Top vehicle interiors at Paris Motor Show 2024 

The Paris Motor Show 2024 was awash with new models, zippy city cars and controversial e-SUVs. From elegant exterior features to practical parking elements, there was lots to look at on the outside. But what about the inside?

It’s what’s inside that counts, so goes the saying. And, seeing as the average Brit spends 45 minutes daily in their vehicle, it helps to be surrounded by something nice. That’s why, while scouring the halls of the Paris Motor Show, we kept our eyes peeled for the best interiors to improve your road journey. We got up-close and personal with the infotainment centres, hidden storage compartments, and reclining seats to see what makes a top vehicle interior.  

THK LSR-05

Hats off to THK, this Japanese-based brand stole the interiors show with its LSR-05 prototype. Premiering at its first international event, the LSR-05 is designed in partnership with SN Design Platform led by Shiro Nakamura. 

The inside of the LSR-05 feels open and airy, but still comfortable. Up front, it features graceful lines on the dash and subtle lighting throughout to create a tranquil experience. The seats are tactile and plush, without being over-the-top, and, for optimum luxury, the rear passenger seats offer a reclining feature, the ‘stealth seat-slide system’.

It’s a bit like all the best features of BA first class and a La-Z-boy rolled into one. This extra room to stretch paired with the minimal noise from the electric powertrain has all the makings of a good nap in the back. Unless the rear passengers want to plug into the panoramic screen hung from the car roof. 

Overall, there’s no harsh lines anywhere, and each feature rolls into the next. Yes, it’s futuristic but heck, the future looks comfortable.  

Kia PV5 Concept

Dubbed the ‘people mover’, this tagline is too utilitarian to sell the PV5 Concept. It might look a little goofy from the outside, but its interior exudes elegant travel. Yes, it’s practical: there’s no awkward nooks or crannies and the whole van looks like it could be wiped down in under two minutes, making it useful for the taxi or ride-sharing opportunities Kia has in mind.  

But it’s not bland. Well-placed lighting makes for a cosy ride, while the clear band of infotainment screens make it easy for driver and passengers alike to get travel information. It even projects messages and weather details on the rear doors. The spacious interior can accommodate a variety of set ups, and Kia’s planning for all PBVs to be adaptable for wheelchair accessibility.  

Hongqi Guoya 

Nothing screams luxury travel more than Rolls-Royce and, had one graced the Paris Motor Show, China's answer to the Rolls might have been in trouble. However, the Hongqi Guoya, also known as the L1, held its own. Hongqi’s been around since 1958 and knows a thing or two about luxury sedans.  

From the outside, it looks the part — ready for politicians and businessmen to step out of the passenger doors — over five metres long with a larger-than-life grille and a raised Hongqi badge on the bonnet.

However, for those travelling in style: it’s the inside that might pique more interest. It’s sumptuous. First up, for the driver, the front dash is comprised of an LCD instrument panel and suspended control screen. And the steering wheel is adorned with Hongqi’s golden sunflower emblem.  

Hard surfaces are improved with wood veneers while driver and passengers can luxuriate in soft leather seats, with a distinctive crisscross finish. Two passengers can stretch out in the back seats, separated by a full-length arm rest complete with hidden storage and a small infotainment screen. They can also enjoy personal screens in the back of the front headrests for individual use.  

With all the fresh leather, unspoiled surfaces, and high-tech gizmos, you can almost smell the new car essence from these interiors. But which one would you like for stylish driving? Let us know.  

Hero image credit: Blackcircles.com