Passenger-Side Infotainment Screens in Cars: Weighing the Pros and Cons

In the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, features like triple-screen dashboards are becoming a hallmark of premium models. Mahindra Electric has led the charge with its integrated setups—combining the instrument cluster, central infotainment, and a dedicated passenger-side screen—offering tailored experiences for co-pilots in the Mahindra XEV 9e. Tata Motors has followed closely, incorporating similar tech in the new Sierra to enhance cabin interactivity. While these screens promise to elevate long drives, they spark debate on necessity versus novelty. Below, we break down the key pros and cons based on industry insights and user feedback.

The Pros: Enhanced Engagement and Convenience

Passenger-side screens can transform mundane journeys into engaging escapades, particularly in family-oriented EVs like those from Mahindra and Tata.

• Personalized Entertainment: Riders can stream movies, browse maps, or control climate settings without interrupting the driver, ideal for kids on road trips. Built-in systems reduce reliance on personal devices, minimizing clutter and battery drain.
• Improved Safety Through Distraction Management: By keeping passengers occupied with dedicated interfaces, these screens can indirectly boost road safety—fewer backseat demands mean a more focused driver.
• Seamless Integration and Features: In models like the Tata Sierra, the screen syncs with the vehicle's ecosystem for real-time navigation or vehicle stats, adding value through wireless connectivity and voice commands.
• Luxury Appeal for Long Hauls: For premium EVs, this setup elevates the cabin to lounge-like status, appealing to buyers seeking tech-forward comfort in traffic-heavy India.

The Cons: Distractions, Costs, and Practicality Concerns

Despite the allure, passenger screens aren't without drawbacks, often viewed as overkill that complicates rather than simplifies the driving experience.

• Potential Driver Distraction: Extra displays can pull attention away from the road, with studies noting increased mental load from touchscreen interfaces—requiring more precision and glances than physical buttons. When a passenger streams movies or web series while on drive causes dangerous distractions.
• Unnecessary Gimmick and Added Costs: Many users deem them "useless," adding to vehicle prices without essential utility. Delivery processes become cumbersome as buyers navigate unfamiliar tech.
• Aesthetic and Usability Issues: Replacing tactile controls with flat screens can feel impersonal and error-prone, especially in bumpy rides. Critics argue it prioritizes flashy marketing over functional design.
• Reliability and Maintenance: More screens mean higher chances of glitches, like gesture control failures, leading to frustration and repair costs in models from emerging markets.

Balancing Innovation with Practicality

As Mahindra and Tata push boundaries in India's EV space, passenger-side screens represent a bold bet on immersive cabins. They shine in entertainment and convenience but falter on essentials like safety and affordability. For buyers, the choice boils down to lifestyle—tech enthusiasts may embrace them, while purists might prefer simpler setups. With EV adoption rising, expect refinements to address these cons in future iterations.