Which car has the dashboard positioned above the center console?
2 Answers
The dashboard positioned above the center console is a feature of the BMW 5 Series model. The domestically produced BMW 5 Series is an advanced premium sedan. The current generation 5 Series was introduced in 2004, and the latest model is the seventh-generation G38. Interior features: The new 5 Series' center console is wrapped in genuine leather and adorned with wood trim panels. It also comes equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, BMW's iDrive 7.0 operating system supporting gesture and voice control, and a crystal gear shift knob. Configuration highlights: It features laser headlights, a three-piece panoramic sunroof, heated seats for all three rows, dual 12.3-inch LCD screens, a panoramic camera, driving mode options, air suspension, auto start-stop, hill descent control, and an electronic parking brake. For safety, the BMW 5 Series includes a driving assistance system to enhance comfort and safety, standard cruise control with braking function, city safety, pedestrian/cyclist warning, active cruise control, and parking distance control (PDC). Powertrain options: The BMW 5 Series offers two powertrain configurations: xDrive40 and xDrive50i, both powered by a 3.0L turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. Additionally, it features an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers and air springs on the axles, allowing for a vehicle height adjustment range of up to 80mm, and offers four driving modes including rock, gravel, sand, and ice.
To be honest, I often drive a Tesla Model 3, where the instrument cluster is displayed on that large screen atop the center console. While driving, I don't need to glance up and down—speed and other info are instantly visible. At first, I felt awkward without the traditional dashboard behind the steering wheel, but over time, I've come to appreciate this design. It centralizes all visual information, eliminating distractions from looking side to side. Especially in urban traffic jams, a quick scan gives me all the details, enhancing safety. This car is a classic example. Later, when test-driving the Polestar 2 and Volvo's new electric models, I noticed they've adopted similar layouts. Designers probably think larger screens can display more content and allow customization—pretty cool, though it takes a couple of days to get used to. If you test-drive a Hyundai Ioniq 5, you'll find a comparable design too. It seems the EV trend is relocating instrument clusters upward, reducing front-end space for better forward visibility—highly recommended.
