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There has been some progress on the electronic front, but automakers have used any progress to overload the systems and take some steps back. Take the E34 BMW 5-series as an example. These cars were much more complex than the previous generation, and it was done with miles of wire. Huge harness that made it impossible to diagnose problems.
The "network" style of connections that most makers are using for their sophisticated models are much better, reducing the amount of wiring in the car by a significant amount. These networks have created a superior base for electonics, but then makers took advantage to pile more and more stuff in. That "piling on" meant that devices were sharing again, and diagnosis is once again more difficult.
Also, I recall not that long ago that laptop computers were relatively fragile and tempermental devices. By loading mobile environments with a greater number of processors and computers, we're just asking for trouble.
A collegue of mine has a late model Civic. Sitting in the car and looking under the hood, I'm amazed at it's simplicity compared to a new MB or BMW. Even the stereo system is simpler (though it has a CD standard, hello?) with simple controls and no robot doors that have to open and close. The HVAC controls are simple and I figured them out in about a nanosecond.
For me, the perfect car would be the terrific looks of the W203 C-Class, with a 2.7L CDI diesel for economy. Give me a top notch interior with robust materials designed to outlast the engine, which is made for a million kms. Make it as simple as the Civic, but with a few (just a few) luxury gadgets that I know work well, including heated seats. Brake by wire? Geez, wonder what the brake-computer-sensor-meter-thingy costs? Write the car off...
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