Panoramic roof with Light Control

Transparent or matt at the touch of a finger

The new panoramic roof with Light Control features intelligent electric glare protection as a special feature. Unique in the automotive sector, the large glass surface is divided into nine sections that can be individually controlled. This means there is the option to not only turn the entire roof transparent or opaque, but also individual segments or patterns. When the roof is switched to matt, the interior remains flooded with light. This new technology barely reduces brightness. As glare is prevented by the Light Control function, the roof appears significantly brighter than the basic alternative. Twice as much light enters the interior.

Liquid crystals are contained in a film using PDLC (polymer-dispersed liquid crystal) technology. These crystals are supplied with power via electrical contacts. At low AC voltage, the crystals arrange themselves in milliseconds in such a way that the pane becomes transparent. Conversely, if the glass is disconnected from the power supply, the liquid crystals change to a disordered state. As a result, the pane turns matt. Light Control is operated via the central infotainment display after the function has been selected on the touch panel.

In addition to the Clear and Matt settings, Semi and Bold can also be selected. These are predefined patterns with narrow or wide segments. It even has a dynamic Roller Blind setting, which activates a switching sequence in the individual segments when the Taycan driver slides their finger over a representation of the roof in the display. When the vehicle is switched off, the glass automatically changes to its opaque state. The previously used roof setting is saved for the next time the car starts up.

The innovative panoramic roof with Light Control has a multi-layered structure that shields against heat radiation so effectively that even in the transparent state the roof is protected against heat better than with a mechanical roller blind or a conventional glass roof. Only 15 per cent of the heat enters the interior of the car, as proven by measurements in the solar simulation chamber at the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach. This figure is more than 30 per cent with conventional roofs.