7 cool secret car features you didn’t know about
March 20, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
Car makers are always showing off new features in their latest models, but there are some things which are well-hidden. Here are seven of the coolest secret car features.
It’s no secret that cars are getting more high tech. Some can park themselves, many now come with voice controls which are almost akin to talking to a human and even fully self-driving cars are on the horizon.
Not all features are quite so revolutionary though, some are just cool or even amusing. We’ve found seven interesting secret car features which are interesting, funny and just plain nerdy.
1. Toyota’s “Glass of water” mode
Lots of cars come with some sort of scoring system which rates your driving for smoothness and efficiency. Most new Renaults will pipe up every now and then to tell you how to drive in a more eco-friendly way, but Toyotas used to have a more interesting way of doing it.
It was called “Glass of water” mode, and it was inspired by the Initial D Anime series. In that show the main character had to drift his Toyota Corolla AE86 through some mountain roads without spilling any water from a paper cup, and Glass of water mode simulates this by telling you if you would’ve spilled something based on your driving style.
2. How your Mercedes keeps you dry
We’ve all been there – you’re cruising around on a warm spring afternoon with the sunroof open enjoying the fresh air, but then the weather turns all British and the heavens open. You then find yourself scrambling to find the sunroof button to get it closed before you get soaked.
That is unless you drive a modern Mercedes, because then you make use of a clever feature. When the rain-sensing wipers detect water on the windscreen, the sunroof will close automatically. A little detail, but one which could save you from getting soggy seats.
3. Your Volkswagen ID7 can double as a tumble dryer
But what if you get caught in a shower on the way to your car? No one likes sitting in damp jeans for the long commute home. Well the Volkswagen ID7 has you covered with something called “Dry boost”
Turn this on and the heated seats will go to their maximum setting and blast the heater to dry your clothes.
4. Why the Dodge Viper is the most patriotic car in the world
Cars don’t get much more American than the Dodge Viper. It’s a large, rear-wheel drive muscle car with an enormous engine, it’s lairy to drive and it makes a lot of noise. But there is one feature you may not know about which ups the patriotism even further.
That’s the massive rear wing on the track-focussed ACR versions. There’s no missing this giant spoiler, and it measures exactly 1,776mm across. This is because the Declaration of Independence was issued in the year 1776. For the Americans reading this, 1,776mm is about 1.12 bald eagles.
5. Why the dinosaurs are extinct
It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to hide little easter eggs in their cars. The Ford F150 Raptor has a Velociraptor stamped into the centre armrest, and now other American truck brands have started using this to take digs at each other.
For example, the Ram TRX has a picture of a T-Rex eating a velociraptor as a not-so-thinly veiled pop at Ford. Hummer then goes one step further with an infotainment graphic of a Hummer EV as an asteroid coming to destroy both the Raptor and the TRX. That cat=r has a picture of a Hummer running over a Tesla Cybertruck, too.
6. Audi lighting the way
Audi has been doing some clever things with its lighting tech over the past few years. It once made a concept car with headlights which could project video games on the wall, but the new Audi A5 has a feature which, while not as exciting, is much more useful.
You’re probably familiar with hands-free tailgate systems where you wiggle your foot under the rear bumper to open the boot. The issue with these is knowing where to put your foot to activate it, unless you have an Audi A5 in which case it will project a little arrow onto the ground to show you.
7. How to feel like James Bond
Car keys are so last year, these days there are loads of clever new ways to get into and start your car. Some can be unlocked using an app on your phone, Genesis goes one step further with face recognition. How 007 is that?
Hyundai, Genesis and Mercedes have also started introducing fingerprint sensors into their cars. In some cases this is simply to select the right driver profile, but fingerprints can also be used to start your car without a physical key.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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