Advantages and disadvantages of cars with panoramic sunroof

1. What is a panoramic sunroof?

Panoramic sunroof on BMW X7 2020-2022BMW.

Essentially, a panoramic sunroof is a larger version of a regular sunroof, allowing the occupants of the car to have a wide view above the roof of the car.

While a regular sunroof is located in the middle of the car's roof with a wraparound panel, a panoramic sunroof typically spans the entire width of the roof and even extends to the top of the windshield and reaches the rear. In some cases, cars with two or three sunroofs can be considered panoramic, as the transparent glass roof covers a large portion of the car's top area.

2. Variations of panoramic sunroof

Panoramic windshield:A windshield that extends behind the front seats, taking up part of the roof. Example: the panoramic windshield on the Lucid Air.

Double Panoramic Sunroof/Triple Panoramic Sunroof:Vehicles with dual or triple panoramic sunroofs typically have a full glass roof that is divided into two or three panels. One of them can slide open while the other panels are fixed. For example, the Subaru Ascent has a double panoramic sunroof. Meanwhile, the 2023 Kia Carnival may look like it has a panoramic sunroof, but it actually has a double sunroof.

Subaru Ascent has dual panoramic windows.

Fixed panoramic glass ceiling:Large glass panels that cover the entire passenger area. Example: Tesla Model S.

Infinity Roof (Infinity Glass Ceiling):Infinity Roof is the term used specifically for the four removable transparent glass panels of the GMC Hummer EV. However, it is not technically a panoramic sunroof, as the glass roof has fixed sections that interrupt the view above.

Sky Roof:While this isn’t technically an official term for a panoramic glass roof or sunroof, it’s still used by some brands. For example, Bugatti offers a “Sky View” roof option for its Chiron, which features two glass panels on either side of the roof’s spine.

3. Advantages of panoramic sunroof

Aesthetics:The most obvious advantage that makes a panoramic sunroof attractive is that it makes the car look much more beautiful and luxurious.

Enhance your driving experience:Adequate exposure to sunlight can improve the health of drivers and passengers through the production of vitamin D. On the other hand, panoramic sunroofs bring in more light, making the cabin more airy and less stuffy, thereby improving the mood of the user.

Support cooling capacity:If you're parked in the sun, tilting the panoramic sunroof will allow hot air to escape upward, helping to cool the car.

Hold the price when you need to resell:Since panoramic sunroofs are considered a desirable luxury item, having one fitted to your car can improve its trade-in or resale value in the future.

4. Disadvantages of panoramic sunroof

Reduced interior space:To ensure the sunroof can slide in and out, the interior space may be lowered by up to 4 cm.

Not suitable in places where the weather is too hot or too cold:Because glass does not provide the same insulation as traditional roofs and because of its multi-layered construction, parking a car with a panoramic glass roof in cold climates can lead to condensation inside the cabin. Additionally, in extremely hot climates, the glass in a sunroof can easily fog up, making it look like a regular roof.

More maintenance:More moving parts mean more maintenance, and with motors to customize the glass ceiling, the chances of something needing to be replaced or repaired are higher.

Fragility:Of course, compared with solid metal roofing panels, glass materials are much more fragile. Not only that, panoramic glass ceilings are also heavier than ordinary ceiling panels. And once the glass ceiling panels are cracked or broken, it will be much more difficult and expensive to repair.

5. Should I buy a car with a panoramic sunroof?

Whether or not you choose a glass roof for your car is a matter of personal preference and how you intend to use your car. The fact is that luxury cars will look even better with a panoramic glass roof, while a panoramic sunroof will reduce the performance of sports cars.

In particular, if you buy a used car, you should only buy a car with a panoramic sunroof if the car is relatively new and well maintained because used cars with this type of all-glass roof are more prone to problems./.