Porsche revealed the interior of its upcoming electric Cayenne on September 30, 2025, and I’m experiencing the kind of cognitive dissonance that only comes from loving something I fundamentally disagree with. The cabin features what the company calls the largest continuous digital surface in any Porsche to date. Translation: screens everywhere. As someone who prefers minimal dashboard clutter, I should hate this. But Porsche’s execution here is genuinely impressive, even if it represents everything wrong with modern automotive design philosophy.

Designer: Porsche

Let me be clear about my bias upfront. After reviewing vehicles for over a decade, I’ve developed a strong preference for physical controls. Give me a rotary dial for volume, actual buttons for climate control, and a small display for Apple CarPlay. That’s all I need. Everything else just creates more opportunities for distraction and frustration. The industry’s obsession with touchscreens has turned dashboards into iPad showrooms, and I’m tired of it. But then Porsche goes and creates something like this.

Three Layers of Interaction

Porsche’s approach to the Cayenne Electric interior centers on what I’d describe as three distinct interaction layers. First, there’s the glance layer: a 14.25-inch curved OLED instrument cluster that bends horizontally to favor the driver’s sightline, paired with an optional augmented-reality head-up display. This is information you consume without touching anything.

Second is the touch layer, anchored by what Porsche calls the Flow Display. This is where the interface design gets genuinely interesting, and where my skepticism starts to crack.

Third is the tactile layer: physical buttons for key functions that you use most frequently while driving. Temperature, fan speed, volume. The stuff that should never require diving through touchscreen menus when you’re moving at highway speeds.

This three-layer framework represents Porsche trying to reconcile driver focus with customer demand for integrated entertainment. Rather than creating a single wall of glass like some competitors, the brand is using curvature, AR guidance, and selective hard controls to maintain some connection to traditional cockpit ergonomics.

The Flow Display

Porsche’s Flow Display is the center of the Cayenne Electric’s interior story. It’s a curved OLED that drops from the dashboard toward the console, so your wrist meets the glass at a natural angle rather than an upright plane. The curve is functional for reach and for stabilizing taps on the lower interface zones. Directly ahead, the 14.25-inch curved OLED cluster bends along a different axis to favor the driver’s sightline, which keeps EV power, navigation, and assistance info legible at a glance.

Together they make the largest continuous digital surface Porsche has put in a production cabin, but the company still leaves physical buttons for key functions to reduce menu diving in motion. Five predefined color schemes can be applied across the cluster, Flow Display, and passenger screen through a Themes App, turning the software layer into part of the cabin’s material palette.

I’ve seen plenty of curved displays in vehicles over the years, from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class to the Cadillac Escalade. Most feel gimmicky, like the design team added curves just because they could. The Flow Display’s vertical curve actually serves a purpose. After years of stretching to tap screens in various test vehicles, I appreciate the thought behind meeting my fingers at a more comfortable angle. It’s a subtle detail, but one that suggests actual human factors testing rather than pure aesthetics.

The Themes App detail is worth noting because it shows Porsche treating digital surfaces as coordinated design elements rather than isolated screens. You’re not just picking a wallpaper. You’re establishing a visual language across the entire dashboard that integrates with your interior trim choices. For a brand that obsesses over material quality and color matching, this makes more sense than I’d like to admit.

When Two Screens Aren’t Enough

An optional 14.9-inch passenger display lets the right seat control media, apps, and navigation features, with video playback allowed while driving. Porsche says the setup avoids distracting the driver, and several reports add that a polarized layer limits visibility from the driver’s angle. Keep it for road trips and copilots who actually manage routes, otherwise it risks duplicating what phones already do better.

My personal preference would be to use my phone for entertainment content. It’s already configured with my accounts, my preferences, my content libraries. Why do I need a separate infotainment ecosystem that inevitably provides a worse user experience? But I recognize that many people want more integration, more seamless connectivity between their vehicle and their digital life. That’s the market speaking, and manufacturers are listening.

The augmented-reality head-up display projects guidance and speed into the driver’s forward view with an effective size of 8.7 inches. Use it if you like arrows on the road ahead. If you don’t, the curved cluster is already doing the glance work. I’ve used HUDs in countless vehicles, and my opinion on them remains unchanged. Some people swear by them. I find them distracting and unnecessary, one more piece of visual information competing for attention when you should be watching the road.

The Screen Debate

Stephan Durach, BMW’s Senior Vice President for UI/UX Development, recently told BMW Blog that passenger screens are in high demand, especially in larger vehicles. “People are asking for that,” he explained. “People say, ‘I want to have a dedicated screen for consuming content.’ There is room. So, you can think about that.”

I understand the appeal from a product planning perspective. American buyers love options and choices. If some customers want passenger entertainment systems, why not offer them? The counterargument is that just because people ask for something doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. We’re increasingly treating vehicles like mobile living rooms, with every occupant consuming their own content through their own screen. At some point, we’ve lost the plot on what cars are actually for.

What Porsche Isn’t Saying Yet

The interior recently revealed focused on the digital interface rather than full performance specifications. Porsche hasn’t disclosed final power output, acceleration figures, or detailed battery specifications in this announcement. Those details will presumably arrive with the world premiere at the end of 2025.

What we do know is that Porsche will offer an 11-kW wireless charging pad, launching first in Europe in 2026 before expanding to other markets. I’ve tested wireless charging systems in a few vehicles, and while the convenience factor is undeniable, the efficiency loss compared to wired charging makes me question the value proposition. You’re paying more for the privilege of slower, less efficient charging, though the 11-kW capability is reasonably competitive for inductive systems.

Standard air suspension comes on all models, with optional rear-wheel steering that reduces the turning circle. That’s genuinely useful in a vehicle this size, making parking lot maneuvering significantly easier. The Active Ride system from the Panamera and Taycan will also be available, providing impressive body control and ride comfort.

The Electric Cayenne in Context

Porsche’s commitment to keeping the combustion-powered Cayenne well into the next decade reveals something important about EV adoption. The market isn’t progressing as quickly as manufacturers hoped a few years ago. Rather than forcing a full electric transition, Porsche is hedging its bets by offering both powertrains simultaneously. The same strategy applies to the Macan, where the electric version will coexist with a new gasoline-powered model arriving in 2028.

This pragmatic approach makes sense given current market realities. Some buyers want electric. Many don’t, at least not yet. Offering both options maximizes potential sales while giving the charging infrastructure more time to mature. The Cayenne Electric represents Porsche’s best effort at making EVs appealing to luxury SUV buyers who might otherwise stick with traditional engines.

As for the interior’s screen situation, it’s simultaneously the most impressive and most excessive I’ve seen from Porsche. The execution is genuinely impressive, with thoughtful ergonomics and quality OLED displays. The three-layer interaction model shows more restraint than a pure touchscreen approach, and the Flow Display’s vertical curve actually solves reach and tap accuracy problems rather than just looking different.

But I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve collectively normalized maximum complexity when minimum would serve most people better. Porsche is doing this well because customers are demanding integrated entertainment and the brand is responding with curvature, selective physical controls, and coordinated design language. That doesn’t mean it’s the right direction, just that it’s the direction the market is pushing everyone.

The world premiere happens at the end of 2025, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. Porsche hasn’t announced pricing yet, but expect a significant premium over the gasoline model. You’re paying for advanced electric powertrain technology, the largest continuous digital surface in any Porsche, and apparently, enough screens to satisfy the most demanding copilots.

The post The Porsche Cayenne Electric Wants You to Forget Physical Buttons Exist first appeared on Yanko Design.

When Porsche partnered with Almond Surfboards to create a limited-edition surfboard collection, it was an inspired fusion of German engineering and California surf culture. This collaboration merges precision design and a laid-back lifestyle in a collection that balances craftsmanship with bold, iconic aesthetics.

Designers: Porsche + Almond collection

Each board is hand-shaped in Costa Mesa, California, and showcases the iconic Porsche 911 colors from the 1960s: Bahama Yellow, Irish Green, and Polo Red. These bold, classic hues evoke the timeless appeal of Porsche’s storied motorsport past. Additionally, the Pink Pig livery, famously featured on the 917/20 at Le Mans, injects a sense of playful rebellion, bridging a connection between race tracks and ocean waves.

The attention to detail extends beyond color. Each board is meticulously numbered with 63, paying homage to the debut year of the first Porsche 911. These boards are designed for peak performance, crafted to carve through waves with the same finesse that a Porsche car cuts through corners.

Iconic Liveries: A Visual Legacy

Porsche’s racing liveries have left an indelible mark on motorsport culture. The Pink Pig livery, first introduced at Le Mans in 1971, caused a sensation with its butcher-style markings, a nod to fun and boldness in racing design. While it didn’t take first place, the livery remains unforgettable. Porsche’s knack for creating visual identities that speak beyond speed is part of what makes its designs iconic.

Other liveries, such as Gulf Racing and Martini Racing, tell their own stories of endurance and triumph on tracks like Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship. These designs represent Porsche’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence, and now, those same livery styles are reflected in the surfboard collection—offering Porsche fans a chance to connect with the brand in an entirely new way.

Numbers That Matter: The Significance of 63

The number 63 carries deep significance for Porsche, symbolizing the birth of the 911 in 1963. This number isn’t merely a historical reference—it reflects Porsche’s enduring philosophy of design and innovation. On the surfboards, the 63 serves as a reminder of Porsche’s legacy and how that spirit has been translated into everything from cars to lifestyle products.

Personally, the number 911 has long been significant in my life. Over a decade ago, I managed to score a mobile phone number that starts with 917 and ends with 911—a perfect numerical tribute to one of Porsche’s most famous models. Every time I give out my number or see it on my business card, it feels like a small but meaningful connection to Porsche’s history.

Crafting the Boards: Surf Meets Precision Engineering

The shaping process of the surfboards in the Porsche x Almond collection mirrors the craftsmanship seen in Porsche’s cars. Each board is shaped from polyurethane foam, reinforced with basswood stringers, and wrapped in fiberglass cloth. The combination of these materials delivers durability, performance, and aesthetic beauty. Just like Porsche’s vehicles, each board is crafted with purpose, delivering on form and function.

Almond’s influence is felt deeply here, as their approach to surfboard crafting draws on the traditions of California surf culture. Known for their hand-shaped boards and commitment to craftsmanship, Almond brings a design ethos rooted in authenticity, simplicity, and a connection to the ocean. This influence transforms the boards into more than sporting equipment—they represent a lifestyle. Almond’s surf culture emphasizes longevity and timeless style, blending seamlessly with Porsche’s commitment to performance and precision.

The hand-foiled fiberglass fins are a nod to Porsche’s engineering precision. Crafted from 36 layers of fiberglass, these fins reflect a focus on fine detail, much like the assembly of a high-performance car engine. The inclusion of custom wooden wall brackets for display reminds us that these surfboards, much like Porsche’s vehicles, are as much art as they are machines for performance.

A Personal Connection: Pikes Peak and Porsche’s Racing Spirit

In 2016, I was fortunate to experience firsthand Porsche’s racing heritage on a drive I’ll never forget. While scaling Pikes Peak in a Macan GTS, wrapped in liveries designed to reflect Porsche’s racing history, I had the surreal honor of seeing my own name emblazoned on the car. This wasn’t just a typical drive—it was a full immersion into Porsche’s racing spirit, taking me from Pikes Peak to Mount Evans, a journey that pushed the Macan GTS and my own driving skills to their limits.

The livery on the Macan GTS was designed to reflect Porsche’s legacy at Pikes Peak. It’s a vivid reminder of how Porsche integrates its heritage into every aspect of its modern vehicles, creating a sense of continuity between the brand’s past, present, and future. Porsche’s emphasis on precision, balance, and driver engagement could be felt in every twist and turn of the climb.

Surfboards as Lifestyle: Porsche’s Expanding Design Language

What makes the Porsche x Almond surfboards special is how they expand Porsche’s design language beyond the road. These boards are an extension of Porsche’s identity. The Bahama Yellow, Irish Green, and Polo Red colors signify past 911 models and represent Porsche’s ability to merge motorsport heritage with contemporary design aesthetics.

Almond’s surf culture influences the design of these boards by bringing a sense of authenticity, simplicity, and connection to nature. The boards are shaped by hand, emphasizing craftsmanship, just as Porsche’s vehicles are assembled with precision. This collaboration showcases how Porsche’s design philosophy can transcend its automotive roots and enter new realms, like surfing, while staying true to the brand’s core values.

Porsche’s visual identity has always been about creating a lasting impression, from racing stripes to the Pink Pig motif. The Porsche x Almond collection is the next step in that journey, extending the brand’s influence from the race track to the waves of California.

The post Design Meets Culture: The Porsche x Almond Surfboard Collection first appeared on Yanko Design.

A car is simply a room on wheels, right? Or that’s what the oversimplified definition of a car is… by that very standard, all car companies might as well be architecture firms; and it seems like Porsche may be taking that theory rather seriously. The automotive marque has unveiled plans for a residential building in Bangkok, its first in Asia, following previous ventures in Miami, USA and Stuttgart, Germany. This new development is a collaborative effort between Porsche Design (carmaker’s luxury goods sub-brand) and Ananda Development, with the aim of creating an ultra-luxury living experience in the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital. Standing 95 meters tall, the 21-story tower is set to feature 22 exclusive duplex and quadplex apartments, each promising to embody the essence of Porsche’s design philosophy.

Designer: Porsche Design

The tower’s design is as striking as one would expect from a brand synonymous with cutting-edge automotive design. The building’s facade is sleek and modern, with a spiral ramp at its center, reminiscent of the winding roads often navigated by Porsche’s high-performance vehicles. This ramp not only serves as a striking architectural feature but also leads to communal garages within the building, which Porsche has aptly named “passion spaces.” These garages are designed to be more than just parking spaces; they are envisioned as social hubs where residents can display their car collections and interact with fellow automobile enthusiasts.

You wouldn’t expect a company like Porsche to simply build a residential complex without flexing a bit of innovation and engineering, right? Well, arguably one of the most innovative features of the Porsche Design Tower Bangkok is its fully automated terrace door system. This system is inspired by the retractable roof mechanism of the Porsche 911 Targa and allows for a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. The doors fold and hinge open from the top, creating an expansive terrace space that effortlessly extends the living area of each apartment. This feature is not only a nod to Porsche’s heritage but also a practical solution for enhancing the living experience in a tropical climate.

In addition to the unique architectural and design elements, the tower will also offer a range of luxurious amenities. Residents will have access to a 25-meter swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa, and both social and business lounges. These amenities are designed to cater to the lifestyle needs of Porsche’s discerning clientele, providing them with spaces to relax, socialize, and conduct business without ever having to leave the building.

The Porsche Design Tower Bangkok is set to break ground in early 2025, with completion expected by the end of 2028. This project is part of a growing trend among luxury car brands to expand their influence into the real estate market, offering their customers not just a product, but a complete lifestyle experience. It does fall in line with an overall trend to move away from just mobility and focus on different aspects of life too, like with Tesla and its Powerwall, solar-panel roof tiles, etc.

The post Porsche is Building its First Residential Tower in Bangkok with 22 Luxury Duplex Apartments first appeared on Yanko Design.

LEGO Technic has displayed its profound affinity for performance cars in the past month or so. The latest to rise in their famed list is the LEGO Porsche GT4 which exists because of a special cause. It’s a part of the Porsche 4Kids program which aims to allow young car enthusiasts to get up close and personal with the new all-electric GT4 e-Performance. This will be done through the Porsche 4Kids holiday program held from July 30 to August 18 at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart.

Surprisingly the LEGO supercar is not a part of the Ultimate Car Concept Series that has similar LEGO sets like the McLaren P1 and Mercedes-Benz G Wagon. Unlike other Technic models, this one is not up for grabs and can only be tested out in real-time at the museum. Also, mark your calendars on 6 August for the special event hosted by Porsche GT4 e-developer Björn Förster and Lego designers Ann Karring and Aurelien Rouffiange.

Designer: LEGO and Porsche

As Jenny Simchen from the Porsche 4Kids programme at the museum explained, “We give the kids the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Porsche and Lego, test the GT4 e-Performance as Lego racing drivers, and play an active role themselves.” The kids and adults can interact with the remote-controlled performance Porsche and other Technic models to learn more about Porsche’s tech innovation.

So far there are no details about the brick count of this exclusive set, the scale version (we assume it’ll be a 1:8 model), or the overall dimensions. LEGO Technic and Porsche have kept the surprise element for this one till the set is explored by eager kids at the museum. The only thing known is that tickets for the special event can be booked online and priced at $30.

The post LEGO Technic recreates scaled Porsche GT4 e-Performance to inspire young motorheads first appeared on Yanko Design.