Are we nearing the end of automotive innovation?

I have been pondering this question for a while.  In my time with Mercedes, I saw infrared cameras, massage seats among many other really cool features. Automakers have had a streak of innovation.  What more can be added?

Automakers are in a constant state of almost hyper-competition, they all are attempting to keep up with trends and new tech.  If one automaker brings some kind of tech to market, it is not very long before the rest of the competition also has said tech.  Also, as materials have gotten cheaper, more cars have all leather and carbon fiber trims and construction.  Is there a point where no more innovation can happen?

If you look back at luxury cars vs. normal cars of yesteryear, there is an appreciable difference between the two.  Now, especially on the materials front, normal cars are catching up.  The Kia Optima just for example’s sake has Napa Leather, about everything has adaptive cruise and sensors everywhere.

With the way materials and tech trickle down there has the be a point where features will start to stagnate.

Technology is constantly changing, interior materials though? Probably not.

As production methods and materials become less expensive, I believe we will see most cars with incredibly well built interiors.  Leather and wood will be standard with the option for things like Alcantara will also be extremely common.  What materials will automakers set themselves apart with?

The same goes for the ride and comfort level of the car.  Ultra high end brands started to incorporate magnetic ride control and adjustable suspensions.  That has already trickled down to some of the more “normal” still high end cars and will eventually be the norm.  In general, the build quality of some of the economy brands is starting to catch up to the BMW and Mercedes out there.  In my opinion, the build of a Chevy Tahoe is incredibly similar to the Mercedes GLE.  There are some exceptions but in general, the ride is just as nice for less.

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Can build quality, materials and ride keep up?  Have we hit the wall for what we will get in those things?  Only time will tell.  In car tech won’t stop, autonomous cars and other technology are growing faster than ever.

Cars, in general, will hopefully get better and better and, as nostalgic as I can get, I embrace the new innovation that continues to happen.