While other automakers are installing laptop-sized screens in the cockpit of their cars, Porsche is purposefully keeping its digital footprint to a minimum.

In a recent interview with Australia’s Drive and other press outlets, Porsche’s head of style, Michael Mauer, re-affirmed that the brand plans to offer only appropriately sized displays and analog instrumentation where possible.

“I’m very happy that we are, so far, not following what most of the other brands are doing,” said Mauer, pointing out that Porsche has yet to follow in the footsteps of any other automaker that slaps a tablet-like display in the center of the car’s dashboard and calls it a day.

“We always said [screens] should be integrated, so not having this free-standing big tablet in the car. We always want to create driver orientation, which is one thing [we did with] the curved instrument [cluster].”

There are many reasons why automakers are eschewing buttons for giant screens in the EV era. For one, buttons and switches are expensive, and these companies are desperate to cut costs when new technologies like batteries are still pricey. Such cars are packed with features that make individual buttons tough to craft. And finally, buyers in China especially tend to consider buttons and switches old-fashioned; they often love the big screens. (Plus, such screens go with the car companies’ goals to make your vehicle a kind of mobile home theater or office, full of games, apps and streaming video features they hope you’ll pay monthly for.) 

Yet Porsche’s lineup of modern cars, including its EVs, supports Mauer’s principle. You won’t find a single vehicle under the brand’s crest that has an infotainment screen that looks out of place. You will, however, find several screens strategically stuffed around the car; the Taycan even has a passenger-focused screen. 

Those screens won’t take the place of physical controls, though. While some might augment them, Porsche is committed to keeping key physical controls truly analog.

“We believe that just having touch screens [on their own] is, from a [user experience] side of car, [hard to use], maybe, at higher speed or curvy roads,” said Mauer.

Sister brand Volkswagen has started taking the same approach after former CEO Herbert Diess steered VW in the direction of Tesla—that is, fewer buttons and one large central screen. That, however, led to plenty of UX frustrations, which we even experienced in our recent review of the updated Volkswagen ID.4.

The automaker has since pledged to walk back its digital-only path and install more physical buttons in its future vehicles, just like customers asked for.

It also comes down to the overall brand identity of Porsche. The automaker doesn’t want to be seen as just another automaker that integrates a digital cockpit in the easiest possible way (that is, installing one large screen that controls absolutely everything). Instead, it wants to keep true to its driver-centric core.

“Risking that [for] some potential [new] customers, for that reason—go for another brand,” said Mauer. “For a strong brand identity, you have to have [a] clear strategy and idea.”

Porsche Won’t Join The EV World’s Most Controversial Trend

In recent years, the automotive industry has seen a ⁣significant⁢ shift towards electric ​vehicles (EVs). ‍Automakers around the world are increasingly investing in electric ⁣technology to meet⁤ stricter emissions regulations and‍ cater to environmentally conscious consumers. However, one notable exception to this trend is Porsche, the renowned‍ German luxury‍ car manufacturer.

Porsche has long been known for its high-performance sports cars and SUVs, powered by ⁢iconic gasoline engines. Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, Porsche has expressed hesitation about fully embracing this technology. The company’s ⁢reluctance to join the EV world’s most controversial trend has sparked debate among industry experts and consumers alike.

One of the main reasons behind Porsche’s‍ reluctance to fully embrace electric vehicles ‌is‍ the brand’s commitment to performance⁤ and driving dynamics. Electric vehicles, while environmentally friendly and efficient, often lack the‌ raw power and exhilarating driving ‍experience that Porsche is known for. The company’s loyal customer base values the visceral thrill of driving a Porsche, and many fear that transitioning to electric powertrains could compromise this experience.

Another factor influencing Porsche’s decision to steer clear⁣ of electric vehicles is the challenge of maintaining​ the brand’s distinct identity in a‌ rapidly evolving market.‌ Porsche has built a⁤ strong ⁣reputation based on its heritage of iconic sports cars, and some believe that transitioning to electric vehicles could dilute the brand’s image and erode its unique appeal.

Additionally, ‌Porsche’s current lineup of gasoline-powered​ vehicles continues to‍ be popular among consumers, with strong demand for models such⁣ as the 911, Cayenne, and Panamera. The company has invested⁤ heavily in refining its internal combustion engines to meet emissions standards without sacrificing performance, demonstrating its commitment to traditional powertrains.

Despite Porsche’s reservations about fully embracing electric vehicles, the company has not completely‌ ruled out exploring ‍this​ technology in the future. Porsche has already introduced its first all-electric sports car, the Taycan, which has garnered positive reviews for its performance and driving dynamics. The company is also planning‌ to launch more electric ⁢models in‌ the coming years, indicating a gradual shift towards electrification.

In conclusion,⁢ Porsche’s decision not to join ‌the EV world’s most controversial trend is a reflection of the company’s commitment to preserving its heritage and delivering ​the ultimate driving ‍experience to its customers. While the automotive industry continues to ​evolve towards electric technology,‍ Porsche remains steadfast in its pursuit of creating high-performance gasoline-powered vehicles that embody the essence of the brand. Time will tell whether Porsche’s stance on electric vehicles will ultimately pay off, but for now, the company remains true to ​its roots as a purveyor of thrilling sports cars.