Autoliv’s latest innovation looks to bring more flexibility to car interiors when hands off driving finally becomes mainstream. In regular use, this new wheel feels just like the one drivers know. But once Level 4 autonomous mode is engaged, it quietly folds away into the dashboard. The idea is simple: free up legroom, make the cabin easier to enter and exit, and let people in the Middle East stretch out and relax when their car does the work. This foldable design isn’t just about comfort. Autoliv’s safety-first mindset means that even with the wheel stowed, a hidden secondary airbag behind the instrument panel is ready to protect front seat occupants. While regulations haven’t caught up yet, there’s no car currently approved to use this tech, Autoliv is betting big on a future where cars drive themselves and interior space becomes a luxury.

The first production car set to feature Autoliv’s foldable steering wheel comes from California based startup Tensor. Their fully autonomous electric vehicle is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2026, with plans for sales not only in the US and Europe but also in the Middle East. The Tensor EV will let its steering wheel vanish into the dash during autonomous mode, promising more open interiors for drivers in cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and beyond. While race cars have long used quick release wheels for fast entry and exit, Autoliv’s design is about rethinking comfort and flexibility for daily commuters and families. It could be just the beginning for a whole new wave of interior tech as autonomous driving becomes the norm in the region.