Personalisation of car interiors in the era of electrification – a trend or the future of the industry?.

The electrification of the automotive industry, technological development, and increasing customer expectations have made the design of modern car interiors one of the key areas of innovation. In an era where vehicles are becoming an extension of the user’s lifestyle, car interior personalisation takes on an entirely new significance. Minimalist design, car digitalisation, eco-friendly materials, and extensive configuration possibilities are redefining the approach to comfort, functionality, and aesthetics.

But are these changes just a temporary trend in the automotive industry, or are they a permanent development? We will take a closer look at the current situation and where the interior design of future cars is heading.

Digitalisation vs. ergonomics – where is the balance?

In recent years, many manufacturers have focused on the digitalisation of cars, replacing most physical buttons with touchscreens. This approach was intended to simplify design and enhance personalisation, yet in practice, it has not always delivered the expected results.

An example of this is Volkswagen, which, after widespread criticisms, decided to return to more classic control elements. It turned out that intuitive, physical buttons are simply more convenient, especially in situations where the driver needs to react quickly and cannot take their eyes off the road.

This is an important lesson for the entire industry – that modern car interiors must not only impress with technology, but above all, support user safety and comfort.

Modern materials – balancing ecology and premium design

The transformation of the automotive industry is not solely about the electrification of powertrains or changes in user interfaces. Equally significant is the choice of materials used for interior finishes. In response to growing environmental awareness and regulatory demands, manufacturers are increasingly turning to eco-friendly materials – recycled fabrics, biocomposites, and vegan leather.

At the same time, customers are unwilling to compromise on quality and aesthetics. That is why leading brands such as BMW and Mercedes are investing in innovative materials that combine luxury with sustainability. Examples include repurposed ocean waste and synthetic leather alternatives that maintain the premium look and durability of traditional materials.

By embracing such solutions, manufacturers are meeting market expectations, merging sustainability with high-quality car interiors.

Personalising the car interior – a new dimension of user experience

In the era of electrification of the automotive industry, personalisation is no longer an exclusive feature of premium cars – it is becoming the industry standard. More and more manufacturers are enabling drivers to customise the interiors not only in terms of colour or materials, but also in functionality.

Modular interiors that change their layout depending on the driving mode are no longer science fiction, but real functionality tested in modern vehicles. Infotainment systems with configurable interfaces, gesture controls, and voice commands mark the next step towards individualised experiences. Some brands now even offer automatic adjustment of air conditioning, lighting, and cabin fragrances based on the user’s previous preferences.

This shows that the personalisation of car interiors is reaching far beyond aesthetics – it is becoming an integral part of everyday comfort and human interaction with technology.

Adaptive technology – when the car recognises the user

One of the most promising developments is the use of adaptive technologies that enable cars to learn the preferences of their users. By integrating with the driver’s account, vehicles can remember seat, mirror, and air conditioning settings, and even music playlists. After logging into the profile, the car automatically adjusts to the specific person – just as a smartphone recognises its owner.

Looking ahead, with the development of artificial intelligence, we can expect an even greater level of automation. The car will not only respond to commands, but also anticipate the user’s needs – for example, suggesting a route based on the calendar or activating the seat massage system after a long drive. This is a whole new level of comfort and personalisation, where technology becomes an invisible yet seamless part of everyday life.

Personalisation as a competitive advantage – what does this mean for manufacturers?

Consumers’ increasing expectations for personalisation are not only a technological challenge, but also a strategic opportunity. Manufacturers who can offer personalised car interiors at an affordable price while maintaining high quality will gain a clear competitive advantage. In a world where cars become an extension of personal lifestyles, the ability to customise them is becoming one of the key purchasing factors.

For automotive brands, this means the need to create flexible design platforms that enable the rapid implementation of personalisation solutions – both physically and digitally. It also opens up new opportunities to build a deeper relationship with the customer, based on advanced data analysis and constantly adapting the offer to changing expectations.

Conclusion – interior personalisation as a new automotive standard

The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and car interiors are now a point of innovation that combines electrification, digitalisation, and customer-driven design. The case of Volkswagen shows that even the most advanced technologies must remain comfortable and safe in everyday use.

In this context, the personalisation of car interiors is no longer just an accessory – it is becoming the foundation of a modern approach to vehicle design. From sustainable materials to adaptive interfaces and intelligent systems that anticipate the driver’s needs, everything indicates that the individual experience will become the key to success in the new era of mobility.

For companies such as Endego, which support manufacturers in developing advanced engineering and design solutions, this is an opportunity to set the development direction for the entire industry.