Porsche Stands Firm Against Fake Gear Shifts in EVs: “Why Make Something Worse?”
While Hyundai has embraced simulated gear shifting in its electric vehicles, Porsche has made it clear: it won’t be following suit. The German automaker believes that electric motors are inherently superior to internal combustion engines (ICE), and adding artificial gear changes only diminishes the driving experience rather than enhancing it.
If you were hoping your next electric Porsche might come with simulated shifting like Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N, here’s some bad news. Porsche did explore the idea but ultimately dismissed it as a gimmick that made the EV feel “worse” instead of better.
“We drove the Hyundai [Ioniq 5] N and considered it. Of course, there are always people who think it’s a great idea,” said Porsche development driver Lars Kern in an interview with Australian media outlet Drive. “But we came to the conclusion that it’s not what we are looking for.”
Hyundai introduced its N e-Shift feature, designed to mimic the feel of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission—despite the fact that EVs don’t actually require one. By using the car’s speakers and regenerative braking, the system replicates the sounds and sensations of a combustion engine. While some enthusiasts appreciate the added engagement, Porsche remains unconvinced.
“Clearly, we look at what the competition does, but our perspective is always: why should we make something worse?” Kern continued. “When it comes to power delivery, the electric motor is far better than an ICE. So why try to imitate something from the past?”
Porsche’s stance is simple: it still builds combustion engines, so it sees no reason to fake one in its EVs. This isn’t the first time the automaker has gone against industry trends either. Recently, Porsche also refused to follow the growing trend of oversized touchscreen displays dominating dashboards, favoring a more driver-focused cockpit instead.
Of course, the future is unpredictable. If Porsche ever builds its final combustion engine, it may seek ways to bring back the nostalgic elements of traditional driving. But for now, the brand is sticking to what it does best—delivering a pure, unfiltered driving experience. So, is Kern right? Or should Porsche let its customers decide?