How the vehicle cockpit is being redefined in 2026

While recent years have been dominated by discussions around new powertrains, an equally profound transformation has been taking place inside the vehicle. Cockpits are increasingly turning into software-driven experience spaces, where design, interaction logic and artificial intelligence converge. OEMs and suppliers alike are working on new concepts to rebalance user experience, functionality and brand identity.

At the beginning of 2026, several companies are offering insights into how the cockpit is evolving. Their approaches range from projected interfaces and AI-based interaction to rethought control concepts and personalised digital content.

Aumovio presents an innovative projection solution

Continental subsidiary Aumovio is showcasing a new projection-based cockpit concept with its Surface Projection technology. The system projects visual content directly onto cockpit surfaces, allowing decorative motifs, ambient light effects, driver information, subtle navigation cues or ADAS warnings to be displayed depending on the situation.

Surface Projection relies on compact, high-resolution projectors integrated into the headliner or roof control unit. Up to three miniature projectors can be combined into a single module, enabling pillar-to-pillar image output across the cockpit. Intelligent software seamlessly merges the individual projections, creating the impression of a continuous display surface while minimising packaging space.

Bosch targets AI-driven in-vehicle infotainment growth

Bosch is positioning artificial intelligence as a central enabler of future cockpit systems. At CES 2026, the supplier is presenting its AI Extension Platform, a high-performance computing solution designed to support AI-powered cockpits.

The platform enables functions such as a context-aware voice assistant, comprehensive understanding of the vehicle interior, precise navigation and advanced entertainment features. Simple statements like “I’m cold” can trigger coordinated actions such as adjusting cabin temperature or activating seat heating. Bosch sees significant growth potential in AI-enabled in-vehicle infotainment and expects to generate more than €2 billion in revenue from IVI solutions by the end of the decade.

At the core of the platform is Nvidia’s Drive AGX Orin system-on-chip, delivering an additional 150 to 200 TOPS of computing performance. Bosch also leverages Nvidia software frameworks to accelerate the development and deployment of complex AI applications such as real-time sensor processing and vision-language models.

360° UX Conference

Over the next decade, user experience in vehicles will evolve in much the same way as it has in consumer electronics – from functional to interactive and ultimately to proactive. The days when buttons and displays were the only human-machine interfaces connecting the physical and digital worlds are long gone.

Secure your ticket now for the 360° UX Conference on 13 May 2026 in Munich and hear practical and strategic insights from industry leaders on the transformation of user experience. You will also have ample opportunities to expand your professional network as we bring together the automotive UX, design, E/E and IT communities.

Volkswagen introduces a new cockpit generation with the ID. Polo

Volkswagen is offering a first look at its next cockpit generation with the new ID. Polo, the first model of the Electric Urban Car Family. A high level of shared components within the new electric family is intended to create synergies across brands such as Cupra, which is responsible for overall vehicle development.

The ID. Polo showcases a revised interior architecture focused on clearer structures, higher-quality materials and more intuitive operation. Physical buttons return for key functions, complemented by a newly designed multifunction steering wheel with clearly defined controls. Separate buttons for climate functions and the hazard warning system are positioned below the infotainment screen.

The cockpit is defined by two large displays aligned along a single visual axis: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a nearly 13-inch infotainment touchscreen. The updated ID.Light now extends from the instrument panel into the front doors, providing additional visual feedback for driver assistance and navigation.

Mercedes-Benz integrates infotainment, assistance and AI

Mercedes-Benz is highlighting how software, computing power and digital content are reshaping the vehicle interior. The US premiere of the all-electric GLC serves as a technology showcase for the brand’s future cockpit strategy.

Central to this approach is the new MB.OS operating system combined with the fourth generation of MBUX. For the first time, Mercedes integrates AI technologies from both Microsoft and Google to enhance voice interaction, personalisation and contextual awareness. The optional 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen provides a continuous display surface for driver and passenger.

Digital content plays an increasingly important role. Mercedes demonstrates spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, native music and audiobook streaming, as well as video services designed to make charging and waiting times more engaging. At the same time, the next generation of MB.DRIVE—developed in partnership with Nvidia—links driver assistance, navigation and AI computing into an integrated Level-2 user experience.

Valeo advances in-cabin monitoring for safety

Valeo is focusing on safety-relevant cockpit technologies with its latest in-cabin monitoring solutions. Together with Seeing Machines, the supplier is presenting integrated driver and occupant monitoring systems.

The solution extends traditional monitoring functions with advanced features such as gaze tracking to determine whether a driver has perceived a detected hazard, as well as helmet detection for two-wheeler use cases. Implemented across multiple system-on-chips, the platform is designed to demonstrate scalability while addressing future safety requirements.

Appning and Radioline focus on personalised in-car content

Appning, a Forvia brand specialising in in-car app marketplaces, and Radioline, a European radio and podcast platform, are working together to further develop personalised in-car content. Their collaboration integrates Appning’s service-on-demand platform into Radioline’s automotive application.

The solution combines live radio with personalised, context-aware services such as drive-to-store recommendations. The aim is to deliver scalable, value-added services directly in the vehicle without disrupting the driving experience, while opening new opportunities for content providers and automakers alike.

“Multimodal design must follow a less-is-more philosophy”

As audio-driven interfaces expand in next-gen cabins, lighting must stay precise, safe and tightly synchronised. Hanna Lukashevich from Fraunhofer IDMT explains how audio-reactive lighting evolves into robust, multimodal interior systems.

Benjamin Müller