Maserati is taking a different path with its car interiors by placing touchscreen displays lower on the dashboard. This design choice aims to reduce distractions and help drivers keep their eyes on the road, rather than on constantly visible screens.
Balancing Technology and Driver Attention
Klaus Busse, Maserati’s head of design, confirmed that the brand is not rejecting modern technology. Cars today require digital displays for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle controls. Without screens, interiors would need many physical buttons, which could clutter the cabin.
Instead of placing screens in the driver’s direct line of sight, Maserati puts them below the air vents. This position allows easy reach but keeps the displays out of the driver’s main field of view. Busse pointed out that screens mounted at the top of the dashboard tend to catch the driver’s peripheral vision with images, animations, or brightness changes, leading to unintended distractions.
Maintaining Focus and Simplifying Driving
The main goal is to encourage drivers to look ahead and keep their hands on the wheel. Maserati wants the digital systems to be used only when necessary, making the driving experience simpler and more focused. This approach is a clear shift from Alfa Romeo, a sister brand within the Stellantis group, which tends to place displays higher on the dashboard.
Busse also mentioned a new predictive feature related to the shift paddles. When the car detects a slow maneuver like a multi-point turn, it can suggest a mode that lets drivers switch between forward and reverse using the paddles. This removes the need to reach for the gear selector repeatedly and helps keep attention on driving.
Future Interiors Will Blend Screens with Maserati’s Style
Maserati’s upcoming models will still use screens and software, but these will be integrated more subtly. The brand aims to keep digital technology supportive rather than distracting. This fits Maserati’s focus on the emotional feel of the cabin, high-quality materials, and a driving experience centered on the road ahead.
This design direction underlines Maserati’s efforts to stand apart within the Stellantis group, offering a unique balance between technology and tradition.
Source: clubalfa.it