Profit margin is almost always the reason for cost cutting, that much is obvious. My criticism is that Audi wasn’t smart about it this time. The ICE Q3 isn’t any better, and represents a step down from the previous generation. Audi needs to get smarter about where they place their nasty plastics or otherwise go for a more simplistic interior. I think they’re wasting money on these complex interior shapes and not spending what meager budget they have on materials.

 

I totally agree

 

agreed. in reading your post i imagined a meeting at vw/audi where there was agreement "well if tesla can get away with shoddily built, cheap and nasty interiors, why can't we?"

 

Tesla can get away with less fancy interiors and over simplistic cabins because that's how they built the company and expectations. Audi built it's reputation around luxury flagships

 

Cute, but the reality is, Tesla's minimalist interiors are by design. They are not trying to be like other cars. A lot of people don't like this design; I get it. Tesla is a leader, a disrupter, not a follower. These cars are different.
Will it work? So far, so good. I happen to like the tablet/voice control interface. Others, not so much.
All good.

 

I have to agree. The hard plastics on top of the rear doors is something I expected from an economy car.

 

all good indeed... the minimalist design is intentional and also to simplify manufacturing and lower cost as much as possible.

i'm actually pleased with what tesla did with the model 3 / y interior refresh, lots of thoughtful touches and better materials.

still don't like the single center screen, but like anything i could get used to it. reminds me of a prius i test drove years ago. hated that center gauge too.

 

In addition, the tablet interface allows for new functionality, much of what is via OTA updates. Buttons and dials have limited options in that they are mechanical. In the digital world, options abound.
Try, "my butt is cold" on a dial. Ha!