2026 - Driver Awareness Detection feedback from US owners requested

[SergeyIndy]

2026 models now have this infrared camera behind the wheel. I would like to get some feedback from US owners if this can be turned off permanently (assume not), how it works in real life, and if anyone finds it overly annoying. I am all for this technology as our 2026 model on order will be for our son where we want max assistance systems but still wanted to ask opinions. I have spoken to several owners of 2026 models of other brands and they find this tech impossible to deal with as it does not allow for the driver to move focus to the center screen for radio tuning or enjoy looking around on a scenic drive. The driver must be looking forward at all times.

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[MMR]

It rarely interferes

 

[jergans]

2026 models now have this infrared camera behind the wheel. I would like to get some feedback from US owners if this can be turned off permanently (assume not), how it works in real life, and if anyone finds it overly annoying. I am all for this technology as our 2026 model on order will be for our son where we want max assistance systems but still wanted to ask opinions. I have spoken to several owners of 2026 models of other brands and they find this tech impossible to deal with as it does not allow for the driver to move focus to the center screen for radio tuning or enjoy looking around on a scenic drive. The driver must be looking forward at all times.

This is on 2025 models too. It can be adjusted.

 

[SergeyIndy]

@jergans thank you so much for sharing this and good to know that sensitivity can be adjusted. I guess I only noted that extra camera behind the wheel on a 2026 and not a 2025. My ask is a little bit beyond the settings to learn from current owners if they find it annoying or actually distracting when it gets involved on a drive around town or highway.

 

[MMR]

Yes it was a new addition to MY26
It’s never interfered with my driving

 

[jergans]

@jergans thank you so much for sharing this and good to know that sensitivity can be adjusted. I guess I only noted that extra camera behind the wheel on a 2026 and not a 2025. My ask is a little bit beyond the settings to learn from current owners if they find it annoying or actually distracting when it gets involved on a drive around town or highway.

It’s popped up one time. I almost think it’s not effective enough for what it’s trying to do.

 

[Wivenhoe]

I had a detection camera on my Lexus RZ - drove me nuts. It couldn’t be made less sensitive nor turned off. I glanced in a mirror and it went off, looked through a side window at a junction, it went off. In all honesty it was a distraction in itself.

Really glad to see Porsche are doing what they can to stay within the regulations but give the driver a choice.

 

[SergeyIndy]

I had a detection camera on my Lexus RZ - drove me nuts. It couldn’t be made less sensitive nor turned off. I glanced in a mirror and it went off, looked through a side window at a junction, it went off. In all honesty it was a distraction in itself.

Really glad to see Porsche are doing what they can to stay within the regulations but give the driver a choice.

This is great to hear. I have spoken to several owners of other brands with 2027 and they cannot handle these driver awareness aids and how intrusive they are in addition to some of the comfort entry functions such as door handles that can snap your hands.

I know one thing I am not going to like, which is automatic on of the car when you enter (even if it is unlocked), which was very annoying on all examples of Macan EV I drove when you simply want to get back to get something or clean something. Taycan does not do it when it is already unlocked requiring press of the power button - like that a lot - but it does turn itself on if the car is locked - which makes sense and I like that as well.

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