Cars That See Everything
Let's face it: nobody loves arguing over a fender bender. That’s where dash cams come in. But forget buying one and installing it yourself—because these rides have got eyes (factory-installed ones). You won’t see a suction cup or messy cable in sight. It’s a clean and easy solution from the minute you step into your new car. Here are 20 cars that come camera-ready straight off the lot.
1. Tesla Model 3
What began as a feature for driver assistance became something more. TeslaCam runs off the Model 3’s existing camera suite, recording continuously as you drive. Sentry Mode activates while parked and catches motion and impacts. Together, they eliminate the need for third-party hardware.
Ростислав Александрович Луценко on Wikimedia
2. BMW 7 Series
In the 7 Series, the camera also works quietly behind the scenes. BMW Drive Recorder uses the car’s surround-view cameras to capture up to 40 seconds of footage before and after a collision or trigger event. The system stores videos locally and can be exported directly via USB.
Rutger van der Maar on Wikimedia
3. Cadillac CT6
Not many sedans integrate 360-degree surveillance like the CT6. Cadillac’s Surround Vision Recorder taps into the same cameras used for parking assistance to offer visual proof when incidents occur. The feature is available on Premium Luxury and higher trims, starting from 2016 models.
4. Chevrolet Corvette
Can a dash cam double as a performance coach? In the Corvette, yes. The Performance Data Recorder (PDR) captures dash footage, logs speed, RPM, gear position, and more. Originally developed for track use, it’s now a forensic tool for everyday drivers.
5. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
In 2021, Mercedes-Benz introduced an OEM dash cam as part of its integrated Dashcam system. It records driving footage and works in tandem with the vehicle’s security features. The system includes parking surveillance using radar sensors that automatically trigger recording during suspicious activity. The footage is securely stored in internal memory.
6. Lucid Air
Instead of waiting for third-party support, Lucid baked its camera infrastructure into the Air’s software backbone. The system captures driving footage using its 14 onboard cameras, storing video for diagnostics and incident review. It also feeds into the DreamDrive ADAS suite.
7. Audi A8
The Audi A8 does not explicitly market its system as a “dash cam,” but it features a central control unit that manages camera-based driver assistance systems. While it stores visual data during driver-initiated recordings, automatic accident recording is not widely documented. It’s the car’s infotainment system that integrates camera functions.
8. Porsche Taycan
Performance meets protection in the Taycan. Porsche’s system utilizes camera-based assistance features, including the front-facing camera for traffic sign recognition. The system can be triggered by impact or manually activated, but direct video storage on an SD card slot is not explicitly confirmed in official sources.
9. Lexus LS
Lexus vehicles integrate camera functions through their safety systems, which aid in collision detection. Features like continuous recording and direct access via the Lexus Display Audio interface may vary by model and region. As for explicit dash cam functionality (like manual video saving), it has not been confirmed.
10. Tesla Model S
Tesla's flagship sedan was the original home of TeslaCam, launched via over-the-air updates in 2018. Using its built-in cameras, it captures video while driving and when parked. Visual data is stored on a USB device and is easily retrievable. The software also timestamps and classifies events automatically.
11. BMW 5 Series
In the 5 Series, Drive Recorder works through the car’s existing surround-view and parking cameras. When triggered by events like sudden braking or impact, it automatically stores the last 40 seconds of footage. Owners can manually activate it using the infotainment menu.
12. Cadillac CT5
The CT5 mirrors its larger sibling in surveillance. Models equipped with the Surround Vision system also benefit from a factory-integrated recorder. After being activated, it captures multiple angles simultaneously. The dash cam file is saved internally and accessible through the CUE interface.
13. Chevrolet Camaro
Though built for thrill-seekers, the Camaro’s Performance Data Recorder doubles as a solid dash cam. It records in 720p, overlays telemetry data like brake pressure and g-forces, and stores it on an SD card. This camera brings legal support for everyday incidents and insurance proof.
14. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
This executive sedan quietly adds peace of mind with its Guard 360° camera system, which includes motion sensors and anti-theft features. Event storage and usability for hit-and-run cases may depend on specific configurations and regional availability, which ensures protection during parking disturbances and potential theft.
15. Lucid Gravity
Still under the luxury umbrella, the upcoming Lucid Gravity builds on the Air’s integrated camera system. It features a panoramic lineup of cameras for driver assistance. Lucid’s software platform centralizes all captured footage to blend security functions with next-gen autonomous system diagnostics.
16. Audi A6
Unlike flashy competitors, the A6 hides its dash cam function behind its multifunction camera suite. When parking mode is armed, the front and rear cameras monitor and record potential disturbances. Though not marketed as a primary feature, it’s built into the car’s sensor architecture and accessible via a dedicated app.
17. Porsche Panamera
Porsche offers Active Safe, a safety feature that uses a front-facing radar scanner to detect potential collisions and assist with braking. The system is designed to blend seamlessly with the Panamera’s sleek aesthetic and maintains a refined appearance without bulky hardware.
18. Lexus ES
Standard in select trims across Asian and European markets, the ES’s built-in dash cam functions through Lexus’s Digital Video Recorder. It constantly captures front-facing video and enables manual saving with one button. Users can export clips via USB through the Lexus Media Display.
19. Mini Cooper
The Driving Assistance Plus package is available for Mini vehicles to provide advanced safety features such as lane assist and traffic recognition. The system leverages built-in cameras to enhance overall driver assistance and safety while keeping a sleek, integrated look.
20. Citroën C3
The C-Series C3 quietly introduced dash cam integration before many mainstream rivals. Its ConnectedCAM system sits behind the rear-view mirror and automatically activates when the engine is on. Users can manually turn it off. With a simple app connection, drivers can also download archived videos or snapshots.
