While many in the automotive world still sigh with nostalgia for physical buttons, Mazda decided to make a bold turn and embrace the digital future. The Japanese manufacturer, which until recently was among the most conservative in terms of interior ergonomics, today claims something unexpected: huge screens not only do not interfere, but actually improve the experience behind the wheel. The proof? The new CX-6e crossover, which greets the driver with an impressive 26-inch display.
According to Autoblog, the brand's philosophy is no longer about flooding us with meaningless information, but about flexibility. Mazda Motor Europe Design Director Joe Stanevitt explains that the large area allows data to be presented more clearly and neatly, rather than being crammed into small, hard-to-read scales. The idea is simple – the cleaner and more expansive the display, the less distracting it is when trying to read the navigation or speedometer.
In the CX-6e, the traditional instrument cluster has been practically consigned to history, replaced by a giant head-up display that projects everything important directly onto the windscreen. Stanevitt is adamant: this is key to safety, because the driver’s eyes remain fixed on the road, not the steering wheel. What’s more – the screen now extends all the way to the passenger, transforming them from a mere companion into an active participant in the journey.
While the industry is still debating whether touch controls are better than classic keys, Mazda is gradually saying goodbye to physical buttons. And unlike other manufacturers who do this to save production costs, the Japanese claim that they are doing it for the sake of a better concept. The goal is to reduce the time in which the gaze is not directed at the canvas to an absolute minimum through intuitive and large interfaces.
Of course, the risk of excessive customization and confusing menus remains, but Mazda is betting on intelligent design. Future models of the brand promise even fewer analog elements and even more pixels. It seems that the era of minimalist Japanese dashboards is officially over, giving way to large-scale digital horizons that promise to make driving more focused and modern.