These days, cup holders can do a lot more than just hold your cups while driving.
Carmakers are now coming up with a broad range of high-tech holders that not only keep your drinks hot or cool but also prevent tipping or spilling.
If you’re in the market for a car that can keep your coffee warm, look no further. In this article, we round up 10 popular cars with heated cup holders.
1. Chrysler 300C
The Chrysler 300C provides heated and cooled cup holders that are located at the front edge of the center console.
The models that come with heated cup holders are the 2011-2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 models.
The 2011-2017 standard trim levels come with heated cup holders so you don’t have to worry about upgrading.
To get the cupholders in the 2019 and 2020 Chrysler models, you have to select the 300 Limited trim level.
The 300C’s cup holders can register temperatures as low as 48 degrees. On the other hand, they can warm up to temperatures of about 113 degrees.
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2. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class also offers heated and cooled front cup holders.
However, this feature is only available in the 2014 and 2016 models
The standard trims in both models do not offer heated cup holders so you have to upgrade.
The heated/cooled cup holders are part of the Premium 1 Package on the GL350/GL450 but are a standard feature on the GL550.
Interestingly, they come with an additional feature: a blue and red lighting scheme for cool and hot respectively.
At the push of a button, you can direct cooling airflow to the cup holders.
Alternatively, you can trigger a heating element that will help maintain the temperature of your hot beverage
3. X-Trail
Although it’s not technically a car, the New Nissan X-Trail offers next-level technology, improved efficiency, along with enhanced off-roading capabilities.
One of the most notable technological advancements in this compact crossover SUV is the temperature-controlled cup holders.
This feature is available in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 models.
However, it is important to note that this feature is only available in the 2.5 Tekna CVT 4WD trim level.
Operated by a simple click of a switch, the X-trail’s cup holders allow you to easily keep your drinks cool or warm.
Because this feature comes standard in the 2.5 Tekna CVT 4WD trim, you won’t need to make any upgrades to enjoy the convenience of having temperature-controlled cup holders.
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4. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S has a lot of cool hardware that has been upgraded progressively since it first hit the market back in 2012.
In the 2015-2022 S models, heated cup holders allow you to easily regulate the temperatures of your drinks.
The temperature-controlled cup holders are a standard feature on the Long Range Plus and Long Range trim levels.
The S Model cup holders have an innovative heating and cooling hardware installed.
Heating mode brings the cup holders up to 50 degrees celsius and is indicated with a red icon when active.
When the cooling mode is active, the on-screen image is blue.
And when engaged, the cooling mode brings the temperature of the cup holders to as low as 5 degrees celsius.
This guarantees your cold drinks are always cool and stops anything frozen from melting too quickly.
The holders operate in three modes – cooling, off, and heating.
To turn the cup holder heater/cooler on, you simply need to access the ‘Cold Weather’ page and tap on the image of the cup holders.
5. BMW X5 M
The BMW X5M is a popular mid-luxury crossover that offers a variety of high-tech features to ensure comfort while driving, although its reliability is pretty average.
A key way in which the X5M ensures a smooth driving experience is by providing heated/cooled cup holders.
The cup holders are available in 2020, and 2021 Base models.
The heated/cooled cup holders are offered in the executive package and are located in the center console just between the driver and the passenger seats.
A single push of the cup holder button turns the cooling mode on and the lights turn blue.
The cold setting of the cupholders could go as low as 1 degree celsius while on the hot side, the cup holders can register temperatures as high as 43 degrees celsius.
6. Mercedes-Benz S Class Hybrid
The Mercedes-Benz S class Hybrid comes with temperature-controlled cup holders in the
front compartment console.
The models that offer the heated/cooled cup holders are 2016, 2017, and the 2020 hybrid models.
The S class Hybrid is only available in a single variant, so you don’t have to worry about making an upgrade.
All you need is a proper package.
To get the heated/cooled cup holders, you need to select the Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS.
They also come with a residual heat indicator lamp and a switch.
To switch on the cooling function, press the switch repeatedly until the blue indicator lamp in the switch lights up
To switch on the warming function, press the switch repeatedly until the red indicator lamp in the switch lights up.
To switch off the function, press switch 3 repeatedly until the indicator lamp in the switch goes out.
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7. Cadillac XT5
The Cadillac XT5 design offers enhanced technologies and revised cues that offer a great driving experience.
Just like the standard heated front seats, the XT5 range joins the list of other popular vehicles with heated/cooled cup holders.
The heated cup holders are a new development to the Cadillac vehicle and are only available in the 2020-2022 models.
You won’t find the cup holders in a standard Cadillac trim.
Therefore, you have to upgrade to the Premium Luxury or the Sport trim.
They are operated by simply pushing a button, and are also accorded built-in lighting that looks very cool, especially at night.
To set them to cool mode, press and release the button after which the cup holder light turns blue.
Press and release again to turn it off.
To set it to heat mode, press and release the button.
The holder lights should turn red.
Press and release it again to turn it off.
8. Audi SQ5 Sportback
The SQ5 Sportback has marked itself as one of the best sport SUVs that’s hard to ignore.
Just like other popular luxury cars, the SQ5 has not been left behind in terms of temperature-controlled cup holders.
The 2021 and 2022 SQ5 models are the only ones that offer temperature-controlled cup holders.
The standard trim doesn’t offer this option, hence you have to upgrade to the 3.0T Premium Plus Quattro model under the Prestige Package.
The cup holders can hit as low as 38 degrees Fahrenheit while in the hot setting, temperatures can hit up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
The SQ5 cup holders aren’t just your ordinary cup holders. They have a little key icon to boost your car key batteries!
9. Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger boasts two heated and cooled cup holders on the center dash just next to the gear shift.
Both the passenger and driver cup holders have a snowflake logo (cooling option) and a three-arrowed button for the heating option.
Unfortunately, this feature was only incorporated in the 2013 model after which it was discontinued.
The 2013 SE trim comes with heated cup holders, therefore, saving you the trouble of upgrading to higher models to enjoy this feature.
10. Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade Platinum is considered one of the finest luxury SUVs on the market.
From its heated steering wheel and seats, this vehicle offers an awesome driving experience.
What’s more, it comes with heated and cooled cup holders that are great at regulating the temperature of your drinks.
The heated/cooled cup holders are available in the 2021 & 2022 models.
However, this feature isn’t part of the standard trim which means you need to upgrade to the Sport Platinum.
Overall, the Escalade’s heated/cooled cup holders are highly efficient and quite simple to operate.