5 Sophisticated Features of Modern Cars That Seem Innovative But Are Just Unnecessary Extra Costs

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 20/08/2025 at 11:22

Imagem: Unsplash

Uma pessoa reagiu a isso.

Modern Cars Display Features Like Cameras in Mirrors, Electronic Door Handles, and Even Karaoke, but Many of Them Add Little to the Driver in Practice

Cars are becoming increasingly technological, with features that promise comfort, safety, and performance. However, some functions come with sophisticated names but ultimately do not add anything in practice. Often, they just increase the vehicle cost and are rarely used.

External Mirrors with Cameras

The Audi E-Tron, launched in Brazil in 2020, replaced traditional mirrors with cameras. The proposal seemed futuristic, but in practice, it did not bring advantages.

The field of view is similar to that of a regular mirror, and at night, there is no night vision. Additionally, in case of a malfunction, the repair is much more expensive than that of a traditional mirror.

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Therefore, it is a function that adds little to the driver.

Karaoke on Board

This novelty frequently appears in Chinese cars. The idea is for the driver and passengers to sing during trips.

It sounds fun on a long journey, but it is unlikely to be used in everyday life.

Most of the time, the feature is forgotten. As a result, it becomes an expendable item.

Electronic Door Handles

The technology arrived in Brazil with the Chevrolet Corvette C6 in 2005 and later gained traction in Tesla models. Instead of the traditional lever, an electronic button releases the door.

The problem is that the manual door handle already serves the function simply and effectively. Moreover, cars with electronic door handles need to maintain an extra mechanical system for emergencies in case of electrical failure. In other words, there is no real gain.

Heated Steering Wheel and Seats

Created for extremely cold countries, the feature is present in luxury cars. It heats the seats and steering wheel, providing comfort in negative temperatures.

In Brazil, however, the system rarely makes sense. The dashboard heater is already sufficient for dealing with cold days. Thus, the technology becomes useless for most drivers.

Compass on the Dashboard

Some vehicles, like Fiat’s Adventure line and the Nissan Sentra, offer an integrated compass. In the past, it could have been useful for orienting drivers in remote areas.

Today, with the advancement of smartphones and apps like Waze, the compass has lost its relevance. The cellphone, connected to the internet, already provides much more complete and accurate navigation.

What to Consider

When choosing a car, it’s important to evaluate which features truly provide benefits. Many devices are marketed as differentiators but end up being unnecessary in everyday life.

Additionally, they can increase the vehicle’s price and even lead to extra maintenance costs. Therefore, it is worthwhile to prioritize items that genuinely provide safety, economy, and practicality.

With information from Olhar Digital.

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5 Sophisticated Features of Modern Cars That Seem Innovative But Are Just Unnecessary Extra Costs

Modern Cars Display Features Like Cameras in Mirrors, Electronic Door Handles, and Even Karaoke, but Many of Them Add Little to the Driver in Practice

External Mirrors with Cameras

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Karaoke on Board

Electronic Door Handles

Heated Steering Wheel and Seats

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5 Sophisticated Features of Modern Cars That Seem Innovative But Are Just Unnecessary Extra Costs

Modern Cars Display Features Like Cameras in Mirrors, Electronic Door Handles, and Even Karaoke, but Many of Them Add Little to the Driver in Practice

External Mirrors with Cameras

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Compass on the Dashboard

What to Consider

Where there was only sand and wind at 40 degrees, China built a megacity of 500,000 inhabitants with farms, wineries, and universities in the middle of the desert using melted glacier water from hundreds of kilometers away.

At over 8,800 meters above sea level, the summit of Mount Everest is made up of rocks that originated at the bottom of an ocean about 500 million years ago and were pushed to the highest point on Earth by the collision of tectonic plates.

With 19,000 tons, 199 meters in length, and the capacity to carry 720 marines, the ROKS Marado has become a floating amphibious base that extends South Korea’s naval reach in one of the most tense regions on the planet.

Couple buys house in the South Zone of São Paulo, opens a hidden door in the garage, and finds a secret wine cellar with dozens of old wines forgotten since the 1970s.

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