A panoramic sunroof is increasingly becoming popular with motorists. In 2019 a number of cars had the panoramic roof as an option or factory standard.
Some of the cars with a panoramic sunroof are discussed below.
1. Mini Cooper Hardtop Signature
The Mini Cooper Hardtop is a cousin to the BMWs, being owned by the same parent company.
Various trims are offered.
The Signature is the top trim. It features a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and heated seats.
An additional package adds other features including LED headlights and fog lights, power-folding mirrors, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and others.
The interior is packed with BMW technology that is known and expected.
For those who love power in small packages, the Mini Cooper Hardtop is one I would consider.
2. Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 comes in three trims that share a 3.6-liter V6 engine coupled to an 8-speed transmission. Drive train is a standard rear-wheel drive.
The good thing about this sedan is that a panoramic sunroof is available on all the trims.
Besides the panoramic sunroof, the base Touring trim also comes with auto-dimming rearview mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, and other common technology features.
If you are not satisfied, there are options available. One of them is an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine that punches out 363 horsepower for the 330S and 300C trims.
Also read: Are Chrysler Good Cars? (and 2 Models to Avoid)
3. Toyota Camry
The much-loved Toyota Camry comes in five trim levels.
They are all powered by a 203 horsepower 2.5-liter engine, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Optionally, you can go for the bigger 3.5-liter V6 that pushes out 301 horsepower. This gives you access to a panoramic sunroof.
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The L trim is the base, with a few standard features such as LED headlights, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker sound system. Safety is provided by Toyota Safety Sense which includes, among others, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure alert.
This sounds good enough, but if not satisfied, the LE trim adds bigger 17-inch wheels and a driver’s seat that is power-adjustable.
The SE trim adds a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloys, leather interior, dual-zone climate, keyless ignition, and many other luxury features.
4. BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo
The Gran Turismo is a different kind of BMW, different from the common styles that we are accustomed to. This is like a hatchback that offers a lot of cargo and legroom.
The BMW GT comes with a standard panoramic sunroof.
Other features include a 10.3-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Engines on offer are a 2.0-liter turbo with an output of 248 horsepower in the 330i, and a 3.0-liter turbo with an output of 320 horsepower for the 340i. Both are connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission and an All-Wheel Drive train.
The Premium package comes with heated front seats and a navigation system.
Whichever you choose, for now, you will be one of a few enjoying this unassuming hatchback, with its lovely and spacious interior.
5. Genesis G80
The Genesis G80 offers something a bit different. The Genesis Connected Services Mobile App allows you to control the interior of your vehicle from the comfort of your warm office or home.
The remote start technology means that you can set your temperature before you jump in.
For such a car, the panoramic sunroof adds to the pleasure by providing a lighted and optimally cooled or heated environment. It puts you in charge of the weather.
This is one vehicle I would love to try.
Also read: 12 Cars with the Best Sound System 2018
6. VW Golf GTI
The Golf brand is known for its performance. The performance is even more when the GTI variants are considered.
The 2019 Golf GTI SE trim comes standard with a panoramic sunroof.
Whilst it may be small in terms of interior space, it can accommodate five adults comfortably on the leather seats, with the front being heated.
Power is provided by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that packs out 228 horsepower. Transmission is sent to all four wheels through a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission.
Also read: How Much Does a MK7 GTI Weigh? (In Detail)
As a sport-styled vehicle, except the suspension to be solid and tuned to take corners at speed. This is done whilst enjoying music connected through an 8-inch touch screen with Android and Apple CarPlay integration.
The music is processed through an eight-speaker audio system.
This is enough for me to give the Golf GTI, and take it out for a spin on the freeway, on a sunny day or clear moonlit night.
Also read: Are Volkswagens Reliable? (and Models to Avoid)
7. VW Golf Sportwagen
The Golf SportWagen is a variation of the Golf that offers some off-road driving with the installed 4MOTION all-wheel drive on some trims. It is meant for the outdoors.
There is no better way to enjoy the outdoors than through a panoramic sunroof that gives all occupants a wide view of the surroundings. They can do that whilst soaking in the sunshine, watching the clouds, or stargazing.
The roof is also fitted with roof rails for your adventure equipment.
The SportWagen is powered by a 1.7-liter turbo engine that gives out 147 horsepower. Transmission for the front-wheel-drive is 8-speed automatic or manual.
Technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert, among many other standard features.
The VW Golf SportWagen is certainly one to enjoy for the adventurer and outdoor person, without compromising on the car-like feel and comfort.
8. Hyundai Sonata
The mid-size Sonata sedan operates in a very competitive but diminishing segment, where only those offering the best can survive.
Six trims are available, but unfortunately, only the top trim comes with a tilt and slide panoramic sunroof.
In addition to the common features that have become standard for luxury sedans, the top trim Limited 2.0T also features a sport-tuned suspension and steering system.
This trim is propelled by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that sends out 245 horsepower to the front wheels through 8-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai has certainly been growing in stature, but for this sedan, they need to make the panoramic sunroof more available.
9. Buick LaCrosse
The LaCrosse is presented in six trims. This entry-level luxury sedan is powered by a 2.5-liter engine that gives out 194 horsepower. Transmission is a 6-speed automatic, with a front-wheel drive train.
The top Sport Touring and Avenir trims are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an output of 310 horsepower. Transmission is a 9-speed automatic.
A feature of note is the panoramic sunroof that is optional on the Essence and Sport Touring trims, and standard on the Avenir.
Other features include adaptive headlights on the Essence trim, heated steering and ventilated massaging seats on the Premium, and an 11-speaker Bose premium on the Essence upwards.
Also read: 11 Best SUVs with Panoramic Sunroof (from 2017)
10. Kia Optima LX
The Kia Optima is a family sedan from the growing Kia stable. It starts with the LX base model, powered by a 185 horsepower 2.4-liter engine that is mated to a 6-speed automatic. The same applies to the next level S trim.
The top-level SX trim is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo mated to a 6-speed automatic.
It includes a panoramic sunroof as standard. For the lower trims, the panoramic sunroof is optional.
Notable features include Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android, and an 8-inch touch screen.
The upper trims offer the common driver-assist and safety technologies common within the segment.
11. Hyundai Veloster
The three-door hatchback Veloster seems to be in a class of its own. It is beautiful, with a styling that is certain to turn heads.
The entry-level trim is powered by a 2.0-liter engine that punches out 147 horsepower, linked to a 6-speed manual, with an optional six-speed automatic transmission.
The interior technologies include an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Every Veloster has a panoramic sunroof available.
The Premium adds a six-speed automatic, blind-spot warning, heated front seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels, among other features.
The Turbo R trim changes the engine to a 1.6-liter turbocharged, with a 201 horsepower output. Transmission goes back to manual as standard.
The top trim is the Turbo Ultimate. It adds several safety features, including pedestrian detection, leather interior, adaptive cruise control, and navigation.
Also read: Are Hyundai Good Cars? All You Need to Know
12. Volvo S90
Volvo continues to churn beautiful cars. Whilst some may not be impressed by the 2.0-liter engines when charged and turbocharged to become a T6, power jumps to a decent 316 horsepower.
The 2019 Volvo S90 comes in three trims; Momentum, Inscription, and Excellence.
All the trims are fitted with, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather interior a 9-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
A panoramic sunroof is standard to all trims. It features a sensor that automatically closes the sunshade when the temperature from the sun becomes too high. This is a unique feature.
One other interesting feature is the active bend technology on the LED headlamps that allows the lamps to turn when cornering, up to 30 degrees.
Most of the features become optional as you go up the trims, with the Excellence trim including heated and cooled seats, in-seat massages, and four-corner air suspension, among others.
What are the Pros and Cons of SUVs with Panoramic Sunroof?
Pros of Cars with a Panoramic Sunroof
- Interior Ambiance
The panoramic sunroof improves the interior of the vehicle through improved lighting. This increases the comfort of the vehicle for the occupants.
- Exposure to the outside
Driving whilst exposed to the open air can be fun for both driver and passengers. Everyone feels free and unrestricted.
- Enhanced Cooling
The panoramic sunroof offers natural climate control. It is more like someone taking a walk outside. It can be a lot of fun, with hair blowing in the wind.
- Improved Visibility
The sunroof allows for better visibility for all occupants. This is especially important for outdoor lovers. The drive or ride becomes more interesting.
Cons of Cars with a Panoramic Sunroof
- Absorption of Excessive Sunlight
The sunroof system can create a greenhouse effect o some occupants, leaving them feeling weak and tired. This is especially if the sunroof is fixed.
- Restricted Headroom Space
The panoramic sunroof system takes up some vertical space. Taller passengers can find this very restrictive and uncomfortable.
- Increased Vehicle Costs
The panoramic sunroof is not for free. Purchase and maintenance costs are both increased.
Are Cars With Panoramic Sunroof More Expensive?
Panoramic sunroofs add to vehicle costs, both in terms of purchase and maintenance. Besides, they are fitted on luxury cars with lots of extras that may not be required. The full package of luxuries options adds to vehicle costs, making them more expensive.
