"$160,000 Vehicle, Just So You Know": Woman Purchases a Porsche, Then Critiques Its ‘Male-Centric Design’
The Porsche Taycan 4S has garnered acclaim as one of the most refined electric performance vehicles available today.
Experts frequently commend its precise steering, stable handling, and driving characteristics that closely resemble those of conventional sports cars, setting it apart from many other electric vehicles. Additionally, drivers often highlight its striking exterior, characterized by a low and broad stance along with design elements that unmistakably align it with Porsche's esteemed lineup.
As an all-electric sedan that occupies a space between the base Taycan model and its more powerful variants, the Taycan 4S successfully merges speed, luxury, and practical everyday usability. Depending on its configuration, the price can easily ascend into six figures, especially when various options are included.
Despite its luxurious features, one passenger pointed out a seemingly trivial interior aspect that raised her eyebrows, particularly in light of the car's hefty price tag.
What’s the Issue with the New Porsche?
TikTok influencer May (@maylin.dud) posted a video that brought attention to what she perceives as an irritating design flaw in the Taycan 4S. The video, which has amassed over 3.7 million views, begins with her showcasing the elegant interior before pausing at the sun visor.
She lowers the visor and opens the vanity mirror, allowing the camera to focus on the reflective surface, which occupies only a small segment of the visor. Accompanying the clip is the text overlay: "$160,000 car, by the way."
In her caption, she questions, "Designed by a man; why is the mirror so small?"
Indeed, the Taycan 4S was designed under the guidance of a male designer; Michael Mauer, Porsche’s long-standing chief designer, has been instrumental in shaping not only the Taycan line but much of the brand's contemporary design ethos.
Commenters Weigh In More on Cost Than the Mirror Size
In the comment section, a significant number of viewers shifted their focus away from the mirror to the question of whether the car genuinely justifies its hefty price tag.
"That interior doesn’t look anywhere near $160,000 worth," one commenter remarked.
Another user bluntly asked: "Is the $160,000 in the room with us?"
Several commenters speculated on how consumers end up spending such amounts initially. One individual noted, "People saying it’s only $80,000 are forgetting she pays $250 a month for 640 months," implying the cost of financing. (It's likely they didn't mean 640 months, as that would equate to over 53 years of payments.)
Others defended Porsche’s design decisions, asserting, "It’s a Porsche, not a makeup station," emphasizing the brand’s commitment to performance over cosmetic functions.
Some owners offered creative solutions. "Yes, my husband has a Taycan, and I had to add a full-size mirror on my side," one shared, providing a glimpse of real-life adjustments made by users.
Is the Mirror Truly Smaller Than Average?
For those accustomed to mainstream sedans, the vanity mirror in the Taycan does indeed appear distinctively small.
Reports from owners indicate that the Taycan 4S vanity mirror measures approximately 10 centimeters by 4 centimeters, or around 3.9 by 1.6 inches. Porsche opts for a sleek and minimalistic approach, aligning with its overall clean interior design philosophy.
In contrast, a standard sedan like the Toyota Camry typically boasts a vanity mirror that ranges from 6.5 to 7 inches in width and about 4 to 5 inches in height when fully extended. This additional area significantly aids in tasks such as applying makeup or checking for food remnants in one’s teeth.
While this design choice aligns with Porsche’s streamlined aesthetic, it also highlights the varying experiences associated with design based on the user's perspective and needs.
Motor1 has reached out to both Porsche and May via email for further insights and official comments. We will update this article should we receive any responses.
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