The shift from analog gauges to digital screens might seem like a small change in the grand scheme of automotive evolution, but it often feels like a loss of character in our vehicles. After spending a week behind the wheel of the new Porsche Taycan, however, my perspective shifted. It became clear that Porsche is not just keeping up; they’ve carved out a niche in the digital dashboard game that genuinely elevates the driving experience in 2025.
What sets Porsche apart? It comes down to two main elements that make their digital displays stand out amidst a sea of sameness.
First and foremost, unlike so many automakers that simply drop a rectangular screen in front of the steering wheel—which often leads to a sterile and impersonal cockpit—Porsche designs their digital clusters with a distinct shape. The display in the Taycan embraces a flowing, ergonomic form that’s reminiscent of traditional gauges. It’s like sitting in a cozy nook rather than your average cubicle; this thoughtful design makes the driver’s seat feel special.
Secondly, there’s the clarity and elegance of Porsche’s display when powered on. Their modern gauge clusters are not just functional; they look sharp and stylish, striking a balance that many competitors struggle to achieve. Whether you’re gliding through a serene highway or making a quick stop in city traffic, the information you need is laid out in a way that feels both helpful and visually appealing. Compared to other brands that bombard you with busy designs or irrelevant animations, the Taycan opts for a clean and practical approach.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I wouldn’t call the Taycan’s gauge cluster flawless. There are tweaks that could enhance usability, and I sometimes wish for alternative configurations. Yet, in the multitude of cars I’ve driven over the past few years, Porsche’s setup stands out as the best iteration of a digital display I’ve encountered.
For those of you who might be itching to scoff at this viewpoint, let me elaborate. The Taycan’s gauge screen doesn’t just look good; it integrates seamlessly with the cockpit layout. It resembles a wide kidney bean, contouring beautifully within the dashboard. When you sink into the driver’s seat, it envelops you in a way that rectangular screens simply can’t replicate.
The infotainment display, the main hub for navigation and entertainment controls, does have sharp corners, yet it’s designed with such finesse that it can blend into the dash when not in use, almost disappearing from sight. Exceptional design doesn’t have to be overwhelming; as the Taycan elegantly shows us, sometimes less truly is more.
Consider the experience in other vehicles: when changing drive modes in a Toyota Camry, drivers endure a seven-second spotlight on a graphic of the car with “SPORT” flashing across the screen. Mini even incorporates theme songs for their driving modes! And then there’s BMW—where the speedometer decorates itself with twenty shades of color and convoluted shapes.
In contrast, the Taycan maintains a straightforward yet classy aesthetic. The gauge cluster offers a concise readout of essential information, presented in high-contrast colors that feel both classy and sporty, perfectly in line with Porsche’s vision.
Let’s face it: I’m all for a bit of whimsy, whether in life or car design. However, turning the cabin into a circus of digital decorations while neglecting solid physical design misses the mark entirely. It’s not elegant; it’s distracting.
What I long for is a return to driver displays that capture the essence of movement and depth. But my time with the Taycan has reignited my hope that digital interfaces can feel both intentional and engaging—achieving a balance that navigates the line between innovation and distraction. In a world where driving can sometimes feel disconnected, the Taycan reminds us that the experience can be genuinely enjoyable, with design that resonates on a personal level.
