Less Is More: Why Everyone Is Loving Minimalist Car Interiors

India is known for its maximalist chaos across the world- bottlenecks trapping us in traffic, crowds on footpaths, roads, on trains, on metro stations. In a country that loves grand exhibits, from weddings to mass cinema aesthetics, terms like 'excess' and 'loud' somehow seem to be synonymous to India. But guess what juxtaposes this maximalism? The refined minimalist taste of car enthusiasts. Car interiors are defining the minimalist trend now.

Gone are the days when luxury cars meant more buttons and leather and a lot of ambient lighting. The defining trend currently is a simple yet sophisticated interior that reflects refined taste in cars. And it isn't necessarily about cost-cutting. Instead, it equates to confidence and effortless luxury. Don't believe us? Take the Hyundai Ioniq 5, for instance- it feels like its straight out of a science fiction, right? The interiors of the car are purely sleek. Or how about the Bugatti Tourbillon?

Today, the overwhelming number of dials has been replaced by a digital interface, making the clutter of buttons almost non-existent. Features like AI-powered voice control and touchscreens at your fingertips makes life easier. But why is everyone going for minimalist interiors lately? Is it because the automotive industry is becoming lazy or because the consumer is becoming more conscious of his preferences? What is it about the designs that makes up for its demand? The answer is, indeed, spatial efficiency and growing range of customisation options.

From picking a colour scheme that speaks to their personal taste to the kind of upholstery they want, drivers are going for more streamlined, clean, and modern look. More and more people are becoming sustainability-conscious, while expecting a superior user experience. And this is where the technological innovations come handy.

Because sustainability is the new status symbol, many manufacturers are offering alternative options including vegan leather, parts made using natural fiber, and even recycled plastics. So, Minimalism isn't just about the feel and look of the car from the inside but also a reflection of being responsible towards the environment. It is a response to modern day needs of the driver.

The future-ready look of modern car interiors nods to the clever space management system. The traditional dashboards are giving way to floating digital touchscreens and voice command systems. Even the consoles are slim making the car look spacious. Moreover, the foldable or under-the-seat storage spaces are adding more utility and making it suitable to the contemporary needs.

You no longer have to pullover to the side of the road to untangle wires anymore as wireless technology is eliminating it. No more plugging cables for navigation or music. In fact, many car manufacturers are now looking to develop customisable climate and seat controls. So even those buttons will be off the dashboard now. Overall, less clutter would mean eyes on the road and hands on the wheel for a smooth comfortable ride.

Here is a list of top cars in India with minimalist car interiors:

Jaguar I-PACE

The fully electric SUV has an uncluttered layout that maximises space and storage solutions. The features include split-view, digital navigation interface, and an infotainment system with good internet connectivity access.

Volvo XE 40

The XE40 incorporates responsibly sourced and recycled plastics. It offers in-built Google Assistant, Maps, and other apps to ensure connectivity, has smartly designed storage space, and digital instrument panel that is 12-inches wide.

Mahindra BE6E

Focusing on simplicity and a minimal design, the new BE6E offers functionality with its sleek dashboard that gives a clean clutter-free aesthetics. Also, the seating is ergonomic.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

With a panoramic sunroof bringing the natural lighting inside the car, Mahindra Thar Roxx is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a few buttons for temperature control, with wireless navigation options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the interiors colour scheme includes rich mocha, and red amongst other colours allowing the buyers to personalise it.

The car also has digital instrument cluster that provides real-time updates, steering wheel controls helping to minimise distractions.

Tesla Model 3

Lined up for a launch in 2026 in India, Tesla Model 3 is a sedan that will be available in 3 variants and with simple styling interiors. With only one large tablet on the dashboard to manage vehicle operations and the instrumental setup, the dashboard will be made from the wood, and all-black interior and leather upholstery and glassed roof.