This car is going to make MyFordTouch v.1.0 look as simple and reliable as a claw hammer. I see that they have managed to put some actual miles on it, however. Maybe it has a GPS-based odometer that registers even when it's being flatbedded.
What this shows is it is apparently easier to design and build an electric car than it is to design and build a fully digital infotainment and hvac and whatever else control system. And I still think the giant hunk of flat dash that is required for the big touch screen doesn't look very good. It is a shame that Tesla didn't learn from Ford's attempts or have the Cue system to also learn from. For a fraction of the money they probably could have had an aftermarket company customize the appearance and some functions of one of their head units with a decently large custom screen and had regular controls for the other systems below it. I wonder what it would have cost to do a ipad there and have someone write some killer apps for it
I'd strongly recommend that people sit in one of these and play with the 17" touchscreen before passing judgement. Yes, especially given that they have numerous apps, the ctrl-alt-del equivalent is needed. However, it is unbelievably better designed than any other automotive interface I've dealt with previously. Simple, intuitive and pretty complete.
Software upgrades have been good as well (just received one to allow timed charging and improve accuracy of the range indicators).
I agree it is an excellent system, but I still don't think it belongs in a car. COMAND in my old S550 was much easier to use while driving and a lot less distracting. The giant touchscreen is one of the few things I would change about my Mode
Anyone who recommends an iPad in the car does not understand the requirements for automotive displays. They must be able to handle extreme temperatures and also last for at least 10 years. Your iPad would not work after sitting in the sun for a few hours (you would likely get a temperature warning). Imagine getting in your car after a hot day and seeing a temperature warning telling you to wait until it cools down.
I don't think Tesla (or any manufacturer for that matter) has made a touchscreen interface that is good enough to give them license to include snarky comments at the bottom of their crash screens. A simple "Sorry for the inconvenience" would be more appropriate.
Comments
Software upgrades have been good as well (just received one to allow timed charging and improve accuracy of the range indicators).
I agree it is an excellent system, but I still don't think it belongs in a car. COMAND in my old S550 was much easier to use while driving and a lot less distracting. The giant touchscreen is one of the few things I would change about my Mode
--- Okay, then an industrial strength iPad... the pad itself not being the key item here, but the operating system.