 130. Unlike it’s British rival, the U8 is a massive floatation device. This makes it safer in the event of an accident in the water, keeping all passengers upright and dry.
“As soon as it senses you’ve driven into the water, Emergency Floating Mode activates, shutting down the engine, raising the suspension, closing the windows, opening the sunroof and displaying water depth and vehicle position on the central control system.”
A car on show with a slightly more practical feature for everyday motoring is the Lucid Gravity, which gives owners the ability to use the front end as a seat.
As a fully-electric SUV, the Austrian-assembled Lucid has a front boot, sometimes referred to as a ‘frunk’, which is typically used to keep valuables away from prying eyes.
However, a large portion of the Gravity’s front end lifts up with the bonnet, allowing two people to sit comfortably at the front of the car in the open air.
Sam also highlighted that a growing number of vehicles produced by the Chinese BYD brand feature a touchscreen that can be rotated to give different drivers a better view of the sat-nav or radio controls.
He added: “Coming in to rival the Skoda Kodiaq and Nissan Qashqai, this sleek family SUV offers a luxurious interior, fast charging capabilities, and one distinct feature that sets it apart.
“Sitting at the centre of the dashboard is a large 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen that offers a different look depending on whether you’re viewing maps or music. Very few other cars have this option, with another being BYD’s Atto 3 small SUV.”
Finally, one of the cars that stole the show during the event in Geneva was the Renault 5, with Cinch pointing out it has one of the strangest features seen in a car, an optional baguette holder.
A recreation of one of their most popular models, produced between 1972 to 1996, the latest 5 is an all-electric hatchback offered in a number of vibrant colours.
Whilst the technology featured in the little Renault is up to the minute, it can be ordered with a classic French-themed baguette holder which can be hooked onto the centre console.
