10 Top Cars with Wireless Charging

2016 Toyota Prius Four Touring wireless charging ・ Photo by Toyota

‘Cord-cutting’ is a phrase that has many meanings in the tech industry. Some use it for getting rid of their standard high-priced cable TV options, while others use it in a more literal way of getting rid of any cables (like Apple’s AirPods or any other Bluetooth headphones). Cord-cutting is also making its way into the automotive lexicon, and automakers are rushing to the market with options like wireless charging for your smartphones.

We've devised a list of our top 10 cars with wireless charging. Some of these vehicles come standard with the wireless smartphone charging system, while others offer it on higher trim levels of their models. Keep in mind, using these wireless charging systems all depend on whether or not your smartphone has wireless charging capabilities. Most automakers have opted for the Qi wireless charging systems, but some automakers like General Motors and Mercedes-Benz have extended their capabilities to Powermat and NFC charging to increase their wireless charging compatibility.

Let’s get down to our list.

2017 Cadillac CT6

Cadillac (and the overall General Motors vehicle group) was one of the first automakers to adopt wireless charging. The Powermat wireless charging system is standard on the 2017 Cadillac CT6 flagship sedan. The wireless charging mat on the CT6 is conveniently located near the center armrest so it stays completely out of the way of other vehicle functions and helps keep your eyes on the road.

2017 Cadillac XT5

Like the Cadillac CT6, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 also offers the Powermat wireless charging system as a standard feature. Located right next to the armrest (same location as the CT6), the wireless charging system will charge your smartphone at a rate up to 1 amp. If you’re wondering how you’ll know if your phone is charging, your Cadillac CUE touchscreen display will show a charging icon near the phone graphic and your phone will also indicate that it is charging. The new Cadillac XT5 replaces the SRX with a brand new exterior design, a quality luxury interior, and very innovative technology features.

2017 Chevrolet Camaro

There is no doubt that muscle cars are a lot of fun. Most muscle car buyers purchase a car like the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro solely for the fact they offer a lot of power for a very affordable price. It's very rare that a muscle car shopper is interested in high-tech equipment options - however, it’s always fun and convenient to have these options available. The new sixth-generation Camaro does offer wireless charging in both the SS and LT models, but you’ll have to add the Convenience and Lighting Package to get the wireless charging system. The charging pad on the six-generation Chevrolet Camaro is located at the rear of the center console.

2017 Chevrolet Malibu

The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is one of the best-selling sedans in the United States, and it happens to offer a wireless charging system. Unlike the conventional charging pads seen on other vehicles, the Chevrolet Malibu features a dedicated wireless charging pocket located right in the center console, in front of the armrest. Buyers can have the wireless charging system as standard on the Chevrolet Malibu Premier model, but Malibu LT models require you to add on the Convenience and Technology Package. While its competitor, the Toyota Camry, does offer wireless charging, others like the Honda Accord and Mazda6, do not.

2017 Toyota Prius

It would be pretty crazy if one of the most advanced hybrid vehicles on the market didn’t offer a wireless charging system. The 2017 Toyota Prius is one of the most innovative hybrid vehicles on the market and offers a range of driver assist technologies and fuel-saving technologies that will help you save some cash at the pump. If you go for the option, you’ll find the wireless charging bin located in the center console right under the massive center display. The wireless charging bin is available on all Prius models above the Prius Three trim level.

Photo by Toyota

2017 Lexus NX

The new 2017 Lexus NX is taking the compact luxury crossover segment by storm. Quickly becoming one of the best-selling vehicles by the brand, the Lexus NX is packed with new and innovative technology features including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot notification, rear cross traffic alert, and much more.

Of course, a wireless charging system is also offered. The Qi-compatible charging tray is located in the center console armrest and also features an indicator light to let you know when your smartphone is charged. The wireless charger is available as an added option on the NX Turbo F Sport, NX 300h, and NX Turbo.

2017 BMW 7-Series

The 2017 BMW 7-Series is reaching new heights when it comes to technological innovations. With the introduction of the brand’s iDrive 6.0 system, Gesture Control is now a part of the package and allows you to use hand gestures to control some of the flagship sedan’s features. Another addition to the new BMW 7-Series is wireless charging. The feature is available as a standard option on the new 7-Series and is located in a pocket inside the front armrest. The new BMW 7 Series also offers a range of driver assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, head up display, and much more.

2017 Audi Q7

The all-new 2017 Audi Q7 luxury family crossover is another on our list that is defining what technological innovation means in today’s vehicles. On top of Audi’s new virtual cockpit, night vision assistant, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and more - the new Audi Q7 also offers a wireless smartphone charging system. The wireless charging tray is conveniently located in the front armrest and allows your phone to be easily integrated into the Audi MMI system so you’re not constantly reaching for your phone to check for notifications.

Photo by Audi

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is taking the luxury sports sedan segment by storm. Quickly becoming one of the most innovative vehicles in its segment, the new E-Class borrows some luxury and innovative technology features from its big brother - the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

With that in mind, the new E-Class offers an all-new COMAND system with a touchpad controller, a 12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster, massaging front seats, an air purification system, and of course, NFC wireless charging. The system is located in the front section of the center console and supports wireless charging of any compatible smartphone or other devices that support Qi standard. The E-Class is the only one in the Mercedes-Benz lineup that offers wireless charging.

2017 Hyundai Ioniq

Hyundai is gearing up to take on the Toyota Prius with a vengeance. The new 2017 Hyundai Ioniq will come with a range of innovative technology options while offering an outstanding fuel economy of 58 mpg combined. Among the many innovative features including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking - the Hyundai Ioniq will also offer wireless smartphone charging.

The wireless charging system is optional on the Hyundai Ioniq Limited which starts at $27,500. The wireless charging system is also available on the Hyundai Ioniq Limited Electric model which starts at $32,500. Of course, using your wireless charging in a fully-electric vehicle might give you range anxiety - but that’s a discussion between you and your smartphone on how important having a fully charged device is to you versus getting to your destination with enough range to go back home.