10 Exterior Car Features You Can Control Digitally in 2026
Soham Halder
Your Car's Exterior Is Going Digital: Modern cars are turning exterior hardware into digitally controlled features, giving drivers more convenience, personalization, and control.
Digital Door Handles: Electronic door handles can automatically deploy, retract, or unlock when they detect the driver's key or smartphone.
Hands-Free Tailgate: Drivers can open and close powered tailgates remotely or simply activate them with a foot gesture.
Smart Exterior Lights: Modern lighting systems can automatically adjust brightness, patterns, and beam direction based on driving conditions.
Digital Charging Doors :EV charging ports can automatically unlock, open, and indicate charging status through connected vehicle controls.
Electrically Controlled Mirrors: Digital controls allow drivers to fold, unfold, adjust, and sometimes automatically dim exterior mirrors.
Automatic Wipers: Rain-sensing systems can digitally control wiper speed based on the intensity of rainfall.
Smart Sunroof: Connected controls allow drivers to remotely open, close, tilt, or adjust the sunroof.
Windows & More: Connected cars can also offer remote window controls, electronically controlled hood functions, and smartphone-based vehicle access.