The slow comeback of simpler cars

The slow comeback of simpler cars centers on a growing debate over dashboard screens and infotainment. The article argues that automakers have increasingly used “class-leading” screen size as a selling point, even though some functions, such as song information and basic navigation prompts, do not benefit proportionally from larger displays. It questions whether reading lyrics like “Party in the USA — Miley Cyrus” is meaningfully improved on a 12.3-inch screen versus an 8-inch one, highlighting that bigger displays can be more distracting. The piece contrasts modern “screen-first” interiors with examples from luxury brands that avoid a central infotainment screen, including the Bugatti Tourbillon, Morgan Supersport, and hidden or concealed touchscreens from Rolls-Royce and Bentley. It cites mechanical instrument clusters, small deployable screens for backup camera use, and minimal digital gauge setups as alternatives.