How Should Contemporary Luxury Appear? | Carscoops

      Should automakers revert to traditional designs instead of concentrating solely on screens, or are they heading in the right direction?

      6 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      Recently, automotive interior design has centered on the size and quantity of screens.

      There has also been a movement towards minimalist, Tesla-inspired interiors that tend to be quite bare.

      Some designers are pushing back, recognizing that screens do not equate to luxury.

      In the last few years, manufacturers have increasingly adopted larger screens, making it common to see luxury cars outfitted with displays stretching from pillar to pillar rather than elegant leather and wood dashboards.

      While each automaker has its unique approach, there’s a noticeable trend towards minimalist interiors centered around screens. This trend has left many vehicles appearing stark and clinical.

      More: Mercedes Design Chief Confirms “Screens Aren’t Luxury” and the Software Needs Improvement

      Lexus exemplifies this, with many of its interiors adopting a minimalist design that includes a screen. This doesn’t come across as particularly luxurious, especially when considering the brand’s high price points.

      Even Mercedes has taken a similar route; for instance, the EQS features an MBUX Hyperscreen, which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch display for the front passenger. While it’s undeniably high-tech, it feels as stylish as a TV screen from Best Buy.

      At Audi, the obsession with screens has reached such extremes that newer models, like the A6 Avant e-tron, come with an unattractive black filler piece if the front passenger display isn’t ordered. Essentially, the manufacturer imposes a sense of shame for not choosing the additional screen.

      This leads us to our question of the day: what does modern luxury mean to you? There's no right or wrong answer, just your thoughts on what you find most appealing.

      Personally, I believe the emphasis on screen size and quantity has diminished the elegance of contemporary automobiles. I would prefer a combination of wood trim, metallic details, and high-quality controls. Adding padded surfaces and contrasting accents would help give a car more character.

      Having a couple of screens is acceptable, and I don't mind if they're installed high for better visibility. Digital instrument clusters and infotainment systems have their purpose, but they shouldn't define automotive interior design.

      With that said, what features do you want to see in modern luxury vehicles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!