Porsche Keeps Ignition Keys and Buttons in the Electric Era
While many automakers are removing physical interfaces in favor of all-digital solutions, Porsche is making the opposite choice. The German brand confirms that its electric vehicles, including the upcoming 2026 Electric Cayenne, will retain a traditional start button and physical keys.
A Preserved Porsche Tradition
Dirk Assfalg, Cayenne’s electronics manager, clearly stated that all Porsche models, regardless of their powertrain, will keep a start button located to the left of the steering column. This specific position is part of the brand’s DNA and will not disappear, even in a fully electrified future.
The Technological Paradox
Jonas Bierschneider, Porsche’s technology spokesperson, acknowledges however that there is “no technical need” for this start button in the Electric Cayenne. The vehicle functions perfectly with modern technologies: automatic unlocking when the driver approaches, immediate startup, and automatic shutdown when moving away.
Customer Demand
Calvin Kim, another Porsche spokesperson, explains this decision through the specific expectations of the brand’s clientele. “There are still Porsche customers who want us to have a key. They want a physical key.” This preference for tactile and concrete elements is observed even among some buyers who, in 2025, still request traditional metal keys.
Practical Operation of the Electric Cayenne
The Electric Cayenne thus combines tradition and modernity. The vehicle offers fully automatic operation comparable to Tesla and Rivian: unlocking upon approach, automatic activation, startup when the brake pedal is pressed. But it retains this physical interface so dear to purists.
A Preserved Identity
This decision aligns with Porsche’s overall philosophy of modernizing its vehicles without sacrificing the elements that make up its identity. While other manufacturers opt for the pure and simple removal of physical interfaces, Porsche chooses continuity, considering these elements as integral to the brand’s driving experience.
The Future of Automotive Interfaces
Porsche’s positioning raises interesting questions about the evolution of interfaces in automobiles. Should everything be digitized in the name of technical progress, or should certain physical elements be preserved to maintain a familiar user experience? Porsche has clearly chosen its side, favoring continuity and satisfying its loyal customers rather than complete disruption.