Edmunds: Top automotive tech at CES 2021

The atmosphere at the 2021 Consumer Electronics Show, held virtually for the first time due to the pandemic, struck a different tone than in years past. Without hordes of tech-hungry onlookers jockeying for position through packed convention center halls, automakers appeared more reserved in their proclamations for the future. Several high-profile exhibitors — such as Ford, Honda and Toyota — opted to sit out this year.

The automakers that did present to online audiences focused on more advanced infotainment systems and the continued evolution of electric vehicles, some of which you’ll be able to see on dealer lots by this year. Here are some of the top car tech features Edmunds’ experts saw at CES 2021.

AUDI: E-TRON GT PROTOTYPE

At CES the luxury automaker showed a near-final prototype of its upcoming e-tron GT electric vehicle. The e-tron GT will be a sleeker and sportier sedan version of Audi’s current e-tron Sportback SUV. Audi says it will have an estimated range of more than 200 miles.

The e-tron GT should be just as smooth as it is fast. There will be a comfortable cruising mode that operates in near silence for maximum efficiency, as well as a dynamic performance mode that uses an adaptive suspension and four-wheel steering to attack curving roads. The interior can be ordered as leather-free, with cabin materials including recycled plastics and microfibers. Audi will unveil the production version of the e-tron GT later in 2021. Expect it to compete against rivals such as the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S.

BMW: NEXT-GENERATION IDRIVE OPERATING SYSTEM

Twenty years after the introduction of its pioneering iDrive infotainment system, BMW teased a sweeping update to the software to be fully unveiled later this year. The luxury automaker promised further integration of the system’s current features...