Mercedes Redefines Luxury: Big Screens Are Not the Future

SAUDI ARABIA : Mercedes challenges the modern trend of oversized screens in car interiors, stating that true luxury lies in craftsmanship and detail, not just digital displays.

• Mercedes' design chief, Gorden Wagener, admits large screens do not define luxury.
• The brand plans to focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Despite this stance, Mercedes will continue to use its Hyperscreen in future models.
• The upcoming S-Class facelift in 2026 will feature large displays but with a refined luxury approach.

Mercedes Questions the Role of Screens in Luxury Cars

In recent years, automakers have been engaged in a competition to install the largest possible screens in their vehicles, believing that digital advancements enhance the luxury appeal. Mercedes, one of the pioneers of this trend with its massive 56-inch Hyperscreen in models like the EQS, has now taken a step back to reassess the role of screens in luxury vehicles.

Gorden Wagener, Mercedes' design chief, has openly stated that large displays do not equate to true luxury. His comments highlight a shift in thinking, suggesting that craftsmanship, complexity, and attention to fine details are more crucial in defining a premium experience.

The Rise of Oversized Screens

• In recent years, car interiors have seen a shift towards larger digital interfaces.
• Luxury brands, including Mercedes, have integrated massive screens, such as the Hyperscreen, across their high-end models.
• While some consumers appreciate the high-tech aesthetic, others find it distracting and less elegant than traditional craftsmanship.
• Mercedes’ recent statement reflects an awareness that the luxury car market may need a balance between digital innovation and classic refinement.

Mercedes' Vision for Future Luxury

Wagener’s remarks indicate a strategic shift in Mercedes’ design philosophy. While digital screens will remain a part of future models, they will no longer be the sole focus. Instead, the brand aims to enhance its vehicles with superior materials, intricate craftsmanship, and an overall refined interior experience.

Luxury, according to Mercedes, should extend beyond touchscreen functionality. Elements like hand-stitched leather, elegant wood finishes, and sophisticated lighting will take precedence, ensuring that the brand’s identity remains unique in an increasingly digital-driven industry.

What’s Next for Mercedes?

Despite the criticism of oversized screens, Mercedes is not abandoning them entirely. The automaker confirmed that its Hyperscreen technology will be featured in upcoming models, including the highly anticipated S-Class facelift set to launch in 2026. The challenge now is to integrate these digital features in a way that does not overshadow the essence of true automotive luxury.

Mercedes’ new approach suggests that while technology is essential, it must be balanced with timeless design principles. The future of luxury vehicles will likely combine digital advancements with traditional elegance, ensuring that innovation does not come at the expense of sophistication.

As the brand refines its philosophy, car enthusiasts can expect a more harmonious blend of technology and craftsmanship in the next generation of Mercedes models.