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What is the market preference towards a panoramic windshield (Tesla Model X, Citroen C3)?
This "unusually large windshield" is a fairly young and unique trend on the market. As such, statistics on panoramic windshields are extremely limited on the web. However, most of the critics/magazines/review sites were impressed by the panoramic windshield because it allows a better view of the sky and illuminates the interior of the car making it feel like having a large room inside even small cars such as the Citroen C3.
After an extensive search across the Web, I was unable to find any hard data showing consumer preferences to panoramic windshields. However, according to HybridCars.com, "in an informal reader poll asking which people prefer “X’s large windscreen vs S’s panoramic roof,” the X’s large windscreen is winning 66 to 20." Below is an overview of my research and helpful findings.
METHODOLOGY
My colleague and I searched through industry reports and trusted media providers. We also performed multiple search strings on Google. Finding hard data and industry reviews about panoramic windshields proved difficult. Some articles, however, provided insight into the pros and cons of panoramic windshields on the Tesla X models and Citroen C3.
HELPFUL FINDINGS
Although I was unable to address your request completely, I have outlined as many helpful findings as I possibly could.
PROS OF PANORAMIC WINDSHIELDS
-- Teslarati.com highlights what Tesla CEO Elon Musk says: "Part windshield and part moonroof, the 31 square feet (2.9 square meters) of glass provides an unbelievable view and makes for a helicopter cockpit-like riding experience."
-- The largest all-glass panoramic windshield on the Tesla Model X "has optimized solar tinting and with an obstruction-free view, you have unlimited visibility for the driver and all passengers."
CONS OF PANORAMIC WINDSHIELDS
-- The small visor that snaps out from the pillar might not be able to block sunlight or prevent the inside of the car from overheating during sunny weather.
-- It costs $2,300 to repair a damaged panoramic windshield on the Tesla Model X. This replacement cost is expensive, as "a windshield for a 2016 Porsche Cayenne would cost under $600 without labor and a 2016 Range Rover windshield would cost under $900 before taxes."
POPULARITY OF PANORAMIC WINDSHIELDS
-- "The wave of the future is larger windshields and more glass," according to Glass.com, which also states that larger windshields are working themselves into cars.
-- According to HybridCars.com, "in an informal reader poll asking which people prefer “X’s large windscreen vs S’s panoramic roof,” the X’s large windscreen is winning 66 to 20" (equating to 76.74 percent in favor of the panoramic windshield).
TESLA MODEL X
There are multiple reviews available for Tesla Model X SUV where its windshield was specifically addressed, e.g. Michael McKinlay says, "When I sat in the Model X for the first time, the first thing I noticed was the extended windshield. At first, it’s kind of weird, but then it’s not long before you start asking, why aren’t all vehicles made like this?".
Tesla Model X, with a Critic Rating of 9.1, made it to number 1 in three of U.S. News Best Car's listings, namely Best Luxury Midsize SUVs, Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows, and Best Hybrid and Electric SUVs and their review specifically mentions the panoramic windshield saying: "Its panoramic front windshield and Falcon Wing doors help it stand out from its luxury midsize SUV competitors, and its quick-charge technology means you can recharge on the go".
CITROEN C3
Like Tesla's X, the Citroen C3 also received some positive feedback owing partially to its large, panoramic windscreen. RAC complements the windscreen with the following words: "Find a C3 fitted with this feature, then push up the driver's seat sun visor and your normal upward 28-degree angle of vision will be increased to a massive 108-degrees - a better view out in fact than you'd get roof-down in a convertible where the windscreen rail is usually directly above your head... it does wonders in increasing the light, airy feeling of the cabin... This feature gives the car a welcome feeling of spaciousness that isn't borne out by the tape measure".
AutoEvolution says regarding the windshield: "The progressively-tinted windscreen measures 1346mm (52 inches) and gives a youthful feeling at both the exterior and the interior... The star of the show is once again the Zenith windscreen, with all the other parts apparently being used to bring this feature in the spotlights".
Mumsnet lists the panoramic windshield as a great feature which enhances the car's good looks and says, "Panoramic windscreen in most models gives a fabulous view and lots of light... Step up from the basic model to get that snazzy windscreen".
Car Magazine complements the windshield and says, "Your friendly Citroen dealer will tell you all about the amazing ‘rollover’ windscreen on the C3. It’s a truly epic bit of recalibration of the glass/bodywork relationship, bringing a whole lot more sunshine into your life. All you have to do is manually retract the front bit of the roof-lining and hey presto, sky! Clever".
CONCLUSION
In spite of the research limitations, we found from HybridCars.com that an informal reader poll showed 76.74 percent of Tesla customers prefer the panoramic windshield, and that larger windshields are becoming more popular in the US. Furthermore, most critics/magazines/review sites seem to be impressed with the panoramic windshield because it allows more light into the car and a better view of the sky.