Mercedes-Benz’s design chief has said that oversized digital displays in vehicles do not define them as luxury cars.
In an interview with ABC News, Gorden Wagener said that the large displays are not luxury items in themselves; instead, that lies in the craftsmanship and materials in the vehicles.
Large digital screens are more prominent in luxury vehicles and are often seen as one of their standout features.
However, Wagener disagrees with this standpoint, suggesting that we have been getting it all wrong.
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Large screens are a prominent feature in luxury vehicles
Most modern cars have large screens on the dashboard, and most systems now utilize touchscreen displays.
Large digital gauge clusters are also a modern feature, and Mercedes itself has contributed to this.
A few years ago, the German manufacturer created a massive ‘Hyperscreen’ for their electric EQS sedan.
The screen spans the entire dashboard, with three of them placed behind a single, continuous piece of glass stretching the whole width of the car.
Understandably, many pinpointed this as a luxury feature of the EQS.
However, Wagener disagrees, saying the large screens themselves are ‘not luxury.’
His reasoning is that many modern cars that aren’t luxury vehicles often have similar displays.
The Mercedes-Benz designer believes craftsmanship defines luxury
Talking to ABC, Wagener said: “You have a better—and bigger—TV at home, right?”
He’s right – large home TVs have become commonplace and aren’t exactly a luxury item anymore.
Many modern family cars often have large displays, as do EVs such as Teslas and the Hyundai Ioniq range.
Plus, Mercedes isn’t the only premium brand to offer them.
Other vehicles, such as the Ferrari Purosangue, have large displays.
Utility vehicles like the Ram 1500 even have screens for front passengers.
Wagener believes that the way we measure luxury should be via ‘craftsmanship and sophistication.’
While not going into specifics, this likely involves high-quality materials and attention to detail in certain areas.
Plus, it is also about ensuring premium cars are built to a very high standard.
There is still room for improvement, however.
Wagener confesses that Mercedes software hasn’t always been the best, so that is another area for them to focus on.
Even if they don’t define luxury, no doubt displays such as the ‘Hyperscreen’ will always be an indicator of a luxury car.
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