Porsche deliberately avoiding large screens; Retains physical buttons

None of the models from Porsche offers massive tablet-style touchscreen infotainment screens

According to media reports, Porsche is said to be deliberately avoiding the introduction of larger screens on its new models, while also retaining the physical buttons for various controls.

Most new vehicles today come with multiple large screens, be it for the digital instrument cluster, the infotainment system or even an additional screen for the front passenger. However, Michael Mauer, head of style at Porsche stated that the brand will not be drawn into the race for screen size. He stated, "I'm very happy that we are so far not following what most of the other brands are doing."

He further added, "Regarding the screens, we always said, first of all it should be integrated, so not having these freestanding big tablets in the car. We always want to create driver orientation, which is one thing [we did with] the curved instrument [cluster in front of the driver]."

New models like the Taycan and Cayenne come with a curved digital instrument cluster, which replaces the three mechanical gauges. However, none of the models from Porsche offers massive tablet-style touchscreen infotainment screens like other models.

Mauer, stated, "So, very much related to our brand identity. And an additional part and point is that we believe that just having touch screens [on their own] is, from an [user experience] side for a car, [hard to use] maybe at higher speed or curvy roads."

In addition, Porsche will continue to offer physical dials and buttons to control its various in-car functions. A decision previously announced by its parent company Volkswagen. Talking about the physical controls, Mauer added, "Still having analogue switches to have direct access… [is key] you do not always have hard or a hard time to push a certain button on the screen."

He went on to add, "We are back to… what is technology offering you, all the new possibilities? But what does the brand stand for, and how do you create a strong brand identity with a certain design? Risking that [for] some potential [new] customers, for that reason, go for another brand. For a strong brand identity you have to have clear strategy and idea."

Source: Drive.au