Bugatti Mistral review

The Mistral’s interior actually proves a valuable point. Y’see, way back in 2016 when the Chiron was first revealed, the company was at pains to point out the cabin had been designed to age well, not just to look good upon its debut. Bugattis live longer than their owners. No good arriving with pizzazz and then seeming out-of-touch within the decade.

That’s why the Chiron doesn’t bother with a fashionable infotainment screen amid the dashboard. Because screens age. They slow down and look pixelated. Bugatti hid their computers in subtle instrument displays, but made the centrepiece a gorgeous analogue speedometer that reads to 300mph or 500kph.

These days you don’t even get a proper rev-counter in a Porsche 911, and Bugatti’s decision has been vindicated. The Mistral doesn’t offer any new features inside, but it still feels fresh and elegant. Material quality is sublime: adjusting the temperature or even indicating is an excuse to fondle the stunning milled switchgear.

Seats are a touch firmer than you might expect but are comfy once you’re in them. Oh, and the Mistral’s seat-heaters are a little bit feeble. Ironic in a car with ten radiators to find somewhere that isn’t quite warm enough.