Edmunds (AP) — One of the benefits of buying a new car is the features it provides to ensure a safer and more convenient driving experience. Some technologies have penetrated into mainstream market segments from luxury goods, while others have quickly been introduced to the entire market. But which functions are essential? Edmunds experts have broken down five essential functions for your attention in your next car.

Parking is a tricky job, and there is a danger of being blocked by wheels, wiping telephone poles, or hitting parked vehicles. This is especially true for many modern cars, which have roof lines that resemble coupes, but have poor external visibility. To reduce anxiety, the surround-view camera system projects a bird's-eye perspective onto the car's infotainment system. From this perspective, you can confidently steer the vehicle in a small space.

More sophisticated versions of these systems provide multiple camera angles, including front views and close-ups of wheels. State-of-the-art iterations such as Mercedes-Benz or Genesis can even generate a 360-degree 3D model of your vehicle. Some pickup trucks (such as Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra) also provide a towing-oriented surround view camera system to make the process of trailer easier.

Don’t be surprised when you receive a plastic or metal key instead of a physical key when the dealer salesperson hands the keys to your new car. The device can be used to lock or unlock the vehicle. The modern remote control key can also open the trunk, start the car remotely, and even help you park when you are standing outside. After entering the car, the driver should be able to start the car with a button instead of inserting the key into the ignition device.

Premium or select models also provide smart keyless entry. With a nearby remote control key, you can enter the vehicle by simply pulling the door handle, or press the sensor on the handle to lock it. Every time you want to visit your vehicle, you no longer need to look for a keychain in your pocket, purse or bag.

The new car has a range of device charging options, including DC, AC, USB and wireless. DC is the oldest current. Some radar detectors and car accessories are still in use, but a 12-volt adapter and cable are needed to power most smartphones. AC plugs are the same as household wall sockets and are usually used to charge laptops or car camping gadgets.

There are two types of USB ports, USB-A and USB-C, and they operate at different output and charging rate levels. Both ports require a cable to charge the device or connect them to the in-vehicle infotainment system. Wireless charging takes up more space, but reduces cable clutter. Just slide a compatible smartphone onto the charging pad.

The smart phone integration in the new car has been upgraded from Bluetooth calling and media streaming to the immersive platform of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These solutions seamlessly integrate mobile phones into the vehicle's infotainment system. Drivers and passengers can use voice commands to send and receive texts, listen to music and podcasts, follow turning instructions, or interact with a host of applications through the on-board display.

The cutting-edge iterations of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless, which is very convenient if your vehicle also has wireless device charging. Wireless integration means reducing cluttered wires and accessing these systems as soon as you start the vehicle. Although most car manufacturers bundle these two systems, some car manufacturers only provide Apple CarPlay, so if you use an Android device, please do your research.

The best feature of contemporary car interior design is the vendetta against chaos, so much so that we have seen automakers cancel the stage of useful buttons and knobs. At the same time, technology and functions are constantly deepening. Fewer physical controls and more settings can quickly lead to driver distraction and frustration, so a well-designed user interface is essential. It is commendable that many automakers have listened to customer feedback and restored buttons for key functions.

BMW's iDrive system is a good example of operational redundancy. Users can touch the infotainment screen, control settings via the rotary dial and hot keys on the console, turn the buttons on the steering wheel, or select voice commands. Audi uses tactile and audible feedback on its infotainment touch screen to remind operators that their input has been received—without visual confirmation. Most new cars provide a combination of some or all of these tools, allowing drivers to use their favorite interface.

The best new car features increase convenience without compromising safety. We recommend choosing a model that provides the aforementioned essentials-ideally as standard equipment-and bypassing expensive and redundant options such as car navigation and rear entertainment systems.

This story was provided to the Associated Press by Edmunds, a car website.

Miles Branman is a contributor to Edmunds. Twitter