Automakers offer countless optional extras, but some of the strangest add-ons continue to attract buyers willing to spend more.
Most new vehicles come with a fairly basic set of features, while many of the more desirable gadgets and conveniences are locked behind pricey option packages. Some upgrades genuinely improve everyday driving, but others seem downright bizarre. Here are ten of the weirdest automotive options ever offered.
Tesla once introduced one of the most unusual vehicle features on the market: a cabin air filtration system designed to protect occupants from airborne contaminants, including radioactive particles, bacteria, and viruses. The system combines a massive HEPA filter with the company's "Bioweapon Defense Mode." Whether necessary or not, it became a surprisingly effective selling point for concerned buyers.
Think carbon-ceramic brakes or a premium sound system are the ultimate luxury options? Not always. Bentley offered the Breitling Mulliner Tourbillon clock mounted directly into the dashboard of the Bentayga. The handcrafted timepiece carried a price tag of roughly $170,000, making it one of the most extravagant factory-installed options ever sold.
Driving a convertible can be magical—until a surprise rainstorm arrives. MINI attempted to solve that problem by introducing an intelligent weather forecasting feature that could alert drivers to upcoming changes in conditions. It's essentially like having a personal meteorologist riding shotgun.
Few nations take coffee as seriously as Italy. That may explain why Fiat offered the Lavazza 500 Espresso Machine for the Fiat 500L. Powered by the vehicle's 12-volt electrical system and using Lavazza coffee capsules, the setup allowed drivers to brew espresso without ever leaving the car.
A leather-trimmed interior is expected in a luxury sports car like the Porsche 911. What surprised many buyers was just how far Porsche was willing to take the concept. Through its customization program, customers could order leather-covered surfaces almost everywhere, including the air vents. Naturally, every extra piece of leather came at an additional cost.
Owners of the Nissan Leaf looking for a little extra efficiency could order a small solar panel integrated into the rear spoiler. The panel wasn't powerful enough to charge the main battery pack, but it could supply electricity to certain auxiliary systems. While its practical benefits were limited, it hinted at a future where solar power might play a larger role in electric vehicles.
The fold-down tailgate of a Range Rover can already serve as a convenient place to sit during outdoor events. For buyers seeking an even more luxurious tailgating experience, Land Rover offered optional rear-facing seats that deploy from the cargo area. They're perfect for picnics, sporting events, or simply showing off.
The Pontiac Aztek is often remembered as one of the most controversial vehicle designs ever produced. Many people also recognize it from the television series Breaking Bad. Despite its reputation, the Aztek was remarkably practical. One of its most distinctive accessories was a tent that attached directly to the rear of the vehicle, turning it into a compact campsite.
Renault came up with a clever solution for drivers who frequently need to load small items into the trunk. Instead of opening the entire liftgate, buyers could order a small access door built into the tailgate itself. It made tossing in groceries or other small items quicker and more convenient.
The famous "Starlight Headliner" was once a feature reserved almost exclusively for Rolls-Royce vehicles. Today, similar illuminated headliners are available from several automakers. Some systems can even be customized to display a driver's zodiac constellation, bringing a touch of the night sky into the cabin.